Brooke Lamm

I would definitely say my mom. She's kind of inspiring to me - I feel like I'm a kind of a mini-me of her. She works in the construction industry, which is pretty male-dominant, and likewise for manufacturing and supply chain, it is male-dominant. I've learned a lot from her growing up and seeing that you do have a voice, and you can get in there and make things happen. You do belong, even though there's a little bit of resistance. There's always gonna be resistance being a woman in a man's world, for lack of a better word. I kind of thrive on that, and I've kind of fallen the same footsteps. I mean, it's not my altogether motive, but it's certainly a nice benefit to see that I am doing this, and while I'm at it, I am a woman, so that is something to say.

One of the most valuable pieces of career advice I’ve received is that everything is open to negotiation and, in many cases, available for sale if approached thoughtfully. I’ve learned not to accept “no” at face value, but instead to view it as an opportunity to ask better questions, explore alternatives, and present my value more effectively. This mindset has helped me stay persistent, confident, and proactive in pursuing opportunities while maintaining professionalism and respect in every interaction.

Don’t wait until you feel “fully ready” to speak up or take on more responsibility. confidence comes after you start, not before. In industrial and sales-driven environments, relationships matter just as much as technical knowledge, so focus on being reliable, responsive, and easy to work with. That’s what people remember.

Also, learn how to advocate for yourself early. Whether it’s asking for clarity, negotiating your role, or stepping into opportunities that feel slightly out of reach. Those moments are where the growth happens. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to be willing to figure it out. And lastly, don’t underestimate the value of consistency. Showing up, following through, and building trust over time will set you apart more than anything else.

One of the biggest challenges right now is how fast things are changing. Between supply chain shifts, pricing volatility, and evolving customer expectations, you have to stay adaptable. It’s not enough to just process orders or quotes anymore - you need to think ahead, communicate proactively, and help customers navigate uncertainty.

At the same time, that creates a huge opportunity. People who can combine strong relationship management with problem-solving and a sense of urgency are incredibly valuable. There’s a real gap for professionals who can bridge the operational side with the customer side- especially in industrial sales and estimating roles.

Another opportunity is standing out through communication. A lot of people rely on systems and automation, but the ones who take the time to build real connections and follow through consistently are the ones who grow the fastest.

The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are balance, authenticity, and connection. I place a high priority on maintaining a healthy work-life balance so I can fully enjoy the things that keep me grounded, especially spending time outdoors. Whether I’m camping, hiking, or relaxing at the beach with my two dogs, those moments help me recharge and stay present. I also value being genuine in my interactions and building meaningful relationships, both professionally and personally, as they create a strong foundation for trust, collaboration, and overall fulfillment.