vMANUFACTURING continued from page 9 you’re not 100% sure of your idea, even if you think you’re 80% correct, voice your opinion. It’s better to be responsible for sales and customer 80% correct and be heard than be service, Palecek is responsible for 100% correct and never have your everything else in the Yankton unit. voice heard.” “My career kind of found me Manufacturing has changed versus me finding my career. I love over time and many still have the every minute of it,” she smiled. perception that the job is dirty and There are other females who dingy, but Palecek encourages hold management positions at people to look at it again, from a TruXedo as well. Customer Service different angle. “There are a lot manager Kris Llewellyn, Human of opportunities for males and Resource Manager Jennifer females. Don’t discredit or discount Left to Right: Kris Llewellyn, Jennifer Herrboldt, Herrboldt, MIS Manager Pam the manufacturing realm from what Kristi Palecek and Pam Erickson. Erickson, as well as their corporate you’re looking at because there are Vice President of Human Resources always opportunities opening up. Don’t limit yourself.” and the Corporate Controller are female-filled positions. The dynamic Palecek keeps busy outside of work with her When TruXedo first started, the staff was predominantly male. family, involvement in various sports and her church, and serves Because the company works mainly with light manufacturing on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Yankton that doesn’t involve heavy lifting and welding tasks, their female Area Progressive Growth Board of Directors. population has grown and Palecek estimates that they are now She explains that balancing home life and work is a challenge approximately 70% female dominated. that females in the workforce face. Often women tend to feel For a female in manufacturing, Palecek explains that there are like they are the caretakers and they may not think they can be many opportunities. “There is no glass ceiling, you just need to successful in the workplace at the same time. “Find a support try. I’ve never thought about, ‘I’m a female doing this,’ I’m just a female doing my job.” She explains that she may often find herself network,” she encourages, “whether it’s in a spouse, in family, you need that to be successful.” It seems that Palecek has found as the only female in the room but encourages to just do your job just the right balance and network in her life from the looks of her to the best of your ability and not think about the gender piece of thriving career and promising future ahead. it. vBy Julie Eickhoff “Be yourself. Don’t box yourself in because you’re a female. If When you have the right financial advisor, life can be brilliant. What matters most to you in life? It’s a big question. But it’s just one of the many questions I’ll ask to better understand you, your goals and your dreams. All to help you live confidently – both today and well into the future. Lori K. Leader, CLTC® Financial Advisor Leader, Larsen & Associates A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Kaye Cwach Financial Advisor 115 Broadway Ave, Ste 2, Yankton, SD 57078 605.665.8608 lori.k.leader@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/lori.k.leader Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2016 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (8/16) HERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016v19