Gina Jacquart Thorsen, the visionary and dynamic CEO and Co-Owner of Stormy Kromer and Jacquart Fabric Products, spearheads the strategic direction, marketing initiatives, sales endeavors, and innovative product development of the esteemed Midwestern brand.
With an illustrious history spanning over a century, Stormy Kromer stands as a testament to the Jacquart family’s 3rd-generation commitment to excellence in manufacturing.
As Thorsen’s momentous one-year anniversary as CEO approaches, she takes a reflective pause to commemorate her groundbreaking role as the first woman at the helm of her family’s business.
With unwavering determination and an indomitable spirit, Thorsen has fearlessly confronted challenges head-on, surmounting obstacles with resilience and tenacity.
Now, she graciously shares the invaluable insights garnered from her remarkable journey, providing a window into her unique experiences and the profound lessons learned along the way.
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable success story of Gina Thorsen, the visionary CEO reshaping the future of Stormy Kromer.
Success Story
Thorsen faced numerous challenges on her path to becoming the CEO of Stormy Kromer. Although she officially assumed the role in June, the process leading up to it spanned several years, during which she diligently familiarized herself with every aspect of the business.
Prior to joining the family enterprise, Thorsen worked for a nonprofit organization in Dallas. Transitioning from the bustling urban environment of Texas to the small town of Ironwood, MI, presented its own set of adjustments, compounded by the fact that she was entering a new industry simultaneously.
“Transitioning into the manufacturing business, particularly as a woman, has been a unique challenge to navigate. It has also been interesting to tackle the difficulties associated with keeping Stormy Kromer’s production in the U.S. while most manufacturing has shifted overseas,” Thorsen remarked.
Additionally, returning to an environment where she was still perceived as the “little girl” added another layer of complexity for Thorsen. Rebuilding her credibility and learning a new industry simultaneously while managing familial relationships within the company posed a significant challenge.
“Coming back to an environment where I was remembered as the ‘little girl’ was difficult,” Thorsen admitted. “Especially since I was striving to establish my credibility and expand my knowledge of a new industry. Navigating family dynamics while prioritizing the best interests of the business has been a part of that challenge as well.”
Overcoming these obstacles required Thorsen to focus on taking one step at a time. To enhance her credibility and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business, she began working in customer service—a role that provided her with invaluable insights into the various facets of the company and allowed her to listen to customer feedback firsthand. Thorsen also prioritized building intentional relationships within the Stormy Kromer community.
“I was deliberate in forming connections with our employees. I wanted to demonstrate my willingness to work alongside them and show how much I genuinely cared,” Thorsen explained.
Navigating the unfamiliar manufacturing industry presented a unique hurdle, but Thorsen faced it head-on. She approached the process with intention, ensuring she thoroughly understood the intricacies of the industry before assuming her leadership role. All of her efforts were directed towards making the transition seamless.
“It was crucial for me to work closely with my father over the course of several years as we gradually shifted roles. Strengthening our company from the inside out enabled us to make our products more than just commodities. We have built a brand that resonates with people on a deeper level,” Thorsen shared.
She firmly believes that effective communication is essential, even to the point of over-communication. Reinforcing this fundamental principle can yield remarkable results.
Thorsen emphasized the rewards of actively engaging in all areas of the company, even down to the production process. Throughout the pandemic, she was seen operating sewing machines and addressing customer inquiries, solidifying her position as a true leader. Thorsen asserts that this type of leadership fosters trust within the organization.
“Trust is earned through actions. I would never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself” Thorsen emphasized.
Furthermore, Thorsen recognized the importance of establishing clarity in defining roles, especially within a family business. She is mindful not to let business discussions bleed into family conversations. However, she proudly wears her Stormy Kromer Cap in both professional and personal settings.
When asked about advice for aspiring entrepreneurs at the outset of their careers, Thorsen offered the following words of wisdom: “Believe in yourself and your ideas.”
Thorsen acknowledged that there may be times when you are the only one who believes in your vision, and that is perfectly acceptable. Trusting your instincts and staying true to your company’s values is crucial.
Thorsen also stressed the significance of seeking external advice and expertise, but ultimately, following your intuition can serve as the ultimate tiebreaker.
Finally, she emphasized that success is not instantaneous and that occasional setbacks are inevitable. However, a willingness to put in the necessary effort and maintain consistency is key.
Gina Thorsen’s journey as the CEO of Stormy Kromer is an inspiring example of perseverance, adaptability, and effective leadership. Her commitment to building a brand with deep-rooted values and her dedication to fostering strong relationships with employees exemplify her remarkable achievements in running her family’s business.
As Thorsen continues to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape, she remains an influential trailblazer and an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.
If you would like to get in touch with Gina Thorsen or her company, you can do it through her – Linkedin Page