#meetFlexe is an ongoing series profiling the individuals that make up the Flexe team. To learn more about Flexe, visit www.flexe.com/company
This post has been updated on 3/12/2020
What’s your role at Flexe?
I am the Senior Vice President of Operations.
Tell us about yourself and your background.
I’m from a small, rural town in Minnesota (no stoplights, lots of corn). One of the best decisions I made was to attend the University of Wisconsin — Madison where I knew no one. I fell in love with that city. And, it was in college that I first realized that if you are passionate about something, it doesn’t feel like work. That is how I approach every day.
Flexe provides a place where I really feel like I can add value every day. I feel so lucky to work with these incredible people that I almost need to pinch myself that I get to be a part of this team.
What excites you most about the logistics industry?
Every company with physical goods is trying to have the right product at the right place at the right time. I love helping companies of different sizes and at different stages tackle this universal challenge. I’m addicted to problem-solving, and I have yet to run out of interesting problems to solve in logistics.
With Flexe, I think there is just unlimited potential to what we could do. The opportunity is huge. The business model we have is genius, and now, we just need to go execute.
What’s your favorite part about Seattle?
Hands down it’s the mountains and the water. I take the train to work and it is a daily reminder of how beautiful the Puget Sound is and how lucky I am to live here. It was also easy to trade in blizzards and below-freezing temperatures for a little rain.
Why did you choose to work for Flexe?
Flexe has all of the things I look for in a company. Strong leadership, a great team, huge potential and a vision I believe in. The deal was sealed after meeting our founders. Their passion is contagious, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this company and what we are building. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part Flexe.
What makes being on your team at Flexe great?
My goal is to understand the individual strengths on my team. I strive to remove any blockers for them so they can do what they do best. This is such a special stage for Flexe because every person has the opportunity to make a huge impact and influence the path we take as a company. There is nothing more satisfying than for someone to say, “this outcome was better because of the value I added.” My job is to recognize that and make sure they know how appreciated they are. Oh, and we make sure to have a lot of fun along the way.
As a leader, I tend to be very open and honest. I prefer direct and candid communication. I think it’s super important to be in touch with the challenges that your team experiences, to empathize with them, and then take the action to help solve the problem.
“Megan is never far-removed from the inherent challenges Ops face, and she’s always there to support us and help us figure out the best solution.” — Katherine Sautter, Flexe Senior Project Manager, on working with Megan
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love camping and hiking with my family. We got a canoe this year and had a great time going to different lakes around Washington. My kids are avid softball and baseball players so we are always playing catch in the backyard. My son recently started hockey so we’ve been spending a lot of time on the rink, which is super fun.
What organizations are important to you and why?
I’ve been a long-time supporter of Solid Ground, a Seattle non-profit that focuses on ending poverty and giving people the opportunity to thrive. One of their programs is an “Adopt-A-Mom” program that supports single moms and their families. My mom passed away when I was in my early twenties and, since I can’t spoil her on Mother’s Day, I feel lucky to help moms who are juggling so much. I have a lot respect for single parents.
If you had your own personal warehouse and could fill it with any one thing, what would it be?
Doughnuts. I can’t imagine anything better than walking into a warehouse filled with the smell of doughnuts. Specifically, apple fritters and maple bars.
Favorite buzzword?
Get Shit Done. There is always an endless list of things that need to happen, you just need to roll up your sleeves and jump in.
Hear more from Megan in Seattle Business Magazine’s Daring Women Column. Find more #meetFlexe profiles here.
