Tara Brewer

I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement. I care deeply about people and about doing things the right way. Whether that’s developing a team member, strengthening a customer relationship, or refining a process to make our operations more efficient. I’ve learned that consistency, integrity, and follow-through build trust, and that trust is what drives long-term success. Especially through the integration with Endries and the challenges of system and process changes, staying solution-focused and committed to progress has helped me lead with resilience and keep our teams 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 and integrity regardless of circumstance. My favorite work quote is "As long as you're disciplined about accomplishing one small task at a time, you won't have a problem reducing the mountain to a small pile." Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has taught me that you cannot allow yourself to be held back by assumptions or limitations placed by others. If you remain confident in your abilities, maintain high standards, and continue delivering results, your talent and dedication will ultimately speak for themselves. Over time, credibility is built not through words, but through performance and that has guided me throughout my career and continues to shape how I lead today.

I would advise young women entering this industry to pursue their goals with confidence and never allow themselves to be limited by perception or circumstance. This field rewards knowledge, integrity, and perseverance, qualities that transcend gender. I’ve learned that staying honest in your work and consistent in your performance builds trust and long-term credibility. 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. Building strong, capable teams and investing in people not only strengthens the organization, but also ensures we’re empowering the next generation of leaders to continue moving the industry forward.

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.