Her Story
About Kristin
Kristin Olsonkott has spent 25 years in sales, beginning her career at a young age selling painted rocks and sticks door to door. Approximately 18 years ago, she joined friends in selling wipes, starting with cold calls from the Yellow Pages to gyms and becoming a preferred vendor for chains like Orange Theory and Anytime Fitness. She grew the company from $85,000 to $60 million in annual revenue, helped secure the domain wipes.com, and served as its Vice President. After leaving that role, she has consulted for over 20 wipe brands with a focus on transitioning to plastic-free products. Her current initiative centers on making the cruise industry 100 percent plastic-free within the next five years to reduce ocean pollution. Olsonkott was ranked number 200 on a list of influential LinkedIn profiles and has authored and published three books, including two children's books and one romance suspense novel. She attributes her professional achievements to networking outside her industry and building relationships based on know, like, and trust, while emphasizing honesty and never lying to make a sale.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristin
01What do you attribute your success to?
Networking is key to my success. I connect with everybody outside of my industry and never know what opportunities will come from it, like the chicken farmer who led to Tyson Chicken. I have built a great network of friends, family, and colleagues that I can always call on.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust your gut because that's never failed me. Don't work for the money, do it because it's what you like to do. Your everyday is what makes the difference, so never take a job just for the money.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the big thing. Never lie to make a sale. In sales it's know, like, trust. You have to be relatable and build trust.
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