The Journey of Leslie Lowdermilk

Picture this: it’s 2010, and Leslie Lowdermilk is sitting in her hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, when a life-changing opportunity knocks on her door. Clickstop had just acquired Space Savers, a company Leslie had been with, and now they were offering her the chance to work remotely.

If you can imagine the scenario, remote work wasn’t the norm it is today. Leslie, like most of us would’ve been, was in disbelief. The idea of working from home seemed too good to be true—or just plain strange. “I honestly couldn’t even wrap my head around the concept,” Leslie shared. But here she was, crossing the threshold into a new world, stepping into the unknown as she accepted the role. She would later joke that she was the “VP of Technology for North Carolina,” pioneering a new way of working that would soon become the standard for many at Clickstop.

But this wasn’t just a story of adapting to remote work. Leslie was about to embark on a journey that would see her grow, face challenges head-on, and ultimately become an integral part of Clickstop’s success.

Navigating the Challenges

Leslie’s role on Clickstop’s Purchasing team was filled with opportunities, but it wasn’t without its hurdles. One of the biggest challenges she faced came during the pandemic when supply chain issues took the business world by storm. The stakes were high, and Leslie had to adapt quickly. “Communication, collaboration, vendor relationships—these took center stage,” Leslie said, recounting the time.

The complexity didn’t stop there. Leslie had come from the storage and organization industry, where she bought things she could see, touch, and use—things she was familiar with. Now, she found herself in the rigging and lifting industry, where nothing was intuitive. “I can probably count on one hand the things I currently buy that I have ever actually used,” Leslie admitted, humorously noting that she had to “make friends with those who had knowledge I could trust.”

“Leslie is one of the few Clickstop employees who has worked with nearly every vendor and toured their facilities to gain crucial supply chain insights. This knowledge is invaluable for negotiating prices and ensuring on-time deliveries. Additionally, Leslie is committed to working with ethical suppliers, rigorously ensuring they don’t cut corners or manipulate her into poor decisions. I can personally attest to her integrity.”

Allen DeHeck, Freight Director, 15 years with Clickstop

Operation Stock Up: Leslie’s Moment to Shine

Despite these challenges, Leslie didn’t back down. She leaned into her new world, gradually mastering the intricacies of Clickstop’s brands and their industries. Her involvement in significant projects like Operation Stock Up pushed her to a whole new level. “I laugh because I tell people it’s like working with your hair on fire!” she said of the high-paced, high-stakes environment. But it was this very work, done with an urgency and visibility she hadn’t experienced before, that brought her into the spotlight and earned her the Q2 Rock Star title.

“Leslie’s dedication to Clickstop along with her strategic mindset has come into play countless times.  She asks valuable questions to understand what we are trying to achieve then she leverages her experience and relationships with vendors to make it happen.  And she is always open to trying something new or asking for something that some vendors may think is unconventional.”

Tim Sanders, Business Development Consultant, 14 years with Clickstop

The Balancing Act: Kindness Meets Effectiveness

Yet, even as Leslie continued to excel, she faced another test: balancing her southern charm with the demands of her role. To her Clickstop colleagues, she is described as kind and full of grace. But ask her vendors, and they might have a different story. “They might also say expectant or demanding,” Leslie laughed, adding, “Pesky might be another word!” Still, this balance between kindness and effectiveness has become one of her trademarks, setting the tone for how she holds herself and others accountable at Clickstop.

“Gracious and authentic are two attributes that describe Leslie well. She has a genuine interest to develop and nurture relationships, building trust and comradery with those around her. She cares about the success of her teammates and Clickstop; showing up every day, engaged and willing to help others. For me, Leslie feels like family. She takes time to get to know you, and your family and truly values time with others.”

Sara Alden, Amazon Marketing Manager, 12years with Clickstop

As Leslie reflects on her journey, it’s clear that her success didn’t come from a single defining moment. Instead, it’s been the result of consistent, day-in, day-out dedication. “They had to learn to trust my abilities,” she explained. With each passing day, Leslie’s role evolved, expanding as her skills and interests grew.

What has kept Leslie going, you might wonder? For her, it’s all about having clear, high expectations and the drive to get things done. “Work with urgency!” she advises, adding that collaboration is key. And speaking of collaboration, Leslie believes in the power of teamwork. “Sticks in a bundle can’t be broken. We are stronger together than any individual part.”

“Leslie has had different leaders and team structures throughout her 14 years on our Purchasing Team. She doesn’t let that be an excuse for executing at a high level and working with a high level of ownership. She carries an optimistic outlook while balancing sharing her thoughts and perspective as she has ideas and convictions.”

Matt Mitchell, VP of Brand Development, 11 years with Clickstop

Advice from a Clickstop Rock Star

Now, with 14 years of experience at Clickstop under her belt, Leslie has some sage advice for anyone starting their career at Clickstop: embrace change, seek clarity, and, most importantly, get aligned with the company’s vision. “Get on board. Understand where you are going and pull in that direction,” she advises. And once you’ve made your mark, don’t forget to plan a Freedom Retreat!

Leslie’s journey is far from over, but her story is already an inspiring one. She’s a testament to the power of adaptability, collaboration, and consistency. From being hesitant about remote work to becoming an essential part of Clickstop, Leslie Lowdermilk has inspired those around her to raise the bar.