In honor of Women’s History Month, we are delighted to introduce some of our women in leadership at Nelson-Jameson. Take a look back at previous years features here: 2022, 2023.
Additionally, we're excited to share our recognition by the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) Women’s Alliance Network in this year's Red Circle Honors. Securing a runner-up position in the Achievement in Developing & Promoting Women category amidst strong competition is a testament to our commitment to advancing and supporting women within our organization and the broader community.
We're delighted to introduce the Nelson-Jameson Women In Leadership | Class of 2024.
"It's important to lead by example, have empathy, care about your colleagues and direct reports..."
Meet Jackie Bulkowski
Executive Director of Commercial Finance
My academic background:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
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Masters of Business Administration - Emphasis in International Business & Management
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Masters of Professional Accountancy - Emphasis in International Business
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Bachelors of Business Administration - Accounting
Professional Certifications:
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Certified Public Accountant in the state of Wisconsin
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Certified Fraud Examiner
My professional background:
I started my career at the Big Four and spent several years auditing manufacturing clients across the Midwest. From there, I spent 10+ years working at several manufacturing companies in the Milwaukee area. I started at Nelson-Jameson in the fall of 2023 as the Executive Director of Commercial Finance and I support the Sales Teams. I have experience in general accounting, strategic pricing, internal audit and controls, sales operations, continuous improvement, program management, data analytics, commercial finance, merger integrations, international business, and other areas. I excel in delivering results, handling confidential matters, improving data transparency, creating tools and dashboards, and thinking outside the box.
A milestone of my career:
Becoming the Treasurer for the Meta House Board of Directors. I think it's important to give back in any way that you can.
What brought me to Nelson-Jameson:
I've been at Nelson-Jameson for five months. The people and culture is what attracted me to Nelson-Jameson! I had the pleasure of working with several Nelson-Jameson employees at my prior employer and enjoyed those interactions. When I got to know the company more and how they put their people first, I was sold! I'm happy to be part of the team!
My motivation to be a leader:
My motivation for stepping into a leadership role was my desire to take on additional responsibilities, lead by example, coach others, and to work collectively to achieve the Company's 5-year strategic goals.
My role model on my way to leadership:
Toward the beginning of my career, there was a female leader who was impactful. She had a great work/life balance, drove results and was an amazing Mom. In my opinion, she had it all! She inspired me to be the best that I can be - both professionally and personally, and grow into the leader that I am today. I think it's important to have a healthy work/life balance and to excel in both aspects of your life.
My advice for women aspiring to be future leaders:
It's important to lead by example, have empathy, care about your colleagues and direct reports and work collectively to achieve the desired outcomes. Continue to develop yourself professionally and find a mentor who can provide guidance and open your mind to other possibilities.
"Set goals—daily, monthly, yearly. Believe in yourself!"
Meet Sally Guldan
Manager of Inventory Control
My academic background:
2 years of Business Management Classes
My professional background:
30+ Years in Operational Experience
A milestone of my career:
Successfully completing Access Database Schooling and Building Databases for different areas (Ops, Merchandising, Retail,etc) within a former employer.
What brought me to Nelson-Jameson:
My motivation to be a leader:
I wanted to be able to be a leader that our workers could identify with, that would listen, and try my hardest to make their workplace enjoyable and fulfilling.
My role model on my way to leadership:
I had a former manager that was inspiring in how he managed people. He was never too busy to listen and advise without telling you what to do. I wanted to emulate that.
My advice for women aspiring to be future leaders:
Set Goals -Daily, Monthly, Yearly and Believe in Yourself!
"Being a role model is instrumental in success."
Meet Heather Simcakoski
VP of Employee Experience
My academic background:
SHRM, Military - Legal Administration
My professional background:
Leader of EX & CX, as well as quality and admin teams
A milestone of my career:
Working for Nelson-Jameson, and being able to contribute to a variety of teams
What brought me to Nelson-Jameson:
Great reputation and culture
My motivation to be a leader:
Inspiring people and leadership through inspiration
My role model on my way to leadership:
One of my leaders early on was not only my biggest supporter but provided valuable candid leadership that helped develop my skills and shape my future in leadership into what it is today
My advice for women aspiring to be future leaders:
Being a role model is instrumental in success.
"I enjoy stepping into leadership roles in all aspects of my life. It feels good to build a team and work together to accomplish a shared goal."
Meet Tammy Solberg
Manager of Accounting - AP
My academic background:
I have a Bachelors of Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from UW-River Falls. I will graduate with an Associates Degree in Accounting this May from Mid-State Technical College. I was also recently accepted into the Accounting program at UW-Stevens Point to continue on to get my Bachelors of Accounting this fall.
