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Women’s History Month: Keri Croman, Clopay Traffic Manager
“As women, we need to celebrate each other’s successes…be a woman who lifts other women up. Don’t be afraid to show support or give a compliment—and actually mean it!” — Keri Croman, Traffic Manager, Clopay Corporation
Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues with inspiring conversations with female leaders in the commercial and residential garage door industry. Last week we had the honor of speaking with Jennifer Kuhn, President of Hamburg Overhead Door. Jennifer shared her challenges with us and highlighted how important it is for women to share their experiences and support each other.
In this week’s Q&A Keri Croman, Traffic Manager for Clopay Corporation’s Cornell and Cookson manufacturing facility in Mountain Top, Pa. and Goodyear, Az., talks about why it’s important to prioritize mental health and maintain a positive work-life balance.
1. Tell us about your career path. What led you to your current position?
I started with Clopay Corporation during my final semester of college. I was on the hunt for my first “real” job. My brother, Bill Hines, who is currently our engineering manager, told me the company he works for was hiring. I started in office services at Clopay Corporation and after a few months, a position opened in the traffic department. The company’s dedicated truck program was in its infancy and the department was in need of someone to take charge of it. Bob Karosus took a chance on me even though I had zero experience in logistics and the rest, as they say, is history!
2. What female leaders do you admire? How have they inspired your career in the rolling door industry?
Mel Robbins is by far one of my favorites. Her mission is to share tools that empower you to create a better life. Through her podcast, books, and seminars, she finds humor in her own screw-ups and makes you feel a little less alone in yours. Listening to her may not necessarily inspire my career, but certainly helps to deal with the stress of it.
3. What challenges have you faced in your career as a woman? How did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge has always been a healthy work-life balance. As a working wife and mother, you want to give 100% to your spouse, 100% to your kids, and 100% to your employer. It simply doesn’t work. You are always left feeling like a failure in some aspect of your life. It took a recent battle with breast cancer for me to accept that I cannot do it all. These days, I try to give myself a little more grace. I rest when I’m tired and put aside the guilt of my never-ending to-do list. I also make a conscious effort to spend my Sundays connecting with family and friends and let “Monday Keri” deal with work.
4. What advice would you give other women in your field?
My best advice is to always take a break. It seems like you no sooner solve one problem and ten more pop up. Do not let it consume you. Take your lunch, take a walk, and clear your head.
5. Why is it important for more women to be represented in the garage door industry?
Because girls rule the world! I am fortunate in that I have a great team of women in the Traffic Department at Clopay Corporation. We laugh at the craziness and support each other through the madness.
6. What are some ways women can support each other in the workplace?
As women, we need to celebrate each other’s successes. That could be as simple as sending a congratulatory email to someone who receives a promotion. Be a woman who lifts other women up. Don’t be afraid to show support or give a compliment—and actually mean it!
