Rebekah Mumm's career highlight is starting a marketing department at Silver-Line Plastics Corp., a pipe and tubing extruder based in Asheville, N.C. Now her biggest challenge is building the new department, from the ground up.
“There are so many moving parts and pieces. Trying to get multiple locations on the same page adds to the challenge,” she said.
Age: 30.
Education: Bachelor's in business law from Western Carolina University; MBA with a concentration in marketing from WCU.
Career highlights: Convincing ownership and upper management that we needed a marketing department, and starting from the ground up. Becoming a part of the team to develop our internal SOP's and systems for a new ERP system.
First plastics job? Retail inventory coordinator at Silver Line. My stepmom had been working for the company for 12 years, and felt it would be a good opportunity.
Biggest failure and what it taught you? Trying to take on too many tasks and being unable to complete them all. I have learned to plan more than before, layout various goal timelines, and for those that are larger develop multiple contingency plans.
What emerging technology interests you? Sustainability. How manufacturers are reducing their carbon footprints, and helping the environment. Coming up with new ways to recycle. I believe the perception of plastics is slowly changing in some markets, and I hope to be a part of that change in the years to come.
I helped gather and analyze data for Silver-Line to become the first pipe manufacturer with a Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association sustainability certification. It was fulfilling to see the reductions in waste and further developing recycling programs that greatly impact the company and environment.
What about the plastics industry surprises you? How big the industry actually is continues to surprise me. All of the various companies and people it takes to make various products, and services to keep it all running.
Best advice you've received? Continue pushing forward with the morals and concepts I believe in and don't be afraid of obstacles along the way.
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in plastics? There is so much to learn in a continuously changing industry and plenty of opportunity. Networking and learning the supply chain for your company is extremely important to aid in your professional development.
If you were CEO, what would you do first? Make sure employees enjoy their work environment as much as possible and feel appreciated for the work they do. I find that little things go a long way, and if an employee feels as though they are appreciated, they are more likely to be productive.
Who is your mentor, or someone you look up to? Karen Tessier, president and founder of Market Connections. She has built her own award-winning marketing firm, creating a hard-working, yet relaxed and enjoyable work environment for her employees.
What job do you really want to have in the future? A company owner or chief operating officer. I enjoy the daily challenges that keep me on my toes and the ability to influence change within a company.
What do you do to relax? I like to exercise; I go on daily walks — or hikes — with my 3-year-old pit bull. I also enjoy playing golf and other outdoor activities.
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