Getting to Know Erik Mickelson

Since I sometimes struggle with talking about myself, I wrote this down so you know who you're working for and with. I'm Erik Mickelson, and while my dad Jim founded this company in 1977, I've been running day-to-day operations and working to modernize things since 1997.

I literally grew up in this business. During summers in junior high and high school, I did every grunt job imaginable – shipping, receiving, cleaning, maintenance, mowing lawns. I started from the ground up, which means I understand and respect every role in this company.

After graduating from WSU (Go Cougs!) with an accounting/finance degree, I came back to help my dad when my siblings weren't interested. Got my MBA later while working here.

• Open Door Policy: My door is genuinely always open. There are NO stupid questions – I'd rather you ask me something 10 times than make one costly mistake
• Communication: We have meetings on Tuesdays and quick huddles on Fridays. I believe in keeping everyone informed so nobody has to guess what's happening
• I Back My Team: When Steve suggested we get into sticker printing, I bought the $30,000 printer without blinking. Good ideas can come from anywhere
• Systems Over Chaos: My dad ran things pretty loose – "Jim and the Gang" style. I've worked hard to create processes and procedures so we're not constantly putting out fires
• Quick Decision Maker: Sometimes TOO quick – I get excited about new ideas and want to implement them immediately. The team has learned to tell me to slow down, and I've learned to listen

• I genuinely want us to have "the best day ever" – every day (yes, I actually say this)
• I love new technology, machinery, and finding better ways to do things
• Success to me = a day when nobody has to run into my office with problems
• I want you to enjoy coming to work

• Family: Married to my wife Wendy (she's a nurse educator) since 2015
• Grandpa: Proud grandpa to 1-year-old Daisy (my stepdaughter Taylar worked here for 10 years)
• Fitness enthusiast: Work out 4-5 times a week with Bradley from accounting
• Hobby farmer: Just got a greenhouse, love my John Deere mower, proud Sumner resident ("best soil in Washington!")
• Travel bug: Recently went to Greece, love biking the Orting Trail with Wendy
• Quirky sense of humor: I once dressed as the Texas Chainsaw Killer (chainless chainsaw) and scared the entire factory on Halloween

He's 82 and still comes in daily (lives 4 minutes away). I make sure he has lunch and drinks his 4 bottles of water. This is still his company, but I handle the day-to-day. Respecting his legacy while modernizing has been my biggest challenge and achievement.

• Ask questions – seriously, ask away
• Bring me ideas – I love them and will actually act on good ones
• Communicate openly – no drama, just straight talk
• Help us make this the best place to work in the industry

I'm here to make sure you succeed, the company thrives, and we all enjoy the journey.

– Erik

P.S. If you see me getting too ahead of myself with a new idea (like wanting to engrave patches the same day we get a laser engraver), just remind me about procedures. Old Erik vs. New Erik is an ongoing battle! 😊