March 2025
WPA Roundtable
Thoughts on leadership development, legacy and more.
With this month’s focus on Leadership and Management, we reached out to WPA Executive members and Committee Chairs for some quick reflections on their leadership journeys. Below, we hear from WPA leaders Tyrone Konecny (President), Justin Hegsted (Vice President), Nic Wilson (Treasurer) as well as Beatrice Vasquez (Education & Outreach), Marcus Blood (Member Engagement), Emily Clark (State Advocacy) and Scott Gutierrez (Revenue Streams). Responses have been edited for brevity.
Question 1: What leadership qualities do you believe are critical for guiding the WPA and the industry through the challenges and opportunities in today's market & economy?
Tyrone: For me, adaptability, vision, and understanding stand out as critical leadership qualities. Guiding the WPA and our industry demands a clear-eyed view of economic shifts, paired with the agility to pivot when challenges arise—like a quarterback reading the defense. Equally, listening to members, new and longstanding, fosters trust and collaboration, ensuring we as an association seize opportunities. Leaders must inspire confidence, balancing bold decisions with a steady hand. These qualities keep us ahead of the curve, driving innovation and resilience in unpredictable times.
Marcus: I think the most critical leadership quality for the WPA is to be educated on what is happening in the markets and the economy. We are experiencing one of the most volatile periods in history, from the recent pandemic to new automation in the industry and for our customers to the current tariffs. Being educated on what is happening is key to decision-making both in the short and long term. Leaders in the WPA should be able to use that knowledge to help guide the association and provide value for its members.
Nic: Radical transparency and brutal honesty. Being able to look at the real world through the throes of market dynamics and not be fooled. It's hard to do. It will be an ever-changing landscape, which takes a fresh set of eyes on top of having enough experience and humility to not let an ego get in the way. History has a way of repeating itself, so when you have a group of trusted individuals who are radically honest about a situation, it makes planning out the next steps much easier. Speaking honorably and unapologetically are both critical pieces to forming a good team and a plan.
Justin: We must develop a vision for the future. Economic challenges won’t last forever, so we need clear goals to strengthen our industry and businesses. This includes building business skills, embracing new technologies, and advancing automation. Clear communication is also vital. Leaders must articulate the association’s vision, explain evolving market conditions, and keep members aligned. Just as important is listening—ensuring everyone feels heard fosters collaboration and drives meaningful solutions. By setting strong goals and communicating effectively, we can navigate challenges and seize new opportunities for success.
Scott: Leading the Western Pallet Association (WPA) and the pallet industry requires strategic vision, adaptability, and strong relationship-building. We need to stay ahead of trends in logistics, sustainability, and automation while keeping up with economic shifts and regulations. Innovation matters—using AI, automation, and sustainable materials helps the industry grow. Speaking up for the industry at the legislative level strengthens our position, while environmental responsibility creates new opportunities. Building strong relationships fosters teamwork and helps us handle challenges. Finally, ethical leadership, transparency, and education lay the groundwork for long-term success. Leadership means guiding the industry with vision, integrity, and the flexibility to adapt.