In the fast-paced world of logistics and packaging, it takes a dedicated team to ensure that products get from point A to point B safely and efficiently. Amanda McKinney, Vice President of Finance & Administration at Express Packing, is one of the driving forces behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. In this behind-the-scenes profile, we’ll delve into Amanda’s journey, her day-to-day responsibilities, and the values that drive her and the company forward.
Background and Role
Amanda’s journey to Express Packing is a testament to the unexpected paths that careers can take. She initially got involved through a chance encounter when she offered to help sort jerseys for a girls’ travel basketball program run by April Francis, the company’s president. Little did she know that this small act of kindness would eventually lead her to a leadership role in the packaging industry.
A stay-at-home mom at the time, Amanda joined the Express Packing team after her youngest child started school in 2018. “I honestly didn’t know much about wood crates or construction,” Amanda says. “But I have a passion for customer service and a background in account management and knew I could bring all those skills and more to the team.”
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Amanda’s role at Express Packing is dynamic and multifaceted. She wears many hats, handling financial matters and most administrative duties. “Being a small business there isn’t much that comes through that I don’t touch in some way,” Amanda explains. “I handle anything financial and most of the administrative duties as well. No day is typical as there are always things that pop up and need attention!”
Challenges and Rewards
One of the biggest challenges Amanda faces in her position is facilitating effective communication between different departments, both internally and externally. However, the most rewarding aspect of her job is the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people, from the Express Packing team to the drivers who visit their facility. She strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of Express Packing’s success. Amanda emphasizes that every team member plays a vital role in ensuring customer satisfaction. She recounts a significant project where the team had to adapt and collaborate effectively to meet the unique needs of a new customer, highlighting the importance of teamwork in their industry. “A couple of years ago we took on a new customer that was a little different than our typical business and we all banded together to strategize the most effective procedures to handle this,” Amanda says.
Professional Growth
Working at Express Packing has been a continuous learning experience for Amanda. The small business environment allows for hands-on experience in various aspects of the business. Every challenge presents a new opportunity to learn and grow professionally.
Personal Touch
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and is actively involved in running multiple youth sports leagues. Her personal motto, “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking. It’s called integrity,” reflects her commitment to ethical values.
Vision and Future
Looking ahead, Amanda envisions Express Packing continuing to grow over the next five years. She foresees the onsite crew evolving into a standalone department while she continues to support all aspects of the business in her role.
Behind the Scenes
One memorable and light-hearted anecdote Amanda shared was when President April had to visit a customer site and unexpectedly didn’t have appropriate pants for the dress code. Amada recounts, “When we go to visit customers, we have to follow their dress codes. This may require vests, hardhats, or boots. Our President, April, unexpectedly had to go to a customer site and did not have appropriate pants on. She looked around the room and I said, “we are going to have to switch pants, aren’t we?’ Sure enough, we switched pants so she could complete her visit. We do what needs to be done to ensure our customers are satisfied!”
Advice for Others
For those considering a career in the packing industry or at Express Packing specifically, Amanda advises being open to learning and utilizing new tools while always maintaining a strong foundation in the basics of packing.
Values and Culture
The company culture at Express Packing is built on treating everyone like family. Amanda and her colleagues work hard to create a welcoming and caring environment for everyone involved with the company.
Amanda McKinney’s journey from a volunteer helping sort jerseys to Vice President of Finance & Administration at Express Packing is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Her story highlights the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities and always doing the right thing in both professional and personal endeavors.
Express Packing: Your Partner in Success
When you choose Express Packing, you’re not just opting for a service; you’re embracing innovation, quality, and packaging solutions crafted with precision. Ready to embark on a seamless shipping journey? Reach out to us today and discover how we can elevate your shipping experience, no matter the destination.