“Sorry, that was an emergency.” That’s how our long-time VP of Merchandising, Meg Hellerstedt, explained why she left a conversation to hit the dance floor at our latest Sylvane holiday party.
In addition to being the first one on the dance floor, Meg has been a dedicated employee at Sylvane since she was hired in 2006. Fast forward to 2018, and it was just announced that Meg is taking over as President of Sylvane.
While we’re quite familiar with Meg and her impressive work ethic, we’d like our followers to get to know her better too. We sat down with her as she embarks on her new journey as President. Check out the interview to learn more about her experience with the company, her goals moving forward, and the music she may describe as an “emergency” situation:
How did you get started at Sylvane? What was your first impression?
Back in 2006, Sylvane operated out of a single room office in a strip mall near my house. The four current employees were set up in separate desks around the room and I interviewed at a card table near the door. So, first impressions of Sylvane headquarters were pretty neutral. My first impressions of the owner, however, were quite different. Steve and I had a great conversation during my interview and I instantly knew everything I needed to know about Sylvane and its long-term potential. 
What are you most looking forward to learning as President?
I’m really looking forward to just getting to know this company from a whole new perspective. I’m used to digging into the inner workings of the merchandising department and coming up with strategies and initiatives, and now it will be fun to step back and go through that same process with the bigger picture in mind. I’m also excited learn more about all of the other Sylvane departments - how each of our teams operate and what tools they need to be even more successful. We have an amazing group of people working at Sylvane and they are truly inspiring.
Do you have any specific goals or changes in mind heading into 2018?
I have a lot of goals and ideas, but really my main goal is to continue to thoughtfully grow Sylvane with our customers and employees top-of-mind. We’ve achieved a lot in our 17 years, but there is still so much potential for growth and improvement, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
Will you still be in charge of the Sylvane team in our 2018 Sylvane Olympic Games?
Would it surprise you to know that I already have some games in mind? I simply love any opportunity to do something new and completely different with your coworkers, even if it’s only for an hour or two. And if there’s a little friendly competition involved... you can always count me in. Meg led our inaugural 2014 Sylvane Games. Watch the fun:
At our holiday party, you were the first on the dance floor. What is your favorite band/music to dance to?
If “Dancing Queen”, “Stayin’ Alive”, or anything from the movie Grease comes on, you pretty much have to chain me down to keep me off the dance floor. I’ll dance to just about anything though!
Do your three sons think you're “cooler” now that you're leading the company?
Cooler? I wish! I will say that when I talked to each of the boys about my promotion, they were supportive and proud. It was a sweet moment but they probably haven’t considered my cool factor much since. Sylvane has allowed me the flexibility over the years to tailor my work-life around their schedules so that I can largely be at home when they are home. And judging from the number of socks and clothes they leave on the floor, I think sometimes they forget I work at all!
From a card table interview to the “big office”, congratulations to Meg for being named President of Sylvane. We’re excited to see where 2018 takes her -- and the entire company -- as we continue growing this year.
Learn more about Meg’s professional experience at Sylvane in the press release announcing her new role.
