Generations of Success

Charlie Pierce, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, took an unexpected path in his career at Great Northern. While earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Sales & Marketing, he joined Great Northern last summer as an intern. The company gave him the opportunity to explore various departments, including customer service, structural design, sales, and assembly. His time in structural design proved to be particularly influential, shaping the direction of his career.

Charlie’s family history is deeply intertwined with the packaging industry and Great Northern. His grandfather was one of the three Kell brothers who took over the family business, Kell Container, which was acquired by Great Northern in 2004. The Kell brothers had built a reputation for providing high-quality shipping containers and display materials, a legacy that Charlie is now proud to be a part of.

“My family members have been very supportive and are excited that I’ve decided to follow in the family footsteps by choosing a career in packaging at Great Northern,” he said. “They’re happy for me because they know firsthand the great things Great Northern has to offer.”

During his internship, the Great Northern team recognized Charlie’s potential and encouraged him to consider a role in Structural Design, rather than immediately pursuing sales as he had originally planned. They saw that he had a natural aptitude for understanding the technical aspects of packaging and could thrive in a design-focused position.

“After my internship last summer, I knew Great Northern was a good fit for me,” Pierce said. “Everyone was willing to go out of their way to help me learn and there is a sense of community here that I wanted to be a part of. I knew there would be challenges starting in a role that I had little experience in but having peers that do not hesitate to help and answer questions has made it extremely easy to grow and has made my experience fun.”

Charlie took their advice to heart and, in December 2023, joined Great Northern as a full-time Structural Designer. Starting with basic packaging projects, he quickly excelled and is now designing complex retail displays for the company’s growing client base. His ability to translate the needs of sales into innovative structural designs has made him a valuable asset to the team.

Charlie’s journey from intern to Structural Designer is a testament to the power of keeping an open mind and trusting the guidance of experienced professionals. His story serves as an inspiration to others who may be unsure of their career path, showing that sometimes the best opportunities can arise from unexpected places.