Erica Rader
Erica Rader is an experienced service leader in the industrial automation and compressed air industry, currently serving in a managerial role at John Henry Foster, an employee-owned organization specializing in industrial automation, fluid power, and compressed air solutions. She has built an 8-year career in the field, including 5 years in leadership positions, where she focuses on operational excellence, business forecasting, and people development. Her professional path reflects a strong growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement in both technical systems and team performance.
She began her career after earning an associate degree in Business Management with a focus on Marketing Research from Jefferson Community College in Hillsboro, Missouri. Starting in business and customer service roles, she transitioned into industrial automation through opportunities in process improvement and value stream work. Early exposure to a strong female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field inspired her to pursue leadership in manufacturing, eventually leading her to specialize in compressed air systems, service coordination, and operational management.
Today, Erica is recognized for her leadership in driving team development, onboarding new talent, and supporting expansion initiatives within her organization. She has played a key role in value stream leadership and operational improvement projects, experiences that strengthened her ability to lead complex work and adapt to change. Guided by values of family, perseverance, and integrity, she continues to focus on creating opportunities for others while contributing to the growth and efficiency of industrial operations across her region.
• Jefferson Community College Hillsboro - A.A.S.
• Employee-Owned Company Awards (peer-voted accolades through ESOP)
• Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) - St. Louis Consortia
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a clear sense of purpose rooted in my family, which motivates everything I do. I maintain a strong work ethic by consistently showing up, persevering through challenges, and continuing to move forward even when things are difficult. At the same time, I stay committed to personal and professional growth by adapting to changes in my industry and continuously improving both myself and my craft.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is from my mentor, who consistently reminds me to stay curious and be open to growth. By maintaining curiosity and a willingness to keep learning, I can continue to develop professionally and avoid becoming stagnant in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry that you don’t just achieve the impossible—you can redefine it. A “no” doesn’t have to be the final answer; it can simply be part of the process. Keep pushing forward, stay persistent, and trust that your determination can open doors that others may not think are possible.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think one of the biggest challenges in my field is that we are still often outnumbered and sometimes underestimated. However, this also creates an opportunity for us to continue proving our value through consistency, capability, and results. Within my team, we focus on intentionally creating space for one another, which strengthens collaboration and support. At the same time, our ability to learn, adapt, and grow—especially in response to evolving tools like AI and other industry changes—continues to position us to move forward and stay competitive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life start with my “why,” which is rooted in my family and drives everything I do. I value hard work, consistency, and perseverance, especially when facing challenges. I also prioritize growth—continuously learning, adapting to industry changes, and improving both myself and my craft.