Her Story
About Amy
Amy Kadzban serves as an Account Executive for a brokerage firm specializing in food, beverage, health and wellness products and is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has spent approximately 20 years in the field, starting her journey after earning a marketing degree from community college. Her early career included roles with the natural distributor Kahi, where she handled buying for specialty foods and collaborated with Spartan Nash on trend analysis for better-for-you products, often working from an office inside the retailer. In her current position, Amy manages assigned clients by introducing them to category managers, facilitating store placements, developing launches and promotions, and crafting go-to-market strategies. She credits her success to her passion for the work and industry, along with a strong team and boss, and emphasizes values such as integrity, accountability, and maintaining a positive reputation. Outside of work, Amy volunteers with Hand-to-Hands food banks, the Humane Society, and pet shelters, and she prioritizes work-life balance while serving as a role model for her children.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I guess just, like, the grind. I mean... see, I have a job that I'm passionate about, and the industry that I'm passionate about. So, you know, there's that saying, you know, if you love what you're doing, you don't work a day in your life. I, I just really like what I do, and I love, you know, my team. I have a great boss, I have a great team.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You always just want to do your best, like, to me, like, go above and beyond... have integrity, get your work done. You know, if it's okay, you know, because we have... days, you know, we can work at home... have accountability for your actions... your reputation, to me, is everything, you know? If you make a mistake, own it, you know? ... just do your best, and... Your... your reputation, to me, is everything, you know?
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid of work, you know, don't be afraid of work, you know. Just work your tail off, you know, do your best. Don't burn bridges. ... Networking is huge in the industry, right? ... you gotta earn your way, work your tail off, don't be afraid of work, you know? ... have grit. ... have that determination
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Personal thing is, like, taking time off. Because, like, you know, it's really hard to take time off... to not take your computer on vacation. And then when you get back... to not work on vacation, because, like, every family vacation, probably the, you know, last 15 years, like, I've always, like, had to work, you know?
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honor, integrity, do your best... be a role model for your kids... work-life balance... grasp the time I have left, you know.
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