Traci Wyssmann

I attribute much of my success to the unique perspective my father Ray McCubbins, gave me as a child. He taught me to look at mechanical things differently—to understand how they worked, how they fit together, and how to approach problems from a new angle. That way of thinking has become one of my greatest strengths in my career today.

I am also grateful to Michael Rommie from Stanion Wholesale, who gave me my first opportunity in the industrial automation industry and believed in my potential. His mentorship helped me build confidence in a traditionally male-dominated field while encouraging me to continue learning and growing.

Additionally, my background in customer service, restaurant ownership, and entrepreneurship taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of understanding people. My persistence and drive to reach my goals have also pushed me to keep growing, overcome challenges, and stay focused on creating meaningful success. All of these experiences have become invaluable throughout my professional journey.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never shrink myself to make other people comfortable. As a woman entering a male-dominated industry, I know there may be moments where I feel underestimated or outnumbered, but that does not mean I am unqualified or out of place. I’ve learned that confidence is not about knowing everything; it is about being willing to learn, ask questions, speak up, and take up space. That advice reminds me to trust my abilities, stay persistent, and use the challenges I face as motivation to keep growing and proving that I am in the right place!

Never let fear convince you that you dont belong. I encourage young women to trust themselves and have confidence in the skills and accomplishments they have earned. Don't be afraid to ask questions, pursue new opportunities, or speak up when your ideas deserve to be heard. Never make yourself smaller to fit into the room—you belong there just as much as anyone else. Confidence, curiosity, and persistence will continue to open doors throughout your career.

The biggest challenge in my field right now is getting in front of the decision makers. As a woman going into a male-dominated industry, I know that talent and hard work are important, but sometimes the hardest part is simply being seen and heard by the people who have the power to open doors. That can feel frustrating because I know I have the drive, ideas, and determination to contribute, but I also understand that opportunities do not always come automatically.

For me, this challenge is also motivation. It pushes me to build confidence, speak up, make connections, and keep showing up even when it feels intimidating. I see tremendous opportunity in building strong, trust-based relationships with customers while helping manufacturers improve productivity through automation, robotics, and custom-engineered solutions. As technology continues to evolve, organizations that embrace innovation while maintaining excellent customer relationships will be well positioned for long-term success.

The values that guide me are trust, communication, integrity, continuous learning, and service to others. I believe lasting business relationships are built on honesty, reliability, and genuinely understanding a customer's needs. Professionally, I value responsibility, dependability, and doing my best while maintaining a healthy balance with my personal life. Personally, I place a high priority on being actively involved in my daughters’ education and activities, spending quality time with my husband, caring for our four dogs and three cats, enjoying good food together, and finding peace through gardening. These values help me stay grounded, focused, and fulfilled in all areas of my life.