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Stephani Simon, CEO of Inprela Communications

A New Journey: Uncovering the Stories Behind Manufacturing Marketing Leaders

From as far back as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the intricacies of human dynamics and the subtleties of why people behave or react in certain ways. This innate curiosity has been a constant companion throughout my life, and it’s probably why I devoted my career to public relations. It’s a field that draws heavily upon psychology, sociology, and anthropology, attempting to weave together the tapestry of human experience and interaction. This mental gymnasium has always been a place of intrigue for me.

My professional purpose has always been clear: to champion people, to amplify their voices, and to support their individual experiences. This mission has guided me throughout my career and remains my compass today as I strive to tell stories that resonate, inspire, and make a tangible difference. And now, I’m writing a new chapter. One that takes me back to my roots and ignites a familiar sense of awe and wonder.

I remember being captivated watching my dad solve difficult problems with ingenuity and creativity in his construction company. On countless occasions, I witnessed him transform ideas into reality, project by project, improving people’s lives along the way. Back then, I never thought of it as manufacturing, but this early exposure planted a seed of fascination that followed me into my first job in PR with B2B manufacturing clients. Like many other marketers, I stumbled into manufacturing marketing. It has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion ever since.

Highlighting the human-side of manufacturing

Fast forward to today. My desire to understand the human stories that fuel innovation leads me to embark on a new journey—a blog series dedicated to uncovering the stories of marketing leaders who have dedicated their careers to working in the manufacturing sector. From adhesives to HVAC, composite materials to groundbreaking, advanced manufacturing technologies, this industry is brimming with untold stories of creativity, resilience, and transformative impact.

In this series, I want to shine a light on the people who are bringing awareness to the innovations that power our society. I want to understand why they do what they do; what motivates and scares them. I want to know the journey of how they got to where they are today. How they harness their team’s potential and how they address failure. I want to hear in their words how they push boundaries and redefine possibilities as marketing leaders. Most importantly, I want to show the human side of manufacturing—the dedication and passion that fuels these leaders to increase brand awareness, sell products and tell life-changing stories. 

What fascinates me most about manufacturing is the profound—yet often hidden—impact it can have on the world around us. These stories of leadership are not just about creating innovative products; they’re about solving real-world problems and improving lives. By focusing on the leaders who steer these initiatives, I hope to uncover the inspirations and aspirations that drive them.

Uncovering the intersection of human creativity & technical ingenuity

I’d be honored if you’d join me as we explore these stories together, uncovering the intersection where human creativity meets technical ingenuity. We’ll hear from those at the forefront of change, looking beyond the products and processes, to the people that help make them possible.

Our first story—scheduled to publish in April—features Amanda Gregory, marketing director at Design Ready Controls, a contract manufacturer of control panels that power HVAC systems, tractors and other complex machinery. We delve into the origins of her fascination with brand experiences and tell her unique story of moving from marketing fun and vibrant citrus fruit to critical yet unseen control panels.   

So, whether you’re a marketing enthusiast, intrigued by the marvels of manufacturing, or just curious about the innovations that shape our world, this blog series is for you. Our goal is to publish a new story every quarter, so be sure to follow Inprela’s social channels for updates. And if you have a story that is equal parts inspiration, innovation, and exploration, send us a note below.

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