Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/893182
palletcentral.com PalletCentral • September-October 2017 17 A Good Team Equals Growth ANNETTE WALTER PRESIDENT AND CEO TIMBER INDUSTRIES LLC A nnette Walter brought her background in banking and operations to the pallet industry when she bought Timber Industries in 2013. "I was drawn to this industry because there's so much opportunity to elevate process and efficiencies and innovation in this space," she says. She describes her initiation into an industry filled with legacy companies as warm and welcoming. "As a new owner, a transition owner in this space and being a woman, I felt nothing but open arms and welcoming support and camaraderie from its members." At the same time, she thinks it's important for women in leadership positions to embrace their responsibility as role models. "It's important to show younger women that no space and no industry is not reachable or attainable. You can really stand wherever you want to stand as long as you have the discipline, the thoughtfulness, the integrity, and the tenacity and hard work ethic to build a company," she says. And the key to any successful venture, she says, is to work hard and stick to your mission. "If you step to the plate, you're going to gain rewarding and profitable relationships from everybody. That's what it's all about," she says. "We're doing what we can to serve our customers and get people their products." Moreover, Annette advises business owners to discover the right way to conduct business without taking on everything themselves. "My philosophy is, if you grow a strong team, they can grow you to new levels." PC Andy Brown is freelance writer, specializing in stories for business publications. He can be reached at andy@methodicalwriting.com or phone: 571-403-1306.