Slowing down taught me that survival mode isn't living. I've traded the endless hustle for peace, discovering that true progress is being fully present for the life we have left to live.
Pam Thomason · In Her Own Words
I always think to myself it isn't worth it. No need for me to respond. My saying all my life is God does not like ugly. I just give it to Him and let God take control of the situation. And it has always worked out.
What Women Learned About Themselves After Letting Go Of Control
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Pam Thomason is a Senior Account Manager at Pratt Industries, bringing over a decade of expertise in packaging solutions and customer service to her role. She specializes in helping clients optimize their packaging processes, reduce costs, and improve environmental sustainability, partnering closely with teams across manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. Pam’s consultative approach and deep industry knowledge allow her to provide innovative solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
With more than 40 years of experience in the corrugated packaging and paper industries, Pam has held leadership roles spanning customer service, sales, quality management, and finance. Her career includes positions at Georgia-Pacific, Smurfit-Stone, and MeadWestvaco, where she earned a reputation for building strong client relationships, improving operational efficiency, and mentoring teams. She has been recognized repeatedly for her commitment to excellence, including Pinnacle Club awards and honors for philanthropic work.
Pam holds degrees in Business Management and Applied Science from Columbia State Community College and is actively engaged in professional organizations such as the National Association of Professional Women. Outside of work, she values collaboration, continuous learning, and delivering solutions that not only meet client expectations but also promote sustainability and long-term operational success.
Her Interview
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, intuition, and the relationships I’ve built along the way. Listening to my inner voice has guided many of my career decisions, even when it meant stepping outside my comfort zone. I also owe a lot to the leaders who encouraged me early on—like the sales manager who first told me I belonged in sales. Today, my persistence, attention to detail, and focus on truly helping customers continue to drive my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from my college English teacher: “Know where to find the help and information you need.” That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. I’ve learned that success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing how to find them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to believe in themselves, even when others underestimate them. Trust your intuition, stay persistent, and remember that talent alone isn’t enough—consistency and dedication matter. Focus on building genuine relationships, treating people with respect, and always keeping in mind that sales isn’t just about selling—it’s about helping people.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field include navigating gender bias in technical sales, handling industry volatility—including company bankruptcies—and staying resilient in highly competitive markets. At the same time, there are incredible opportunities: building long-term relationships, helping customers solve real business problems, mentoring the next generation of professionals, and bringing a personal touch to an increasingly impersonal sales world. My own experience pursuing a $2 million annual account over 13 years is a testament to the power of perseverance.ays off.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life include family and friends, honesty and integrity, helping others, and giving back. I prioritize building strong relationships, leaning on faith and service, trusting my intuition, and approaching every challenge with hard work and resilience. I strive to bring these values into every connection I make—whether with a customer, coworker, or someone in my church community.
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