Everything happens for a reason, including finding a summer job in college that turned into a full time position once I graduated. Reporting to the VP of Human Resources who was a great mentor as much as a great boss, I was fortunate enough to be included in planning annual budgets, developing operational strategies and negotiating contracts with vendors. As I was building up my technical skills I was presenting to the CEO and EVP of Operations. As I was struggling my way through my first WMS implementation, I was learning how to interview and onboard new employees. Most importantly, I was watching and learning from a leadership team that treated each and every employee with respect, regardless of position. I was given the freedom (and expectation) to speak my mind regardless of popular opinion if it was in the best interest of the organization to do so. Having that strong foundation at the start of my career has set the bar high for me. I know what a truly collaborative, "can-do" environment looks and feels like.