Tara Brewer

I attribute my success to clarity, consistency, and a genuine commitment to doing things the right way. I’m not a yes person. I believe in being honest, even when the truth is uncomfortable, because integrity earns trust. I care about people, I stay curious, and I lead with intention. Over the years, I’ve learned that steady follow-through builds credibility, and that credibility drives long-term success. Even through major transitions and system changes, staying calm, honest, and solution-focused has helped me guide teams with resilience and keep everyone aligned around shared goals.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to focus on what I can control, stay true to my values, and lead with consistency no matter what is happening around me. That guidance has stayed with me my entire career. One of my favorite reminders is, “If you stay disciplined and take one small step at a time, even the biggest mountain becomes manageable.”

Working in a male-dominated industry has taught me that you cannot let assumptions or limitations define you. You rise by staying confident in your abilities, maintaining high standards, and delivering results that speak for themselves. Over time, credibility isn’t built through talking, it’s built through performance. That mindset has shaped how I lead, how I show up for my team, and how I navigate every challenge.

I would advise young women entering this industry to pursue their goals with confidence and never allow themselves to be defined by perception or circumstance. This field rewards knowledge, integrity, and perseverance, and those qualities will always transcend gender.

Be honest in your work, be consistent in your performance, and let your results speak for you. Credibility is built through how you show up every day. Don’t shrink yourself to fit in.

Use your voice, ask questions, and be willing to learn.

Throughout my career, I’ve made it a priority to mentor others by recognizing their strengths, challenging them to grow, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. When we invest in people and build strong, capable teams, we not only strengthen the organization, we pave the way for the next generation of women leaders to succeed.

The biggest challenges in our industry today are balancing efficiency with rising customer expectations and managing the ongoing impact of tariffs. Servicing accounts while navigating constant pricing and sourcing shifts requires strong communication, transparency, and adaptability. At the same time, technology presents major opportunities and digital inventory solutions can greatly enhance visibility, accuracy, and customer partnership when implemented effectively. Another key focus is attracting and retaining skilled talent; by investing in training, mentorship, and leadership development, we not only strengthen our organization but also position ourselves to lead the next phase of growth in a rapidly changing marketplace.

My faith and family, including my parents, my husband, and our children, are the most important things to me. They are the foundation that keeps me grounded and give meaning to everything I do. I am also blessed with friendships that have supported me through every phase of my life. People whose encouragement, laughter, and love make life truly amazing.

The values that guide me most, in both work and life, are honesty, openness, and the willingness to step outside my comfort zone. Early in my career, I applied for a position without even having a résumé, simply trusting that hard work and integrity would speak for themselves. That leap of faith turned into a 31-year journey with the company and taught me that being truthful, transparent, and open to learning can take you further than you ever imagine.

Over time, I’ve also learned that truly letting people know they matter and showing genuine care for them is the key to earning respect and building lasting trust. It’s a value I stand on every day. Whether working with customers, colleagues, or employees, I believe that when people feel valued and supported, they give their best in return. Those principles of honesty, openness, and authentic care continue to shape how I lead and how I live.