Tropic Spotlight: Trenton Cardwell and Matt Marcon

Meet Trenton Cardwell, our Customer Success Manager, and Matt Marcon, our Enterprise Commercial Executive. 👋

They both began their journeys with Tropic in summer 2021, stepping into fast-paced roles. They both work closely with customers and co-lead our Tropic Pride Employee Resource Group. 🌈

Read on to learn what exceptional service means to both Trenton and Matt, and more about what Pride means to them.

▶ What does Pride mean to you?

Trenton: The month of Pride is a reminder to not only think introspectively, but also to take action on how to prop up other members of the community. It gives space to further educate myself, my allies, and those who may not know much about the community at all.

Matt: Pride is not only a celebration of identity but also indicative of self-reflection. Pride means taking a moment to consider the obstacles that our community has overcome as well as those we continue to battle.

▶ What has been your most memorable moment at Tropic?

Trenton: My most memorable moment was walking into a work happy hour fully dressed as (the one and only) Reba McEntire. We had a costume get-together at the end of October 2022, and I got to see some of my colleagues, including senior leadership, in some pretty great outfits. 

Matt: I wore an earring to the office. It was exciting yet nerve-wracking, and a work culture I had never yet experienced. 

▶ How have you grown professionally here at Tropic?

Trenton: Tropic has given me a number of tools that allow me to become the very best professional version of myself. I am referencing not only a wide array of hard skills, but soft skills that have grown to be invaluable. The mentorship I have received from my manager, Selena, has given me a new perspective on how to navigate and be a true contributor to the Tropic Universe. 🌴

Matt: Since joining Tropic, I’ve felt comfortable pushing my limits, proposing new ideas, taking risks, etc. I am provided with autonomy and the ability to take ownership of my responsibilities.

▶ As CSMs and CEs, what does exceptional service look like to you and what’s your favorite part about working with Tropic customers?

Trenton: Exceptional service lies in being perceived as a partner, rather than a supplier our customers pay for. Part of becoming a great partner and providing exceptional service is practicing meaningful communication with customers and anticipating requirements and questions they may have.

I would characterize myself as a 'people person.' I'm motivated by building relationships and meeting new people. My favorite part of working with Tropic customers is when I am handed the account post-implementation. I take it as a personal challenge to build rapport with whomever I am speaking with. That's the first step in becoming a partner, not someone they paid for.

Matt: It’s important to lead with empathy. Our customer’s concerns are also our concerns. In order to provide exceptional service, it’s critical to consider multiple perspectives, provide ongoing communication, and maintain an open dialogue. 🗣️

On the CE team, no two days are the same and it keeps the role exciting!‍

▶ What's a fun fact people would be surprised to know about you?

Trenton: I am oddly good with relatively complicated DIY projects. I just installed my own version of a plant wall in my guest bedroom. I have to say, it’s pretty fancy. I may or may not have put a giant hole in my wall, but I was able to fill it, sand it, and paint it back to normal. 

Matt: I enjoy working on cars. Last year I bought my current project, a 1999 Lexus LX470 named “BG” or “Big Green.” Three weeks ago I finally got the AC blowing cold air  with the help of my older brother. ❄️

▶ What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Trenton: I am originally from Appalachia, so the outdoors is my go-to. Hiking, parks, outdoor bars, nice drives—you name it. ⛰️

Matt: I spend a lot of my free time sewing. My grandmother was a seamstress when she immigrated to the U.S. and it’s a skill I’ve inherited and continued to develop over the past few years. Most recently I’ve sewn swimwear (beach season is finally here) for my friends. 🏖️

▶ If you could choose 2 celebrities to be your parents, who would they be?

Trenton: Beyonce and Dolly Parton

Matt: Ina Garten and her husband Jeffrey  

▶ What are three items you cannot live without?

Trenton: 

1. My plants: I stopped counting at 30. 
2. My very sweet and fragile Courtney—an old Honda Accord. 
3. My friends (some of which work here). 

Matt:

1. Pre-workout: I need two scoops before every morning workout…
2. My BJs membership: they have better deals than Costco IMO.
3. My boyfriend Cory.

▶ If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Trenton: My mom’s grilled cheese (the secret is half a stick of butter).

Matt: My mom’s homemade gnocchi.

▶ What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Trenton: Listen here, Trenton. You are not always going to live in a setting where you feel like you have to lie about who you are. One day you are going to move to New York City and have friends and colleagues who support your true identity. The days of driving around in that old Honda Accord, blasting Beyonce in secret, are going to come to and end. You will be surprised to find yourself in a community where blasting Beyonce is a partial requirement. Also, don’t worry so much about the future. Please just listen to Kaila, you are friends now, but you will live with her in New York. She will help you grow in every way that matters. Okay, and last thing: this one is very important, please stop straightening your hair like that.

Matt: You are loved and most importantly you will learn to love yourself. ♥️

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If you’re interested in seeing what Tropic is all about, take a peek inside our culture and open roles here. 🌴