Her Story
About Carmen
Carmen Gutierrez is a seasoned CPG and grocery broker professional with more than two decades of industry experience. She began her career in 2004, initially seeking a Monday-to-Friday position that would allow her to balance her professional responsibilities with family needs. She started in an administrative role within the broker industry and steadily progressed into positions of increasing responsibility, developing expertise in client management, business development, retail distribution, and account strategy. Today, as a Business Account Manager at CROSSMARK, Carmen works to strengthen client relationships, support manufacturers, and develop strategies that contribute to business growth within the consumer goods sector.
Throughout her career, Carmen has taken on a diverse range of responsibilities, including growing business for multiple manufacturers, securing product distribution in retail stores, developing promotional plans, and serving as an effective liaison between manufacturers and retailers. Her professional approach is grounded in strong organization, attention to detail, relationship building, and a commitment to delivering value to clients. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University, which she earned in 2000. Her commitment to education was influenced by her parents, who migrated from Mexico and instilled in her a strong appreciation for hard work, opportunity, and the importance of pursuing an education.
Carmen attributes her professional success to her flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning. She has consistently embraced new responsibilities and challenges throughout her career, recognizing that growth often comes from stepping beyond familiar roles and remaining open to new opportunities. She is passionate about cultivating lasting professional relationships and adapting to the evolving needs of the CPG and retail industries. Carmen is also an active member of the Next Step organization and continues to invest in her personal and professional development while contributing her experience and perspective to the industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carmen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to continuously learn and grow. Throughout my career in the CPG industry, I have embraced new opportunities, taken on challenges outside my comfort zone, and remained open to evolving with the industry. My parents’ journey from Mexico instilled in me a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for education, which continue to motivate me today. I have also learned the importance of building strong, lasting relationships and being willing to step into new roles, even when I may not feel completely prepared. These experiences have strengthened my confidence, expanded my perspective, and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to not be afraid to step into their next opportunity, even when they do not feel completely ready. It is easy to hold yourself back because you do not believe you check every box, but some of the greatest growth comes from taking on challenges that stretch you. Earlier in my career, my supervisor often entrusted me with assignments and projects that I did not initially feel prepared to handle, but those experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my confidence, and helped me discover what I was capable of achieving. I encourage women to put themselves forward, embrace new challenges, and trust that they can learn and grow along the way.
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