Brianne Redd, 33
Sales Account Manager
M. Holland Co.
Some industry professionals get their start with a college internship or post-grad job, but Brianne Redd's first plastics gig was when she was about 7 years old.
Take Your Daughter to Work Day became Teach Your Daughter to Work Day at Profile Extrusion Co. in Cleveland, where her father works, she said.
"Between playing in gaylord boxes and hanging in the tool shop, I guess plastics must have piqued an interest early on," she said, adding that her father would use play dough to explain extrusion and his job as a tool and die maker.
Redd went on to graduate from Georgetown College with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and biology and chemistry. She worked in new product development for Ashland Consumer Markets and was an international export coordinator for Ashland Distribution and sales account manager for Nexeo Solutions before joining resin distributor M. Holland Co.
"The passion" is what Redd said surprises her most about the plastics industry.
"I think when people generally think about plastic, they don't put much thought past that," she said. "The people in this industry are among some of the most passionate I have met, and I love it."
Kristina Leal of Ink Communications nominated Redd for Rising Stars.
Plastics News: What is your current challenge at work?
Redd: The biggest challenge right now is the difficulty of managing the daily uncertainty of the current commodity market conditions for my clients and my company.
Q: What emerging technology or market most interests you?
Redd: Sustainability is a hot interest for me personally right now. I find it fascinating how involved manufacturers are becoming and the recent extra push to use more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
Q: Greatest achievement?
Redd: My greatest achievement thus far has been helping those around me and partnering with my customers and coworkers to build long-term meaningful relationships. I get to go to work with my friends/family every day!
Q: Biggest failure and what it taught you?
Redd: I don't really believe in failure, but I do believe in teachable moments. I lost a huge piece of business with a key account where I had a great relationship. I took it personally because, for me, it was personal. What I learned is that no matter how good you are at your job, no matter how hard you work, you can't win 100 percent of the time, but it's how you handle those losses that define your future opportunities and successes. I try to follow a 10-second rule. I feel all the emotions of a situation, reflect for 10 seconds, then move forward.
Q: What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the plastics industry?
Redd: Jump in completely and learn. There is so much knowledge and innovation in the industry, and an opportunity to make a long-term impact.
Q: What job do you really want to have in the future?
Redd: I have the most amazing job because I work for an amazing company. I am not interested in any specific titles, but I would love to lead and impact a team in a positive way.