Today we
interview another long-time employee of FSI, Linda Williamson. Let’s see what
Linda has to say about life at FSI.
How long
have you worked at FSI?
I have been at FSI for a little over five
years.
What is your role at FSI?
My position at FSI is Business Development
Manager, which allows me to do what I love. I get to work with prospective
customers and help them find just the right match of FSI services. As a bonus, I get to manage a team of great
people!
What did
you do before FSI, and how in the world did you get roped in with these guys?
I have been in the fulfillment industry for
about 15 years, working for a competitor before coming to FSI. Seeing the need for a positive change, I
actually approached Forrest and Ken about a position with FSI (what was I
thinking?) It was not long before I had
found my new home at FSI and it was the best career move I’ve ever made.
What do
you enjoy about the fulfillment business?
Fulfillment is unique. Managing fulfillment
means there are many different goals and objectives that can vary significantly from
client to client. What works great for one client might not be useful for
another, and tailoring our approach for a “best fit” rather than a “one size
fits all” helps ensure success for everyone.
Between all the different kit packing projects we work on, to new types
of fulfillment programs, e-commerce system integrations, EDI, sweepstakes
management, and so on, it is something new each day.
What do
you enjoy about sales?
Solving tough problems and helping customers
is what I like the most. If you are confident
you have a solid service offering and believe in the company you are selling
for, the sales process becomes easy. I
really enjoy identifying the unique set of challenges that every program presents
and helping to develop solutions. It
builds a partnership that starts strong and stays strong over time.
What have
been some of your memorable moments from your time at FSI?
We have a great culture where events such as
FSI Anniversary celebrations, potluck dinners, Christmas parties, etc. have
been amazing. We work hard and have a
lot of fun doing it, which makes this place pretty special. Big wins for the sales team are always
memorable. Just for the record, fun times like “Easter Bunny punked my ride”
and “decorating King Fisherman’s office” were not my idea…alone. Happy
employees do better work, so we see nothing wrong with some occasional humor in
the workplace (see picture below).
What do
you think separates FSI from other fulfillment companies? What makes FSI
different?
Definitely the people. Our team is made up of industry veterans,
each bringing their expertise and ideas to the table to help customers and make
FSI better. Together, we can develop
solutions and put them into action better than any other fulfillment company.
FSI has
enjoyed some growth (13,000 ft² - 150,000+ ft²), longevity (14+ years), and won
some awards along the way since the business began in 1996. What would
you attribute FSI’s success to?
Strong leadership has been the key to FSI’s continual
growth over the years. Owners and
managers who truly care about their customers, vendors and their employees are
destined to go far. Careful planning and
great execution have positioned FSI to continue to grow for many years to come.
What do
you enjoy doing with your spare time outside of FSI
Gardening and travel, especially going to our
house in Dahlonega. Enjoying good food,
good wine and good times with family and friends.
FSI takes a few moments out to enjoy some good workplace humor. With FSI's VP and General Manager Forrest Marbutt being such an avid fisherman, bestowing upon him the title of "King Fisherman" was just too easy.
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