Ellicia Klett, 31
Warehouse Manager
Dakota Supply Group*
Ellicia started her career at Dakota Supply in 2019 as a counter associate. She was quickly promoted to counter supervisor and then to warehouse manager in August 2020.
Ellicia came to DSG from a background in the industry—although not from the distribution side. “I was an electrician from 2009 to 2019,” she said, explaining that knee issues led to the decision to sell electrical instead of installing it. “I heard about DSG and decided to apply. I was really interested in the counter position because I would be selling to electricians and could talk to them about their projects.”
Asked about a problem the industry is currently facing, Ellicia pointed to the supply chain problems caused by the pandemic. “Everyone is feeling this—the need for product,” she said. “Our purchasing agents were great at foreseeing the problems that may arise from the pandemic. I personally don’t have much control over the cost of product and getting product in from our vendors. All I can do is assure our customers that we are doing the best that we possibly can and, when applicable, offer different products they may want since I know the industry. No matter the situation, we need to be able to provide our customers with product. Without that, they cannot continue their businesses”
When asked what she would tell someone just entering the industry, she had this advice: “Set goals and tell your management your goals. Letting them know will help them help you to reach them. They can’t help you on something they don’t know about.”
*At the time of this interview, Ellicia was planning a move that would take her away from DSG—but plans to remain in the electrical industry. “I will be continuing my electrical knowledge and have some opportunities that I am currently looking into,” she said.
When she’s not working, Ellicia spends time hunting, fishing, snowmobiling—“anything that gets me outside,” she said. “I also have a puppy that keeps me on my toes, and I love to go to antique shops and refurbish items I find.”
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2021 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2021 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people