LISA PALVINO
- Published: February 01, 2007
Experience Speaks
How did you get into the converting business?
The business has been in my family for over 40 years. I was always fascinated by the combination of the technical and creative aspects of packaging. I started with Diamond after graduating from business school in the mid-’80s and worked initially in customer service.
Describe your management style.
I lead by setting a clear tone and direction for the work at hand but try not to micro-manage on a day-to-day basis.
What is the key to growing a business in a bad economy?
My father taught me to be flexible but not to compromise the core values of the company based on outside pressures. Also to keep focused on meeting customer needs.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were starting out?
To be stronger when dealing with personnel issues and to be more decisive when an employee is not a good fit.
What is the biggest threat to the converting industry right now?
Finding and retaining qualified employees.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Having the opportunity to make a difference each day.
What keeps you up at night with regard to your business?
The list of things that I need to do tomorrow.
| At a Glance |
|---|
| Diamond Packaging 111 Commerce Dr. Rochester, NY 14623 |
| diamondpackaging.com |
| Est. 1911, 225 employees |
| Specialty: folding cartons; contract manufacturing and contract packaging services |
What was the worst advice you ever got?
Not getting a second opinion on something that was complicated and needed a second pair of eyes.
How do you handle a difficult customer?
It depends on why they are deemed “difficult,” but in general by trying to understand what our customers’ needs are and provide them the best possible packaging solution to meet those needs.
Do you have a personal hero?
My father. He is a humble person and has no idea the number of people that look up to him from an ethics, business, and leadership standpoint. He is a true visionary and has given my brother, sisters, and me the privilege of taking over a successful business.
Do you have a personal motto by which you live?
I try to evaluate my life on a regular basis and ask myself, “Is what I’m doing today what I want to do with my life?” From there, I may shift my priorities around. As a working mother, it’s amazing how time can get away from you.
