At Orgill, a ‘Rising Star’
When the nominations for 2023 Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply came flooding in to HBSDealer headquarters, judges noticed a trend: a lot of people were nominating Alisha Gray, Orgill’s purchasing manager.
The reviews were glowing. “Hard working and passionate,” said one nominator, adding: “If I had an open position, she would be the first person I would call. She would make my team even better from day one.”
“She's a natural-born leader,” says another. “Orgill is in a better place simply for having Alisha on the roster.”
A third says: “Alisha exudes intelligence and diligence in the hardline industry.”
In her role at Memphis, Tennessee-based Orgill, Alisha is responsible for replenishment of the Home Goods Category. The role includes a variety of item forecasting, item maintenance, initiating new items in the demand and fulfillment system, expediting orders, maintenance of service and inventory levels, and maintaining or improving vendor relationships.
She’s also active in ways that don’t always show up on the balance sheet. She takes part in the Women at Orgill group, and she’s a member of Orgill United Resource Group. Her newest designation is that of member of the 2023 Rising Stars of the Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply.
She shared her thoughts on a variety of career advancement topics in the following Q&A with HBSDealer.
HBSDealer: How did you get in the hardware and building supply business?
Gray: I started as a temporary employee in the credit department at Orgill in the summer of 2007. I had never heard of the company before but it was a job that I found interesting shortly after deciding to make Tennessee my new permanent home. Sixteen years later, I am still working with the company looking for ways to continue to grow and improve so I can deliver on the company’s mission to “Help customers be successful.”
HBSDealer: What do you like most about being in this industry?
Gray: I like that this industry is constantly growing and changing. There is always something new to learn and adapt to in this industry. Nothing stays the same long enough to get “comfortable” or complacent in what we do. There is always room for improvement and ways to better our processes and our businesses.
HBSDealer: What advice do you have for others?
Gray: Do not be afraid to grow and push yourself to a higher level. Do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help from others, especially those who have already walked the same path you are on. Trust yourself in the process. Most importantly, do not be afraid of the word “No.” “No” does not mean you can’t do it, it just means you might have to think of or find another way to do it. Be resilient.
HBSDealer: What motivates you?
Gray: My faith, my family, and my friends motivate me to do better and be better. Helping others is a huge motivator for me. I like to leave things and people in a better place than when I encountered them. I try to stay motivated by continuing to be my best self and giving my best effort every day.
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At the 2023 Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply event in Chicago, Nov. 15-16, Gray will participate in a panel presentation titled “Fresh Look – from the eyes of future leaders.” For more information, visit HbsdTopWomen.com.
