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May-June 2021

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16 PalletCentral • May-June 2021 palletcentral.com WORKFORCE T he millennial generation is continually getting a bad wrap for lack of motivation, being uncooperative, and even unwilling to work. For these leaders in the pallet industry that is far from the truth. ey share their passion for being a part of the industry, what excites them about the future, and even how to find more workers like them to fill workforce openings. AMY OLSON CFO, Owner and Co-Founder, Rose Pallets What brought you to work in the Pallet Industry? I started in the pallet industry out of college, my sister had already been in the pallet industry so I followed in her footsteps. e pallet industry appealed to me as I liked the concept of repeat business. What is your role at your current employment/ company? My current role at Rose Pallet as an owner is being involved in all management decisions and the day- to-day business as far as decisions on the growth of the company. I am also very heavily involved in the sales aspect. How do you view this industry differently than perhaps your predecessors? In the 16 years that I have been in the business, it has changed. The world around us has changed. I believe that the future of the pallet industry will be technology driven and social media will play a big part, along with more automation. As a rising leader in the industry, what challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for the industry? I think one huge challenge and accomplishment is building a company with a strong culture where team members can grow and prosper, both monetarily and intellectually. e biggest challenge I am seeing is all the shortages in the lumber market and the used pallet market. It just continues to get worse year after year and with COVID-19 being present, I am not seeing an end in sight right now. On the other side of that, we are seeing many opportunities to grow and even though prices are on a major rise, we are on an upward trajectory. What role do you think robotics or automation will play in the future of the industry? Automation is key. e manufacturers of pallet machines and nailers are currently out about a year to get equipment. With the shortage of labor and pallet construction being a hard job this will continue. With the workforce challenges of today, what is your opinion on what will attract other millennials and other workers to the industry? NWPCA asked millennials in the industry what motivates them about their work. Here are the responses. iStockphoto.com/rootstocks MILLENNIALS AT WORK

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