PMMI has, once again, recognized 10 individuals who are quickly advancing in the industry in its sixth annual PMMI ON THE RISE AWARDS 2023 developed by the Emerging Leaders Committee. The winners were honored in October 2023 at PMMI’s Annual Meeting in Stone Mountain, Georgia. But there’s a lot to learn about these forward-thinking problem-solvers. So, OEM took some time to get to know these outstanding rising stars. Here are their stories.
As senior marketing coordinator at JHFOSTER, a provider of motion control, compressed air, robotics, and sensor technology, Becky Jurvis is focused on collaborating with the inhouse marketing team to attract new clients, while maintaining brand awareness with existing customers via the design of print and digital materials, email campaigns, trade shows and website management.
In just over two years on the job, Jurvis quickly demonstrated leadership qualities managing interns, vendors, consultants, and agencies. In addition, she spearheaded a fresh design and brand perspective that increased organic traffic to the website by 80%, leading to a 50% uptick in conversions, and generating over $15 million in new business revenue. She has also helped increase JHFOSTER’s database from 60,000 contracts to over 120,000 in less than two years. And, according to JHFOSTER executive team, she does this all with an amazing work ethic and a positive outlook. To that end, Jurvis also acts as a leader of the company’s engagement committee, which is responsible for planning company-wide events, volunteer opportunities and maintaining overall employee morale.
One of the aspects of being in marketing is the need to understand every facet of the business. Jurvis has embraced this challenge by educated herself on the details that make a difference and delving into areas as diverse as programming collaborative robots, distinguishing between medical and laboratory air, and comprehending when an oil-free air compressor is essential. Additionally, Jurvis gained insight into the lead-to-sale process, a vital skill for effectively marketing JHFOSTER's automation solutions.
Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and Jurvis is not one to shy away from creative problem-solving. Her philosophy revolves around challenging the status quo and seeking fresh approaches when faced with obstacles—as she recognizes that thinking outside the box is an essential trait for success. “I love coming up with new ways to solve problems,” Jurvis said. “If something isn’t working, why not do something different?”
Of course, the journey to success is seldom a straightforward path. One of the major challenges Jurvis faced early on was the uncertainty of career direction while working in the hospitality industry which was severely impacted by the pandemic. She eventually found JHFOSTER, which is a very different industry, but the transition showcases the flexibility and adaptability that can lead to remarkable career opportunities.
For those considering a career in the packaging or manufacturing industry, Jurvis has some advice: “Ask Questions. Nobody knows everything, especially at the start of their career. Don't hesitate to seek clarification and grow through learning. And be yourself. Your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace your individuality, as it's what sets you apart and makes you invaluable to any organization.”
