Mary Beth Isham

Sales Representative, Northern Mississippi

About Mary Beth

What do you do at MPIC?

My title says sales person but I carry myself as a spokesperson for the mission of this company.  When meeting with customers, my main focus is to make sure they understand who we are, what we do and how this correlates with the products or services they are purchasing. Once they grasp the who, what and how, everything else falls into place. 

What are your credentials?

Belief in the mission of MPIC has become my biggest asset.  As a former inmate, my heart was already with the company.  After working for the company as an inmate clerk for almost five years, I have an advantage when it comes to a true knowledge of what we do and who we are. Although I have experience in a prior field, my experience in those first five years at MPIC paved the way for what I do now and the drive behind it.

What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?

There is a stigma surrounding sales people, they are known as pushy, fake and in it for the sale. That is not the way I want to be treated in any dealings and I strive to build and develop relationships first and foremost. Customers need someone they can trust, who knows what their needs are and is willing to go the extra mile for them.  Many have not yet gained a full understanding of our mission here at MPIC, it is my hope to better educate past, present and future customers on what that mission is.

What do you like about working for MPIC?

There are several things that factor into what makes a job a great job, but it is still just that, a job. When you love what you do and why you do it, it is no longer just a job, it’s a passion. At MPIC I am surrounded by people who have the same passion, beliefs and belief in me, it makes all the difference.

What’s your background?

I grew up running around barefoot in the Pines of the Ozarks. My dad was a pastor and my mom was a music teacher so I was raised on a solid faith and immersed in all types of music. I have a large family, full of all types of personalities and interests, who I like to think helped me become a well rounded individual. It took me longer than some to find my path in life and I had a few diversions, but it just made me more resilient for what is ahead!

Favorite Quote:

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared
to what lies within us” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What are the values that drive you?

We all have different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and opinions.  The world see’s different as wrong or something to be scared of, I see it as unique. We are all unique and have an internal need to be accepted.  This doesn’t mean we have to agree with every conflicting belief or opinion to our own. It does mean we should have enough maturity and understanding to accept the person and not see them as a threat. Every day we are met with opportunities to reach others. 

Your favorite podcasts or books?

My reading interests are vast. I love historical and mythical fiction.  One of my all time favorites is “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden.  I also enjoy spiritual growth books based on sound scripture by authors such as Priscilla Shires.  I’ve always loved to read and will usually pick up any book recommended by a friend.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Some find it amusing that I still love a corny horror movie, 90’s rock music and playing Mortal Kombat, but, I’ve always been a little quirky and
unorthodox.  I’m also a huge animal lover and sometimes prefer them over humans. I love my church and I Iove praising the Lord!  My tribe consists of a Hubby from New Jersey, five kids with a 14 year difference between oldest and youngest and a 100 lb fur baby named Max.  Life keeps me on my toes needless to say!