Meet Kathie Swenson - WIFI@Work
I started my career in the fastener industry over 20 years ago as a single mom looking for a job opportunity that would allow me to spend nights and weekends with my children after working in the grocery industry for many years.
I also wanted a career that would allow me to be as dynamic as I am in my personal life (for example, I’ve been on a game show and helped to raise mountain lions, just to name a few things).
My first opportunity came when Paul at Mudge Fasteners, Inc. took a chance on me, and after a year and a half, he confidently placed me in outside sales. I’m so grateful! It was in that role that I discovered my talent and passion when it comes to the fastener industry.
I was able to create strong relationships with customers and help them get what they needed, and while utilizing my interpersonal skills, I gained extensive knowledge about the industry. Friends of mine that nicknamed me MacGyver like to pick on me because I always have a screw gauge on my keychain and can always identify a fastener on sight.
Since that time, I have continued to grow and expand my knowledge of the industry, including working for Tinnerman and Pem distributors and attending professional development sessions for AVK, HUCK and 3M Tapes and Adhesives.
After 4 years sitting behind a desk, I recently landed the Regional Territory Manager position at Askew Industrial. In this role, my true joy comes from helping customers get exactly what they want and coming up with creative solutions when they don’t know exactly what they want or need. It’s like being a hostess and a detective at the same time! Blending these two skills enables me to be efficient and save the company money while ensuring that our customers are pleased and keep coming back. This is what I love about what I do.
Several years ago, I took some time away from work to care for my elderly mother before she passed away. I initially considered trying something new, but I’ve found that the fastener industry is like the Hotel California, “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave…”
