Andrea Michelle
Andrea Michelle is a seasoned manufacturing professional with more than 17 years of experience across customer service, data management, continuous improvement, operations, and supply chain management. She currently serves as Commodity Manager at North Coast Container, overseeing purchasing strategies, supplier relationships, cost analysis, and raw material planning for multiple manufacturing facilities.
Driven by curiosity, continuous learning, and a customer-focused mindset, Andrea has developed a deep, end-to-end understanding of operations. Earlier in her career, she served as Plant Manager, leading multiple facilities in reconditioning, recycling, and new manufacturing. She leveraged the insights and knowledge gained from these operational roles to effectively navigate supply chain challenges such as disruptions, workforce shortages, and steel market volatility—always keeping customer needs at the center of her decisions.
Throughout her career, Andrea has linked operations, supply chain, and continuous improvement to enhance performance, reliability, and material flow. Her approach blends data-driven decision making with strong communication and cross-functional collaboration. She believes that work should not only be productive but enjoyable, and she intentionally creates environments where teams can have fun while tackling challenges together.
Andrea takes pride in mentoring teams, building trust, and empowering employees to grow. She values honesty, resilience, continuous learning, and meaningful relationships, and believes in showing up consistently and treating people with respect.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys reading and researching about topics of interest, spending time with her family, and engaging with her local community. Her career and personal journey reflect her dedication to leadership, growth, and continuous improvement—both on and off the plant floor.
• Michigan State University - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
“I really don’t view success as an individual achievement. There is no ‘my’ success—there is only ‘our’ success. I believe strongly in shared ownership, so when the team wins, I win. Their success is mine, and my success is only possible because of them. We celebrate together.”
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"The best advice I’ve ever received is this: don’t stress over what you can’t change or control—focus on being the best at what you can change and control. I still struggle with it at times, but I come back to it often. Understanding what’s actually within your control requires emotional intelligence, and developing the discipline to stay focused on what you can influence takes continuous growth.
When I’m struggling, I return to that advice and ask myself:
- Is this something I can control?
- What outcome do I want?
- What influence do I have in creating that outcome?
That reflection helps me focus my energy where it truly matters. I’ve learned that we often fixate too much on the outcomes we want from others, which isn’t always productive. Instead, I try to share the desired outcome and stay open to others’ input. They often bring ideas or perspectives I hadn’t considered, and that collaboration usually leads to better results."
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
“My biggest advice is to build your community early. Find people you trust—mentors, peers, and leaders who will invest in your growth and help you shape your own definition of success. Be open and vulnerable to learning, because real development comes from understanding both your strengths and your areas for growth. And once you’ve found your footing, pay it forward. Become a mentor, support others, and help the next generation grow. Lifting each other up is how we create stronger teams and a stronger industry for everyone.”
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
"One of the biggest challenges in supply chain today is the sourcing of raw materials. Right at the start of COVID, we had to navigate major disruptions in the workforce, logistics, and material availability. We had to quickly adapt and learn to “roll with the punches.”
Now, years later, we’re dealing with new challenges, including the impact of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing. Overall, the biggest challenges and opportunities come from shifts in the economy, changes in material availability, and the financial pressures that follow.
The key is adaptability. Understanding the industry well enough to respond to constant change—while still finding reliable sources and meeting customer needs—is what creates opportunity in the midst of these challenges."
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
"The most important values to me, both in my work and personal life, center around building strong relationships. That requires trust, vulnerability, and surrounding myself with people of integrity who show love and respect in return. Growth within those relationships is also essential—it's vital to how we evolve together.
I also value finding joy. Life can be so serious and difficult at times—whether at work, at home, or sometimes both at once—and maintaining a sense of joy, finding my happy, helps me stay grounded. Keeping things in perspective is equally important, especially during the harder moments."