My professional background:
I started my professional career right out of college as an Office Manager at Ashley Furniture in Woodbury, MN. There I ran daily, quarterly, and annual reporting for the store, as well as individual sales staff. I then transitioned to Welcome Dairy in Colby, WI as the Accounts Payable manager. In this role I focused on Accounts Payable functions including bill paying, receiving all incoming ingredients, and aided in purchasing of packaging. In 2018 I accepted an Accounting Generalist position with Nelson-Jameson. In this role, I aided both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions in daily activity. I also completed all accounting functions for Kaestner, Nelson-Jameson's subsidiary. In 2022 I was promoted into the position of Manager of Accounting-AP with Nelson-Jameson. In this role I have worked to make the department as efficient as possible.
A milestone of my career:
My first step into accounting with Ashley Furniture. I had little experience in the accounting world and was joining the job market at the start of the recession. I very quickly fell in love with the puzzle that is accounting work and the challenges it brings. I am glad that I found myself in this career path whether intentional or not.
What brought me to Nelson-Jameson:
My motivation to be a leader:
I enjoy stepping into leadership roles in all aspects of my life. It feels good to build a team and work together to accomplish a shared goal. I like to work towards excelling my career and always strive to keep moving forward towards new goals and challenges.
My role model on my way to leadership:
I have been incredibly lucky in my career to find myself working with boss' that have been willing to teach and help me grow in the accounting field. They have all pushed me in my roles, allowing the space to complete challenges and work outside my comfort zone. Mark Kroening, with Nelson-Jameson, was very patient with me and taught me the ins and outs of the department at a rate that I was able to consume and soak in information. My current boss, Mike Wilke, allows me room to learn and grow, motivating me on a daily basis to increase my knowledge. Having good leadership in my everyday life has opened my eyes to the type of leader that I aspire to be.
My advice for women aspiring to be future leaders:
Be willing to know your worth and show it through your work and dedication to your career. Women are complex and pulled in many directions on a daily basis. We are capable of leading in a positive way, while being a team player and successful. Be willing to push yourself out of social norms and challenge yourself with endeavors that may scare and challenge you. At the end of the day we are either successful or we learned from the experience, and we are able to apply that to the next challenge.
"It's important not only to find the right role to fill, but find the right organization that supports you..."
Meet Missy Servant
Director of Recruiting and Talent Management
My academic background:
BA - Exercise Science; MS - Kinesiology; PhD - Leadership Studies
My professional background:
Nearly 20 years prior of instruction and administrative leadership in higher education; enjoying my first year here at NJ.
A milestone of my career:
Serving as the President of the Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership (WWHEL) group from 2020-2023.
What brought me to Nelson-Jameson:
My motivation to be a leader:
I enjoy supporting people and processes. I enjoy working with others to create "new" and "reimagine" systems and processes towards improvement.
My role model on my way to leadership:
Brene Brown - such an amazing researcher/story-teller. Her work has always inspired me to face challenges from various perspectives and view myself and others with an open mind, heart, and with grace.
My advice for women aspiring to be future leaders:
It is important to not only find the right role(s) to fill, but more important to find the right "fit" organization and organizational culture that supports you as an employee and overall as a person.
"I have always enjoyed assisting others with their career growth..."
Meet Wendy Johnson
Director of Safety and Corporate Compliance
My academic background:
I have 3 technical college certificates ranging from cosmetology to advanced management. I also hold several certifications, such as PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), SQF Practitioner, and SQF Lead Auditor.
My professional background:
I have held multiple roles at Nelson-Jameson, from customer service to product administrator to my current position as director of safety and corporate compliance. I was also in the food service industry for over 10 years, managing a deli for part of that time and holding a certification in food safety.
A milestone of my career:
The one accomplishment that changed my career is our SQF (Safe Quality Food) program. I had heard the buzz about SQF back in 2008 and brought it to management as an opportunity we may want to explore. I was given the go-ahead, and little did I know at the time, it would dominate and lead my career. We have been SQF registered for over 12 years and now have three DCs on board, with Jerome joining this year. It has been aggravating and exhilarating all at the same time. Working with multitudes of people, including auditors, has given me an amazing feeling of accomplishment, in addition to helping me overcome a fear of public speaking.
What brought me to Nelson-Jameson:
I came to Nelson-Jameson in 1998 looking for something new. With a young family, I wanted to move into a job that did not have night, weekend, or holiday hours. I didn't know that the time my new job would become a fulfilling career that I have enjoyed for over 25 years.
My motivation to be a leader:
As the oldest of four siblings, I am a natural leader. If you ask them, they may say bossy; I say leader. Silliness aside, I was in management at my previous job for over five years. I have always enjoyed assisting others with their career growth and want to be someone that they can rely on and look up to. I have enjoyed each day of my 25 + years. I am challenged by daily adventures and strive to provide management and leadership to my team. Their success makes me joyful.
My role model on my way to leadership:
I can not say that I have a role model. I have a great deal of respect for many people who have molded me over the years. They have helped me grow both personally and professionally, creating a fire within me to make each day better than the last.
My advice for women aspiring to be future leaders:
"Just do it." Well, I suppose Nike actually said that, but it is a great message. Get up, get out there, and do it!
