Aspen’s most valuable asset is its people. Aspen employs close to 500 individuals that can all say that they are officially Aspen associates. Aspen prides itself on keeping a fair, safe, and diversified work force. Aspen looks for driven individuals that keeps the company’s and their customer’s goals first and foremost. Leading these individuals is Wanda Franks, Director, Human Resources. Wanda has been in supply chain logistics for over 16 years, with 13 1/2 years with Aspen.

- Q and A -

What interested you in the supply chain management industry?
My HR career just happened to follow right in to this industry. One of my family members, who works in this field, referred me to a job opening and the rest is history. The more I learned, the more intrigued I became to further my career in supply chain. In 1995, working with Aspen, gave me the ability to engage more into trade organizations, publications and roundtables. This opportunity further advanced my career making it now, my home away from home.

What are some challenges in keeping labor focused work force so happy?
Knowing your associates is a key factor in identifying potential challenges. Aspen’s family culture of working hard while having fun, is continuously promoted throughout our facilities. Continuous associate development through training, recognition and compassion; makes our associates feel like part of the Aspen Family!

With benefits being such a talking point in today’s work place what is Aspen doing for its employees?
Aspen is always striving to be the employer of choice. We evaluate our benefit coverage, service levels, and most important cost effectiveness that will accommodate our associates and their families’ budget. We strongly believe in the health and welfare of all our associates and we extend that same principle to their loved ones.

Aspen has been a contributor to its local community and charities, what are some of the programs that they have in place?
Throughout Aspen facilities, our associates take pride in giving back to their community by donating to various local food banks and shelters. We partake in various walk a thons like MS, Cure for Cancer, local school fundraisers, etc. We collect school supplies for the local schools, donate for Thanksgiving baskets, have done charity golf outings and collect old cell phones to donate for the battered women’s shelter. We engage ourselves with job fairs at local colleges’ campuses to recruit college students who may want a career in supply chain.

What do you like best about working for Aspen?
I enjoy Aspen’s passion and culture; I started with minimal experience in supply chain. Throughout my 13 ½ years with Aspen, my knowledge has increasingly developed. I have matured with the company and we continue to grow together. I began as an Administrative Assistant, and now, Director of Human Resources for 7 years! Aspen believes in promoting within and developing their most important asset… our associates, I am proof of what the company stands for.

What do you like best about your position?
My job is so rewarding because as a team, we can make a difference. The HR team is a group of strong, compassionate and dedicated HR professionals that assist our most valuable customers…our associates. We’re a department of many “working hats” and by receiving a “thank you” for answering a question, resolving a problem, or just providing support, makes our job fulfilling. What I like the best about my position, I can honestly say is my team.