Daydreaming
All young children have dreams about what they want to be when they grow up, and I certainly had my share of those dreams. During those early years, I don’t recall having dreams of being a ballerina, but I did entertain wishes of becoming a teacher, which I’m very glad did not become a reality. I eventually entered the workforce via a part-time job working in a bookstore owned by a friend of my mom. I love to read, so this was a great job for me. My first full time job was working for the Southwest Daily Times (Liberal’s daily newspaper) doing advertising layouts. I can assure you that, during those years, I was not dreaming of working in the electrical distribution industry. I had no idea that industry even existed at that time.
First Steps in My Career
Nevertheless, I started my career in that very industry by taking a job at Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. in Liberal, KS when I was nineteen years old, in May of 1978, doing clerical work and counter sales. Wanting to try my skills in the big city, I moved to Wichita, KS in August of 1979 and worked for Delta Electric Supply. Moving back to Liberal in November of 1980, I returned to Stanion doing the same job I had in 1978. In 1986, I earned a promotion to a purchasing position where I was able to expand my knowledge and skills and negotiate the purchase of material from vendors. In 1998, I was promoted to the position of branch manager for Stanion in Liberal. That gave me the opportunity to be involved in nearly all aspects of the business. I left Liberal in December of 2007 to move to Lawrence, KS, where Stanion has a branch location. They did not have an opening for me at the time, but I was able to secure a job in sales with Meglio and Associates, an electrical manufacturers’ representative. That job provided me with my first experience in outside sales. When an outside sales / account manager job became available at Stanion in March of 2012, I was able to return to Stanion as the place to work my way to retirement.
Looking Back
I’m glad that I did not become a ballerina or a teacher and am glad that I got the opportunity to live out a career in electrical distribution, an industry that many people know little to nothing about. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of customers, suppliers, and co-workers. My job allowed me to travel to some interesting and beautiful places in the world and to get involved in some exciting and significant projects where I had a part in bringing the projects to a successful conclusion. I will look back on my career with a great deal of satisfaction and happiness. I suggest to others, especially women, that they seriously consider finding a career in electrical distribution. You can truly find yourself in a career that will bring you great satisfaction and happiness.
I will miss all my coworkers and partners in the electrical industry, some which have become close friends, but I am now ready to enjoy the retirement stage of my life.
