2020 Women in Print and Promo: Stephanie Doty, Discount Labels

STEPHANIE DOTY
Director of Estimating
Discount Labels, New Albany, Ind.

Expert, essential, mentor—these are just a few of the words Stephanie Doty’s peers use to describe her. Doty recently celebrated her 30th anniversary with the supplier, which is an accomplishment in itself, given the uncertainties of a tumultuous economy and shifting consumer demands she has experienced along the way.

Doty’s print career was not born from a lifelong love of the craft; Discount Labels’ local reputation as “employee-friendly” and an overall “great place to work” is what drew her to apply. But the passion soon followed.

“Although I have been with the same company over the course of my 30-year career, I’ve held various positions from order entry clerk at the beginning of my career in 1989, to order processing supervisor, account development manager, business development manager, and my current role as director of estimating,” she said. “Throughout my career, Discount Labels has offered opportunity for personal growth and leadership development within our company and our industry.

Today, Doty is responsible for all pricing structures, ensuring Discount Labels remains competitive. She also oversees a skilled estimating and sourcing team, a variety of strategic vendor relationships and new product development.

What Brings Her Joy Professionally and Personally
I’m a problem solver and nothing gives me more joy than helping customers develop a creative product solution for difficult applications. This carries over into my personal life where I enjoy supporting my family with constructive support in achieving their dreams and aspirations.

Her Proudest Career Achievement
Celebrating my 30-year anniversary with Discount Labels was a great personal achievement, not because of the duration, but because after all these years I still have a passion for our industry and look forward to work each day. Like any job, there are difficult days, but in the end, it is a feeling of accomplishment to continually grow and develop personally and to mentor those around me.

On Working in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
Although I have experienced gender bias working within the general industry, I’m honored to say that Discount Labels has always been a female-friendly employer. I’m proud to share that our current workforce is actually 54 percent female. The Discount Labels culture, which I among other senior leaders have cultivated, is family-friendly, and success is earned through performance.

Her Job Advice to Women
This is a great industry if you are passionate, willing to work hard and, above all, are decisive. As a woman in a predominantly male industry, you must be confident in yourself; don’t hesitate to express your opinion, but always remain highly professional.

Her Favorite Leader
Condoleezza Rice because she broke the glass ceiling with tremendous poise and self-confidence. I can’t imagine the gender bias she must have overcome in the 1980s and 1990s to reach the pinnacle of her career.

Her Upcoming Goals
I have exciting plans for several new product launches and positioning the company for growth during unprecedented times.

How She Maintains a Work/Life Balance
I’m very blessed with a family that has always supported my career choices. Like most successful people in this industry, I work many hours, but I flex my schedule to “be present in the moment” for family time. This may mean getting to the office early to attend an evening school event, or working late into the night after family dinner. I’m a list person, and I’ve found it’s important to set priorities and always make time for the people and activities at the top of your list. Just as important, realize it’s OK if you don’t complete everything on that list. Success is not checking every box; it is finding balance and living in the moment. I learned early on that a working mother cannot possibly do everything asked of her, so be selective, attend the events that have meaning to you and your family, spend time with the ones you love, and accept that some things will not rise to the level of importance that receive your valuable time and attention. And this is OK!

Read the complete Women in Print and Promo feature here.