I Am Melissa and This Is My Journey in the Fastener Industry
The best professional advice I’ve ever received is “If something does seem right, say something". That was in August 2008 and still holds true to this day.
After nearly 18 years in the fastener and industrial distribution industry, working for two of Industrial Distribution's BIG 50 for over almost nine years, I've developed a passion for fasteners.
After all, fasteners are in nearly everything; and what they’re not used in, fasteners are used in the machinery and equipment that manufactures or processes things like automobiles or poultry.
My experience in the fastener industry began long before I even knew it. From working for a trucking company to commercial collections, I had no idea this experience would be useful in my unplanned career in the fastener industry.
How did I get here? I moved across town to be closer to my parents. I did everything I could to avoid accepting a job in the fastener industry working with my Mom. For some reason, it was the ONLY job available after MONTHS of searching.
A big thanks to my Mom! #HappyMothersDay!
When I entered the fastener industry, I spent many years in Customer Service type roles as my primary duty. The more I learned about the industry, the more I asked to be cross-trained or for the opportunity to learn more about the industry.
By simply asking, I've had the opportunity to learn about international trade, transportation, operations, quality, sales, negotiations, purchasing, I.T. and technical product knowledge among many other things.
What’s been the most rewarding for me, is using all my work experience to constantly gain a better understanding of how stuff works. By striving to do that every day and always asking why, I get things done no matter what capacity I’m in. After all, why is not always a question of dissent. Why can also be a question to gain a better understanding.
My current role is Purchasing at Würth House of Threads. I’m studying to obtain a U.S. Customs Broker License and I'm interested in pursuing Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
When I’m not doing all that, I’m the mother of a teen in high school, planning a wedding and house-hunting. I love spending time outdoors with my son, my fiancé and my dog, gardening, photography, building things with pallets and wood, and just moving around. Indoors we enjoy experimenting with new recipes, catching up on TV with our DVR, watching movies and playing board games. All this takes place in Metro Atlanta.
Melissa has been in the fastener industry since 2000, but not just "in it". She's been fully immersed in many aspects of industrial distribution. Her experience has led to a passion for fasteners and the industry. After all, fasteners are in nearly everything and what they're not in, fasteners are used to manufacture those things that we use and consume on a daily basis. She'd much rather visit a fastener manufacturing facility than ride a roller coaster. All this is thanks to her Mother! When Melissa moved across town to be with her family in the year 2000, she tried to resist working with her mother, in the fastener industry. That didn't work out, but it did. Melissa is currently in Purchasing at Würth House of Threads.