Lisa Makowski
Lisa Makowski is a dynamic entrepreneur and marketing professional, currently serving as the founder and operator of Maks Mix, a small-batch snack brand she launched in August 2024. Based in Hanover, Minnesota, Lisa leads day-to-day product preparation, manages a small team, and partners with local businesses to co-brand ingredients and expand community sales channels. Her professional philosophy emphasizes building people as much as products—prioritizing team growth, empathy-driven leadership, and partnerships that elevate local businesses and community brands.
Before founding Maks Mix, Lisa spent over 15 years in the hardware industry, holding leadership roles in marketing and customer experience at companies including United Hardware and Do it Best Corp. She developed deep expertise in brand management, internal and external communication, B2B and B2C strategies, and digital and print media, consistently delivering results while fostering collaborative team environments. Her leadership and innovative approach earned her recognition as a Rising Star – Top Women in Hardware in 2023.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a foundation she has leveraged throughout her career in marketing, event planning, and brand development. Featured in the 2026 edition of the Influential Women Network, Lisa continues to combine creativity, strategy, and a community-focused mindset to grow Maks Mix and inspire those around her.
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire- B.F.A.
• Top Women in the Hardware Industry
• United Hardware
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong relationships—both with my team and with local business partners—and leading with empathy and collaboration. My background in graphic design, marketing, and customer service gave me the skills to transition from the hardware industry to founding Maks Mix, while my team and family have been invaluable in helping grow the business and expand our community reach. Passion, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace new challenges have allowed me to turn a family recipe into a thriving, community-focused brand.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to embrace your passions, lean on the support of mentors and collaborators, and take bold steps even when the path isn’t fully clear. It reminded me that success is built through relationships, persistence, and staying true to what drives and inspires you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: if you have an idea and a passion for it, start now—don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Taking the leap and putting yourself out there is often the hardest part, and once you do, much of the work is already underway.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are recognizing and nurturing potential, uplifting others, and fostering growth—whether it’s helping my team develop their skills or building Maks Mix into a thriving business inspired by my father. Equally, family is at the center of my life; supporting my daughter’s passions, sharing in family activities, and having the unwavering support of my husband and loved ones has been the foundation that allows me to pursue my dreams with confidence and purpose.