Episode 151: ‘Building Her Future’ with Allison Giddens
In this episode:
Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are joined by special guest Allison Giddens from Win-Tech Inc, a leader in the manufacturing industry. Allison shares her remarkable story of how she transitioned from an assistant to an owner at Win-Tech. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the impact of women in manufacturing, the importance of allyship, and how innovative projects at Win-Tech can inspire others to enter the field. Allison also provides valuable advice for the next generation looking to build a career in manufacturing. The episode highlights the significance of saying 'yes' to opportunities and trusting one's gut instinct. Additionally, it touches on the various benefits of being a part of Women in Manufacturing, an organization dedicated to supporting women in the industry. Thanks for Listening!
Supported by: Hill Electric
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:37 Allison Giddens' Journey: From Assistant to Owner
03:29 Challenges and Triumphs in Manufacturing
06:49 The Importance of Allyship
10:44 Innovative Projects at Win-Tech
12:29 Women in Manufacturing: Building a Community
17:29 Advice for the Next Generation
19:26 Conclusion and Contact Information
About Allison:
Allison Krache ("Kray-chee") Giddens worked for small business manufacturer Win-Tech, an aerospace precision machine shop in Kennesaw, Georgia before buying the company with her business partner in 2020. From assistant to co-owner over the course of almost 19 years, Allison now leads as COO and leads business operations while her business partner, John Hudson, leads sales and the shop floor.
Allison also helped found the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing. She currently serves on The National Defense Industry Sharing & Analysis Center as a Small Business Working Group co-lead and Board Member. She also serves on the National Tooling & Machining Association as the Southeastern Region Trustee. Whether it’s government policy or local initiative, Allison is an advocate for small businesses.
Allison is actively involved in several local Chamber of Commerce initiatives – if she named them all, we’d be here until October. She is the current Board Chair for LiveSafe Resources, a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter. Allison is the Founder of The Dave Krache Foundation, a nonprofit that helps metro Atlanta kids play kids when their families cannot afford the full registration fees. She lives in Marietta, Georgia, with her ever-patient husband and a cat who thinks she’s a dog.
