From Customer to Career Growth
PAM D.
Region Operations Manager, Pacific Northwest
Part of our family since 2015
FAVORITE BOOTS: 10875 and 10877
From Customer to Career Growth
I smile when I think of how I came to work at Red Wing Shoe Company. I was a customer first, after being introduced to the boots by a co-worker’s husband. When you’re a fan of the brand, a happy customer, and a job opens up where you can put down roots … it’s an easy decision. Today, I am part of a company where I feel like I belong, am valued for my opinions and perspectives, and have the opportunity to grow.
We’re a global brand with a family feel, which is unique in our business. From the start, it’s been a casual place to work. It’s easy to talk to people and check in with each other. For me, I feel like I’m part of the Red Wing family and I am able to share stories about my own family. As a gay person of color I’ve always felt accepted, valued, and able to be my true self here. That’s what happens when you feel comfortable.
Soon after I was hired, leadership asked me what I like to do and quickly assessed my strengths. That led to stretch assignments, project teams, and leading new initiatives—things that tap into what I want to do and give me room to grow. Having those sorts of conversations puts you in a place to succeed and use your talents, and that leads to opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Values: Community, Integrity, Respect, Excellence
We do a good job of hiring people whose values align with ours. Some grew up in Red Wing, Minnesota (where we are headquartered), and more and more people are joining us from outside the area. This brings a really diverse group of people together, and we get exposed to different perspectives and ideas. We come from different places, but we all click.
It’s one of the reasons Red Wing is such an awesome place to work!
Our values and mission are at the heart of the Company—we see and live them every day. Going through the pandemic, you see the true colors of a business. Our ‘family first’ commitment means health and safety first, for employees and customers. Whether you’re an employee or a customer, you’re a valued part of Red Wing Shoe Company. It’s a place where we want to help and support each other, and make a difference in people’s lives.
All people.