August 2025
a largely male-dominated industry was a hurdle that I naively didn’t realize as an additional challenge. I always believed that if I just kept learning, listening, being fair, and working harder, my gender didn’t play a role. I hate to admit it, but I was missing the mark. I don’t think it was simply because I am a woman, I think it was more to do with the fact there were just very FEW women actively participating, and providing their insights and experience. However, the WPA has been incredibly inclusive, pushing for more women to take an active role in the industry, and supporting us through MLGs, seats on boards, and committees, and valuing the perspective we add to the industry.
Key Challenge: As someone who navigates business through the entire US, one challenge that has—and continues—to be ever-present is the state, city, and regional ordinances and regulations. From labor, taxes, regulations on scrap wood waste, ordinances that limit the size of a business, as well as EPA regulations among many other hurdles imposed by local and state governance, the rules seem to be ever- changing. It not only affects how I conduct business but affects each and every partner I work with in various ways. The WPA has brought local government officials to our Annual Meetings to provide insight on how the industry will be affected, to hear, and understand our concerns by putting real business owners in the position to voice our thoughts, offer insights to resolutions, and enlighten the civil servant that the pallet world is vast, and intrinsically important for the health of their district, state, and overall growth and consumerism.
From your perspective, what are the emerging opportunities or challenges for the pallet industry?
I think over the last several years, there has been such a shift in the industry that has pushed individual pallet company owners to reevaluate their strategies by taking an active approach in reimagining what the business can be. Investing in soft skills, technology, data, and automation has become as integral to business as equipment, machinery, trucks and trailers to stay ahead of the curve. We have seen and felt the effects of the large mergers, both positive and negative but without a doubt – is still impacting the industry. There are great opportunities to grow and work alongside other companies as well as industries like never before.
What advice would you give to new members of the WPA to maximize the benefits of their membership?
Chat with old-timers, board members, and your peers. Discuss what you are personally passionate about, there are several committees to get involved in where the benefits aren’t just to the WPA, you gain significant knowledge, and an incredible network. Drop into an MLG, and educate yourself and peers with The Pallet University.
WPM