Appreciating Incredible Moms!

This week, Sub Sea Systems honors mothers everywhere by utilizing social media to post a variety of images that reflect wildlife “moms” and their babies, with interesting facts about each species. (you can read the interesting facts and view the beautiful photographs here.) However, we have not forgotten the human side of this very important day, and would like to honor one of our favorite human moms, Melissa Mayfield.

Melissa is the CFO of Sub Sea Systems; spouse of Jim, our founder; and Mom to Kyle, Hannah and Keenan, who all hold key positions at SSS. She is also a new grandmom to baby Wyatt, an adorable new addition to the team!

We interviewed Melissa so that we could learn more about her background, what she likes to do when she’s not busy managing the finances of SSS, and what kind of advice she could offer to budding entrepreneurs. Here is what we learned about Melissa!

Melissa Mayfield

Q: What is your favorite thing to do during your off time?

M: Spend time with my husband, family, and especially our first grandchild, Wyatt!

Q: How would you describe Sub Sea Systems to someone who you just met?

M: Our business is unique in a couple of ways: 1. We are in the business of providing fun products for all to enjoy. 2. We get to do that everyday with our three adult children, who each have an integral role in assuring the continued success of our business.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to?

M: I enjoy all genres of music (except RAP), from classical to country, folk to rock.

Q: What countries have you visited, and which is your favorite?

M: Raising a family of three did not afford me too many opportunities to travel. However, in more recent years, I have had the opportunity to travel to Canada, Curacao, Cayman Islands, and Mexico. And although we have a condo on the Riviera Maya in Mexico where we spend a lot of time, my favorite country/place to visit….is in the good ‘ole USA….HAWAII!

Q: What is your favorite charity and why?

M: My charity of choice is the El Dorado County Food Bank in Cameron Park, California.  No one should go hungry, especially not in my own community.

Q: What do you know now, that you wish you knew when you were younger?

M: There are no guarantees. Live each day to its fullest. Be patient. (Invest in cute shoes and nice lingerie, too ;-)

Q: What are you most proud of?

M: My three amazing children - Kyle, Hannah and Keenan!

Q: What is the best advice your Mom ever gave you?

M: My mother taught through her actions - be kind and generous, show compassion, live your life with honesty and integrity, be strong and stand up for what you believe…and laugh!

Q: What do you think is the best advice you have given to your children?

M: I hope that I have passed on to my children the same advice as my mother did to me.  And, we LAUGH A LOT!!

Q: What words of encouragement would you give to a friend who wants to start his or her own business?

M: It’s not for the weak of heart!  Do your homework, know your customer base, commit for the long haul and most importantly, have a passion for what you do. 

Q: Wine or beer?

M: Depends…a nice Pinot Noir or Merlot.  But my boys would say that you can’t go wrong with an ice-cold can of Coors Light.

Those of us who have the pleasure of working with Melissa on a daily basis can add this – Melissa’s smart business sense, down-to-earth personality and caring heart make working at Sub Sea Systems a true pleasure. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms!