EDmarket looks inward to membership for insights and connections beyond typical professional exteriors. Long-time member Karen Volner of Staples Business Advantage (formerly Business Interiors by Staples) took the time to share some of her thoughts about EDmarket, life, and work, during a virtual interview. Funny, entertaining, and highly informative, her thoughts provide a unique perspective and some unexpected ideas. We started off by asking a few questions about work and quickly moved into what's really important: life.
"Although I am not immediately involved in school construction projects given my scope of responsibilities for the country – back in the day when I was the Field Sales Director specific for the Minnesota Market – this was my baby. I was engaged in every aspect of the project – best education I ever received. We still utilize the site for tours," Karen Volner, National Business Development Director, Furniture (SLED) State/Local Government & Education
My first "real" job was serving as a Customer Relations coordinator for Land O’Lakes. I handled and resolved customer inquiries and customer complaints (not exactly fun, but it was a good start to my working career). I'm currently the National Business Development Director, Furniture specific to State/Local Government and Education market segments.How many years have you been in business?
30+ (Longer than I should be willing to admit publicly). I've enjoyed my career, even with its ups and downs, and I'm still a work in progress, trying to balance work and recreation. When I can, I like to spend my time in Palm Springs, Northern Minnesota and Tampa Bay, by the water, on the golf course, and at shopping malls (in a past life, I'm sure I was a professional shopper).
What was your childhood dream job?
I’ve been told I have a good option in a section career as a Stand-up comedian or Speech/Drama Teacher.
What's your favorite moment of your career so far?
Completion of a major new school construction project that remains a point of reference in the Minnesota market as a successful and progressive education facility. (see sidebar and photo above, click to view additional details)
What motivates you?
New challenges – constant changing landscape of education and learning. Mentoring new talent to carry on the legacy and focus for education in our industry.
As someone in the business of focusing on the education sector, how does EDmarket help you?
Networking is number one! Conversing with others in the sector regardless of role, expertise or distribution level/channel, input, stories and experience that I gather from other EDmarket members is invaluable.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
While mergers and acquisitions in many cases deplete the focus on vertical markets with most companies, they have only served to strengthen the level of commitment from a corporate perspective on this unique vertical over numerous transitions through the years. It has been an extreme benefit to see how new executive leaders, players and staff have delivered their business expertise to enhance our approach and strategy from their past experience.
Do you have any advice for new business owners?
1. Don’t try to be all things to all customers.
2. Identify your strengths and apply to laser focused strategies.
3. Offer your best to a smaller segment audience than attempt to provide a wide array of service/products to a large audience.
4. Leverage what you do best.
What EDmarket benefit/service(s) is most important to you and your business?
Education, more than just being informed about current events, but always learning something new and applying it; but most importantly networking!
How long have you been a member of the EDmarket? What’s your best EDmarket experience?
27 Years is a guess (it went by in a blink). I have been a member the entire time I have been engaged in this vertical market. I don’t have a specific BEST experience – there are too many to name or recall, but the sum of it is that it's been an integral part of my professional career.
Tell us about your morning ritual.
I work remotely so when I get up I check my Outlook emails to see if anything new has popped up since I reviewed the night prior. My ritual is always to look at my schedule and check my email communications prior to shutting down for a night of blissful sleep. Then I dress and prepare for a busy day. I need to be in casual business attire to get my mindset ready for “business”. It is a mental and physical routine that keeps me focused.
What's the one guilty pleasure you have?
Guilty pleasures, we all have 'em, and mine's coffee; I just can't live without it.
If Hollywood made a movie of your life; who would you like to see play the lead role as you?
Not Francis McDermott – my mid-western accent already connects me to her and the movie FARGO. I would prefer Kathy Bates, Roseanne Barr or Melissa McCarthy. Someone sassy with high energy and no filter.
No comments:
Post a Comment