Department/Title: Marketing Manager
Worked at Kadant Solutions Since: July 2013

Tell me about your career path and how you got to Kadant.
After graduating from Central Michigan University, I moved back to my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. I began my career as a marketing assistant for Monsma Marketing, a building materials wholesaler. I stayed there for a short period and then took a position for seven years with Behler-Young, an HVAC distributor. At Behler-Young I started as a marketing support specialist and moved to product management. During my time at Behler-Young, I also earned my MBA from Davenport University. I decided to relocate to Portage, Michigan and took a marketing position with MANN+HUMMEL, a global automotive filter manufacturer. I worked on my MA in Career and Technical Education at Western Michigan University while working at MANN+HUMMEL. After seven years, with I moved into my current position with Kadant Solutions Division.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I enjoy wearing many hats and being able to focus on multiple areas of marketing versus just one aspect. Social media, new products, trade shows, advertising to name just a few.

What do you think is the most important quality for success?
Being a lifelong learner. The world around us is always changing and seeking information pertaining to our interests, strengths, and career is a great way to stay motivated and continue moving forward.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Patience. It’s okay to stop, listen, and take the time necessary to finish a project correctly. It’s okay not to get everything done right away, and sometimes it’s good to put a break between tasks.

What are your recommended books, blogs or podcasts about marketing?
Books: UnMarketing by Scott Stratten, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain, Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson Podcast: The UnPodcast by Scott Stratten and Alison Kramer

Tell me about your family.
I live with my husband of two years who is also a fellow marketer. We have four cats and one dog. We love traveling with some of our favorite spots being San Diego, Gettysburg, Maui, and Montenegro.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My Dad. He grew up in a farming community with little money. He was instilled with the value of education, received an Engineering degree and MBA, and went on to be President and CEO of a successful engineering and architecture company. He has not only been a positive role model as a father, but a mentor in the business world.

Do you have a bucket list? What would be the top item on your list?
Yes. My top item right now is to milk a cow. My grandparents had a farm while I was growing up, but this was something I never did and has always been in the back of my mind.

Do you have a favorite sports team? How did you become a fan?
The Detroit Red Wings. I became a big hockey fan in college after being introduced to the sport by some friends. I was immediately hooked by the speed and complexity of the sport. Being born and raised in Michigan, my heart is with the Detroit Red Wings.