The FLiP Files is a series spotlighting young professionals that are active in SPI’s Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), a group for plastics professionals under the age of 40. For our second entry, we spoke to FLiP member Shannon Stickler, market development manager at Printpack.

SPI: Tell us a little about what your company does.

Stickler: Printpack is a major converter of flexible and specialty rigid packaging with a history of innovating for more than fifty years with manufacturing plants throughout the United States, Mexico, and China.

SPI: How did you find yourself working in the plastics industry?

Stickler: When I graduated from college I came across a job posting at Printpack. The sales position was located in a plant near where I am from. At the time I didn’t know much about the plastics industry. I started out in a training role, and before I knew it a decade had passed.

SPI: Has anyone in the industry mentored you?

Stickler: I’ve been fortunate to have a couple of great mentors throughout the years. Being right out of college, it was very helpful to have someone who provided a sounding board as I established myself in the workforce. As my roles have evolved over the years, my mentors’ insights have continued to help me become a stronger leader.

SPI: Describe in one sentence what you do on an average day.

Stickler: On an average day, I plan and organize our marketing and branding activities, help drive cross-divisional opportunities and collaboration, and communicate our initiatives and strategy internally.

SPI: What do you like most about working in the plastics industry?

Stickler: The best part about working in plastics is being a part of an industry that is truly changing the world.

SPI: What’s one thing about your personal life that you feel has been changed by having a career in plastics?

Stickler: I have a better appreciation for what it takes to produce the everyday things that we take for granted—cars, phones, packaged food.

SPI: Why do you think someone from your generation should consider a career in plastics?

Stickler: The plastics industry is full of opportunity. There is always something to learn and you can be a part of an industry that is developing products for the future.

SPI: What’s one plastic product you couldn’t live without?

Stickler: My iPhone. Although surely I could sustain life without it, I would prefer not to test [this idea] out.