Under 40: Alexandrea Wood, Launchpad Intelligent Software LLC

Alexandrea Wood, 25
Account Manager
Launchpad Intelligent Software LLC, Austell, Ga.

Alexandrea Wood may be young, but don’t be fooled: She has ambitions that transcend the small Georgia town from where she hails. In fact, her rule of thumb has always been to abandon the comfort zone. A graduate from Northgate High School in Sharpsburg, Ga., Wood started out as an order writer for a printing company when she was 21.

“It was not a path I sought on my own,” she admitted. “It was a chance for an interview and a job that I desperately needed.”

During that time, she worked hard toward sharpening her skills and achieving her idea of professionalism. Her dedication paid off. Three years later, she accepted a customer care specialist position at Launchpad Intelligent Software LLC, and her role has evolved with the growing company. Stay tuned!

Why she loves the industry: The few years I have with the industry have presented many things upfront. First off, the camaraderie within the print and promotional world is exceptional. The folks that I have met have turned into valued friends and partners for life. I have been amazed to see how so many different items can constitute as a promotional product—and that’s probably my favorite—how vast the industry can span.

Age roadblocks and advantages: Challenges for me have consisted of building experience. I have had no prior knowledge of the print and promotional industry, nor was I savvy on the processes involved with setting up online stores (which is what our platform, Liftoff, helps to achieve). The flip side of the coin is my starving attitude toward learning all that I can. In fact, my age is possibly the best advantage that I have. I am still eager to learn, and the resources I have within the team at Launchpad are always willing to provide insight and explanation. Landing in a field that happens to be fun for me is a blessing to find at such a young age, and I look forward to being able to tack on more experiences as I grow with Launchpad.

Her biggest career influence: Hands down, the president of Launchpad, Andrew Alford, has been my mentor for many years, even prior to [my] landing a job with his team. One of the first conversations we had when he brought me in was my lack of experience and knowledge in, not only the print and promotional industry, but also with what it meant to provide e-commerce solutions. I hate to say it now, but I was skeptical of myself and wondered if I could be a beneficial addition to the team. His words of positivity and faith in my character pushed me to see what I could offer. It’s turned out to be the biggest chance I have taken with myself, and I have gained confidence in finding my ‘career’.

Her most meaningful business accomplishment: The most meaningful accomplishment in my career thus far has been the ability to find confidence in myself. As a woman in my ’20s, it’s sort of the time in life when we are forced to accept and love [ourselves]. Seeing hard work pay off and feeling that sense of pride is something through which I am humbled.

Her differentiating factor: We’re in an industry that needs technology and a better understanding of it. It’s being used to streamline processes, drive efficiency and make the customer experience as simple as possible. Technology is also considered expensive, difficult to implement and hard to manage in an industry where today’s technology becomes obsolete so quickly. Our approach is to simplify and demystify technology and help equip distributors with an incredibly powerful toolset that won’t hurt their wallets. Customer service comes first; we aren’t successful unless you are, too.

What she does for fun: My first job was being a whitewater rafting guide on the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee, so regular mountain trips or camping getaways are a necessity in life. I enjoy music and have a passion for poetry. My boyfriend and I go to the city often for live music shows or cheering on Atlanta United FC.

Read the complete list of Print+Promo Under 40 honorees here.