Her Story
About Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Rummel is a strategic business leader with experience spanning sales management, quality, continuous improvement, and organizational strategy. As Sales and Quality Manager at Fluid System Components, Inc., she works closely with technical teams to strengthen customer relationships, identify new opportunities, improve sales execution, and develop processes that support greater consistency and scalability. Her career has also included leadership roles in quality and ISO management, where she developed a strong foundation in problem-solving, process improvement, and operational excellence. Pasted text
Kaitlyn holds a Master of Management in Strategic Management and Innovation from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. She has also earned Harvard certificates in Strategic Management and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Combining strategic training with a hands-on approach to execution, Kaitlyn is particularly skilled at bringing people, information, and resources together to address complex challenges and transform ideas into practical, actionable solutions. Pasted text
Beyond her professional career, Kaitlyn is committed to community involvement and service. Her volunteer experience includes missing persons advocacy, search and rescue initiatives, community awareness efforts, and support for a domestic abuse and sexual assault support organization. She is also a co-owner of Ashbeck Investment Properties, LLC, where she contributes to investment evaluation, financial planning, renovation design, and project management. Across her professional, entrepreneurial, and volunteer work, Kaitlyn brings curiosity, adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to creating meaningful improvements in the organizations and communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kaitlyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of strong mentorship, continuous learning, and a willingness to take on new challenges. I’ve been fortunate to learn from influential mentors, including my Harvard professors, General Manager Shane Brown, and President Chad Trinkner, who have supported and encouraged my professional growth. Starting as a Quality Coordinator and progressing into my current role as Sales and Quality Manager has taught me the value of staying curious, working hard, and embracing opportunities to grow as a leader.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Building my career in a male-dominated hydraulic manufacturing industry-type setting has been different. I always encourage them to not be afraid to step into that role or industry, because we bring a different perspective. You don't have to have the engineering background or be mechanically inclined to be able to have conversations and relate to people, which at the end of the day is the most important part of the overall sales process.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Sometimes when you're in the room and there's conversations taking place, they might not look to you because they kind of subconsciously dismiss that you might not be the subject matter expert. In cases like that I always say it's best to raise your hand and give them your feedback anyways. Don't be afraid to speak up.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Educational journey, starting at a technical college in northern Wisconsin before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for her bachelor's in business administration and later earning a master's from Harvard with certificates in strategy and entrepreneurship. She mentioned taking a certified paralegal course that has helped her approach contracts and customer agreements. Kaitlyn also discussed her community involvement with Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy Incorporated and a local domestic violence and sexual assault support center, though she noted no work-related professional organizations.
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