Her Story
About Hillary
Hillary Matkins serves as Assistant Operations Manager at HERO Logistics LP, a third-party logistics company supporting Toyota operations across multiple sites, including Blue Springs, Mississippi. She brings 12 years of experience in manufacturing and operations management, with a career built on hands-on experience, continuous learning, and progressive leadership responsibilities. Matkins began her career at Ashley Furniture Industries as a line worker and advanced through a series of promotions over nearly 11 years, ultimately serving as an Operations Supervisor before transitioning to HERO Logistics in September 2025. In her current role, she focuses on operations management, team development, and leadership, with a particular emphasis on building strong workplace cultures and developing strategies that effectively engage and influence teams.
Throughout her career, Matkins has demonstrated a strong commitment to employee development, process improvement, and operational excellence. At Ashley Furniture Industries, she oversaw daily operations, managed employees and workflow, optimized labor resources, monitored key performance indicators, and implemented process improvements designed to increase productivity and reduce waste. She has successfully mentored multiple employees who went on to assume leadership roles and was recognized with a $500 award for Best Continuous Improvement Idea at Ashley. Her other professional recognitions include a nomination for the Women MAKE America Award, which recognizes emerging female leaders in manufacturing, and the C2B Excellence Award for exemplary service. Matkins holds an Ashley Leadership Foundations certification as well as certifications in people management, forklift operation, and powered industrial vehicle (PIV) operation. Her education includes a high school diploma from Pontotoc High School, complemented by self-directed learning in Microsoft Excel and extensive hands-on professional experience.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Matkins is committed to serving her community and helping others succeed. She has volunteered with the Hilltop nonprofit for several summers, contributing to home renovation projects and helping build ramps for elderly residents in need. Her professional philosophy centers on learning, personal growth, teamwork, and creating opportunities for others to develop their capabilities. Whether improving operational processes, mentoring future leaders, or serving her community, Matkins strives to make a positive and lasting impact through practical leadership, continuous improvement, and a genuine investment in people.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hillary
01What do you attribute your success to?
The leaders that took the time to mentor me and recognized my potential. I try to do the same for others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Being a leader is about serving those that follow you, and make sure that you are the type of leader that you would want to follow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to stay true to your values and make sure you are doing something that you believe in for the right reasons, because if you are doing it just for the money, the money is not enough. Always advance and learn your craft because leadership is not only a skill, it is a craft and a gift that you have in you. You need to always be fine-tuning it and improving on yourself. Do not ever tell yourself you cannot do it because you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter how much college someone else may have. If you have got what it takes, go for it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One main challenge is the lack of shared values in management at my level, where it is hard to find companies that align with building employee culture over pure corporate interests. It is also challenging being in a male-dominated field as a woman, where you have to stand your ground more to demonstrate your value and prove yourself, as there is often an initial underestimation of your opinion and you have to work harder to be heard in what can feel like a boys club.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I love my career and I love my employees, but my family is the most important thing to me. I have a wonderful husband and an amazing son.
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