ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH MADDIE ARSHT
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across the company who are shaping our community and who embody our Life at Centric philosophy every day.
Meet Maddie Arsht, Associate Account Executive, Kids, based in New York City.
Learning the Business from the Ground Up
This is Maddie’s first job out of college, and when she started, she didn’t have a defined career plan, she just knew she wanted to work in fashion. Sales wasn’t part of that picture. Like many people early in their careers, she associated the word with cold calls and pushy pitches, and it wasn’t a path she ever pictured for herself.
When the opportunity at Centric came along, she saw it as a foot in the door. She didn’t expect to fall in love with the role, or the team, along the way.
Maddie credits much of her growth to her mentor, Pat Carroll, Senior Vice President of Sales, Kids, who made clear from day one that she wanted Maddie to understand every part of the business, not just sales. That meant sitting in on licensing meetings, working closely with design and production, and seeing firsthand how a product moves from concept to customer.
That exposure reshaped how Maddie sees her job. It also pushed her out of her comfort zone in ways she didn’t anticipate, particularly when it came to public speaking. Presenting at a Best Sellers meeting in front of the entire Kids division was daunting the first time, but Pat’s willingness to hand her the reins, including leading buyer conversations solo, built a confidence Maddie says no classroom could have taught her.
Cammy Gural, Sales Operations Director, Kids, played an equally important role early on, patiently walking Maddie through the operational side of the business, from SAP to Sam’s Club’s internal systems, while modeling how to approach problems with patience rather than pressure.
“Growth comes from saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that feel a little intimidating” Maddie said. Looking back, she considers that lesson the most valuable one she’s taken from her time at Centric so far.”
Turning Pressure into Perspective
Not every chapter has been easy. Last year’s tariff changes required Maddie to have difficult, often unwelcome conversations with buyers about rising costs. It was a real test of professionalism, and one that taught her that honesty and collaboration matter just as much as the wins.
“Not every conversation is going to be positive, but being honest, transparent and working collaboratively to find solutions is just as important as celebrating the wins.”
That mindset has helped her stay level-headed under pressure and focus on solutions rather than setbacks.
Milestones Worth Celebrating
Among her proudest moments was being part of the team that helped Centric earn Sam’s Club Vendor of the Year, a recognition that reflects Sam’s Club’s famously high bar. Watching the Club business grow substantially since she joined two years ago has been just as rewarding. Maddie sees that growth as a direct result of collaboration across Design, Production, Operations, Transportation and beyond, and she’s proud to have played a role in it.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Maddie jokes that her life revolves around four F’s: family (and friends), food, fitness and fun. Family, friends and her dog come first, always. She’s an enthusiastic foodie who’s constantly seeking out new restaurants and recipes, and she treats fitness, especially pilates, walking and strength training, as a non-negotiable part of staying grounded after a desk-bound day.
As for fun, Maddie tries not to take life too seriously. “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” she said, and it’s a philosophy she works to live by, both in and out of the office.
