Her Story
About Amy
Amy Duclos is a Purchasing Manager at Tumacs Covers in Elkhart, Indiana, where she leads a material handler and oversees purchasing and inventory operations. Since joining the company just over a year ago, she has introduced a reliable warehouse inventory system and stronger cross-departmental standards. Her efforts have supported an inventory valued at just over $2 million and generated more than $110,000 in cost savings.
Duclos began her purchasing career in 2018 as a Purchaser at Exemplary Foam, following earlier experience in retail, child support at the Elkhart County Court, and technical support for time and labor management software. A friend from the courthouse recommended her for the position, recognizing her attention to detail. She later advanced through buyer and commodity buyer roles at LEER Group, where she managed purchasing and inventory across three locations in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Mexico, an achievement she counts as her most notable.
Although Duclos initially pursued a double major in pre-veterinary sciences and biology, she built her expertise through lean trainings, kaizens, and on-the-job learning from subject matter experts. As the only woman on her management team, she mentors other women on advocating for promotions and raises. She also shares her passion for animals and houseplants and supports her local Humane Society.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success largely to on-the-job learning and my willingness to seek out subject matter experts across departments. I initially studied pre-veterinary sciences and biology, but that path did not work out, so I built my expertise through hands-on experience, lean trainings, and kaizens.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Bring a strong sense of urgency and close attention to detail. The supply chain industry, not only in marine but across the board, is a great field to enter, and there is almost always something to do, so you will stay busy. Depending on your environment, you may not receive many accolades, but you will know that you are making a real difference in the business.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I have been implementing a new warehouse management system and managing an inventory valued at just over $2 million. That work has delivered more than $110,000 in cost savings. Women in male-dominated fields like manufacturing still face challenges, such as being addressed inappropriately by vendors, though the industry has improved considerably over the past 8-9 years.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I value attention to detail, which is what led a friend to recommend me for my first purchasing role after my time in retail, at the Elkhart County Court, and in time and labor management. I take the greatest pride in managing purchasing and inventory for three locations, including sites in Pennsylvania and Mexico. In my personal life, my love for animals drives me to support my local Humane Society.
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