April Francis, president of Express Packing, has seen the company through tremendous growth and transformation. With a history rooted in simple sales, she now stands at the helm of a company that signifies commitment, service, and adaptability.
“I previously worked for Hahn Systems and Express was my customer for 20 years,” April recalls. “I sold them nails and staples. I remember when one of the previous owners, John Owens, used to come in the shop to pick up a few cartons of fasteners at a time. One day they had to start sending a truck to pick up a skid of fasteners instead. I got to watch them grow and then they started talking with me about possibly purchasing the company because they wanted to retire and knew I really wanted to operate my own business. I honestly thought they were kidding, but after really talking with them I knew they were serious, and it sounded like an excellent opportunity. They will always mean the world to my family because of the opportunity they provided to take over the company they built.”
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The beauty of running a small business, as April explains, is the fluidity of roles. While her primary responsibility lies in sales, April is often seen wearing many hats – from building crates and making coffee to answering customer queries on the phone.
“We are a small business so there is no typical day!” April says with a smile. “That is one of my favorite parts of being a small business owner. While it may be frustrating to spend the day putting out fires and being reactive instead of proactive, I do love the daily challenges we work through. I also love that there is no bureaucracy, and no waiting for huge decisions to be made. We make decisions and move forward. If we make the wrong decision we fix it, but decisions must be made and since this is my business, I am not waiting for anyone else to make them for me.”
Challenges and Rewards
The life of a small business owner isn’t without its challenges. April acknowledges that being at the top comes with great responsibility. One of the significant hurdles is employee management, particularly understanding and effectively managing the next generation of workers. April emphasizes the importance of adapting to the evolving workforce rather than resisting change.
Service is another challenge, as communication methods have evolved significantly over the years. The transition from face-to-face interactions to emails and text messages has created its own set of challenges, including the infamous “email abyss.” Staying on top of a growing to-do list is a constant battle.
Despite these challenges, the most rewarding aspect of April’s job is knowing that Express Packing makes a positive impact on people’s lives. From supporting employees to satisfying customers, the sense of fulfillment derived from helping others is a driving force behind her work.
April is particularly proud of the way her team came together during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis brought out their resilience and teamwork, allowing the company to grow both as a business and as a tightly-knit team.
Behind the Scenes
Express Packing has its fair share of memorable stories. “We run our delivery truck using Indianapolis firefighters,” April recalls. “They came one morning to start the truck up for a day of deliveries and a fire started under the hood! It was a small fire and easily contained and boy were we thankful a that point that our truck drivers are also firefighters. I can only imagine what could have happened since we are a wood crate manufacturer!”
Culture and Values
Nurturing a positive work environment has been central to April’s leadership. She emphasizes empowerment and continuous support to foster individual growth. “We participate in many team bonding activities.” April explains. “We have an annual cornhole tournament which the employees love! At the holidays we always have a meal together as a company. We have quarterly meetings with all employees to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Communication is crucial to our success. It’s not just about work, but understanding who our employees are beyond their roles. That’s how we build relationships.”
Personal Touch
When she’s not steering the ship at Express Packing, April immerses herself in youth sports. Recognizing sports as a potent tool for holistic child development, she enthusiastically supports various youth activities.
“I also enjoy crafting,” April says. “I use scrap wood from Express Packing to make décor for my home and office. This has turned into an opportunity for us to offer this to others through one of our affiliated companies, Shedlife Crafts.”
Advice and Reflection
To her younger self, she’d advise, “Trust your instincts. Move forward with expansion, but remember the core of what makes Express Packing special.”
Her pride in Express Packing’s commitment to quality and punctuality is evident. “Our dedication to ensuring that products reach safely and on time sets us apart,” April asserts.
April envisions a bright future for Express Packing. “In 10 years, I see us growing, evolving, but always remembering our roots. Express Packing has been going strong since 1987. I intend to keep this momentum moving forward and never look back.”
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.
In essence, April Francis’s journey with Express Packing is a testament to determination, adaptability, and visionary leadership. She’s not just the president of the company; she’s its heartbeat.
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