Kate Matz is the manager of national recycled pallet sales for ePallet. Previously, she was a sales representative for Allegheny Recycled Products in Pittsburgh. Recently, she joined ePallet to help the company launch a pallet recycling division. ePallet is a multinational business with an extensive production network of over 500 qualified and respected manufacturing partners across North America. ePallet also owns and operates seven state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
Pallet Enterprise: What is the biggest misconception that pallet users have about pallets?
Matz: In my opinion, some users think of a pallet as just an excess item. It's not a need. It's more of a want. We're one of the afterthoughts of purchasing. Instead, it should be in the forefront. We need to be in the forefront of conversations about the supply chain.
Pallet Enterprise: What is the best business advice that you have ever received?
Matz: It actually came from my parents. My mom is an artist, and my father is a fine craftsman. Simply put, ask the question. The worst that can happen is someone will say no, but if you never ask, you will never get an answer. It applies to everything. If it's a sale to be had, ask the question. If it's a discount you want, ask the question. If there's a political office you want to run for, ask the question. You'll never get the answer if you hope or wish. The worst that can happen is someone will say no. Okay, you'll have an answer.
Pallet Enterprise: What is the biggest challenge and opportunity for you as a woman in the pallet industry?
Matz: I've been extremely fortunate to come from outside sales prior to the pallet industry. I've never had that female-male history. I have a very good support system. The men in my life encouraged me. They lifted me up. If I was ever in an inappropriate situation, I was comfortable bringing it to them. If you know your product, then you can sit at the table with anybody – male or female, young or old.
Pallet Enterprise: Has the recent consolidation trend been good or bad for the industry? Why?
Matz: My thinking goes back and forth on this. It's challenging for the smaller guys that can't keep up. Mom and pop stores can't compete against Amazon. However, it benefits the client because they have a wider network of providers and vendors to choose from. As far as the individual recycler, I can see how it's troubling and concerning.
Pallet Enterprise: What is one thing you do at your company that is different from other pallet companies?
Matz: There is so much support, so much encouragement. They make time to sit down and have conversations with their valued team members.
Pallet Enterprise: What is the biggest challenge facing your company right now? How about the industry?
Matz: Right now, I feel the biggest challenge is for us as a family to understand the recycled division. That's going to be a learning curve. I’m excited to concentrate and expand the recycling side of ePallet. The economy is challenging. We are seeing discretionary spending decrease even though Black Friday sales were very good. Inventories have built up across the nation, which is very concerning. The high interest rates fuel the concern.
