Coffee Break: Nicole DeJoris, president of Pinnacle Packaging, Inc.
Q: Describe your company.
A: I'll use my mission statement: Here at Pinnacle Packaging, we stand behind our products so we can go above and beyond your expectations. With over 20 years in the packaging industry, we are committed to using our expansive knowledge to provide our customers with the latest supply and packaging design information.
When standard packaging supplies alone are not enough, we also work with our customers to provide custom packaging solutions. We ultimately work to make sure our customers are prepared and informed about the offerings available to their business so they can create a lasting impression through packaging.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: No.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: Our main challenges will be to provide the best customer service and pricing while being aware of the anticipated economic slowdown.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: Custom-designed packaging that includes QR Codes.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a rookie executive, what would it be?
A: To learn about every aspect of the organizations you work for, regardless of job position. I've believed this has helped me have a holistic understanding of how each organization operates. My background is financial. However, in my experience working in operations, administration and all levels, I have an understanding of what each employee contributes to the organization as a whole.
Q: From a business outlook, whom do you look up to?
A: I have always looked to my brother Chris as a leader. He was his most authentic self.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you or your company that most people may not know?
A: My brother Chris founded Pinnacle Packaging over 20 years ago. I helped him from an administrative and managerial perspective (setting up and maintaining the accounting books) for over two decades. Many people are not aware of how involved I have been since its inception.
Q: Was there a moment in your career that didn't go as you had planned? What lesson did you learn from it?
A: I don't feel there was any one distinctive moment, but a series of moments where my career had not gone as planned. Those moments are the nature of life. Life always changes, and there is certainly a strong element of the unknown. I've learned that change is the driving force behind how we work as a society, and we can either accept it and grow, or reject it and remain stagnant.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I like to volunteer my time with local community organizations. I also travel, hike and ride my bike. I love my little fur babies. I have one cat and recently adopted a 4-year-old dog.
Q: What book is on your nightstand?
A: Brene Browne's Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: At this point in my life what keeps me up at night are thoughts of my parents. We lost my brother almost four years ago, and my parents are in their 80s. It's been a rough road for us/them, and my concern is mostly for their emotional and physical well-being. Trauma significantly affects all states of being.
Q: If you were not doing this job, what do you think you would be doing?
A: I would likely still be in an accounting or financial role.
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: My first paying job was as a server at the local American Legion when I was 12.
Q: If you could put your company name on a sports venue, which one would you choose?
A: I'm not an avid sports fan. If I could choose any venue, it would be in the arts, like one of the Broadway in Chicago venues.
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why? (besides your company)
A: I don't use Twitter regularly. On Instagram, I follow Yukon Vet, Alicia Keys, Stevie Nicks, League of Women Voters, and a few other female celebrities/business owners/organizations. I appreciate and support the efforts of female entrepreneurs and organizations that empower women and the community.
Nicole DeJoris
President
Pinnacle Packaging, Inc.
2200 S. Main Street, Suite 219, Lombard, IL 60148
(773) 235-6060 x402
https://www.pinnaclepackaging.net/
Industry: Packaging, Shipping, & Industrial Supplies
Annual revenue: $1.2 million
Number of employees: 1
Age: 52
Family information: She is the proud owner of a cat and a dog.
Hometown: Lombard