Her Story
About Karin
I've been in the corrugated packaging industry for 31 years, starting by purchasing boxes and then moving into manufacturing in 1993-94 with a company that made what I was selling. As a visual learner, I spent a month in the plant learning how boxes are made, which helped me become a mini-engineer in project management. I've worked my way up through hard work and dedication, managing sales teams and now leading national accounts for CPG companies like Procter & Gamble at a Midwest company based in Kansas City, all while navigating a male-dominated field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karin
01What do you attribute your success to?
My dedication to the job. When I'm in a work environment, it's work. My family knows unless you're on fire, don't call me about little things. That is my key focus, almost to the point where I don't know how to shut it off at times.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be too sensitive. I'm known for not having thin skin. In this male-dominated industry, I just don't take comments seriously. It's not that serious.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to have tough skin. Find a mentor within the industry that's been through some of it. Learn to let some things go and not take comments personally, whether via email, text or verbally. There's good in everybody and you just gotta find what the good is.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the shift to digital selling after 2020, making face-to-face interactions harder and changing how relationships are built in an industry that's all about relationships. Opportunities include learning AI to be faster and more nimble, and bringing youth into the industry who are bypassing college for good salaries in trades.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect and appreciation are key. Respect is earned. Appreciation comes in different ways. Integrity is a big thing for me also. My name in the industry is huge, and if I say I'm going to do something, I'm gonna do it.
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