The Next Generation – Junior BOD Interview | Rachel Krpec (Kosier)
In March’s WISE Jr. Board Member Interview, we are featuring Rachel Krpec (Kosier), a Commercial Planning Manager at Winland Foods.
Rachel’s journey in the store brand industry is a testament to the power of mentorship, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities for growth. As a newly appointed member of the WISE Junior Board, she brings her passion for talent development and mentorship to the forefront, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in the industry. Her story is particularly inspiring as we celebrate International Women’s Day—a time to recognize the impact of women like Rachel who are driving change, uplifting others, and paving the way for future industry professionals.
Learn more about Rachel’s journey in our latest interview with her!
WISE: Tell us a little about your background and experience in the Store Brand industry!
Rachel: I began my career in the store brand industry in 2016 as a customer service representative at Treehouse Foods. At the time, my decision to enter the industry was driven more by a desire to relocate to the area than by any specific knowledge of store brands. However, I soon discovered that this role would serve as a gateway to a career I would come to deeply appreciate and a new industry I would grow passionate about.
From my initial customer service position, I transitioned into a leadership role within customer service, while also pursuing a Master's degree in Supply Chain and Operations Management, driven by my increasing interest in the supply chain aspect of store brands. Over time, I moved into a sales operations role within the Food Away from Home sector, allowing me to explore a new channel. This experience ultimately led to my next career move in 2020, when I transitioned into a Division Commercial Planning role. This position allowed me to focus on category-specific details rather than consumer channels, providing further opportunities for professional growth.
Throughout this journey, and through several organizational changes, including a divestiture, I have had the privilege of working with Winland Foods over the past few years, managing various categories. Each step of my career has contributed to evolving knowledge and passion for this industry.
WISE: What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered in the private label space?
Rachel: Private label has really evolved over the last few years, which has been both a challenge and an opportunity in that it requires an open mind and a change in perception of private label from both the consumer, which has been happening naturally, and manufacturers, which can be difficult as we pivot from a somewhat reactionary environment to a proactive and innovative one.
WISE: Congratulations on being appointed to the WISE junior board! What does this role mean to you, and what are you most excited to contribute?
Rachel: I am incredibly excited to be a part of the junior board, and to serve the Talent Development committee. It was an honor to be chosen to work alongside a large group of individuals dedicated to a common vision with WISE. The opportunity to collaborate, contribute, and learn about empowering others and encouraging inclusive excellence is one I greatly look forward to in the coming year!
WISE: How has being part of WISE impacted your career, and what advice would you give to women looking to grow within the industry?
Rachel: My initial engagement with WISE occurred through participation in the Mentor Circle program, which I highly recommend to anyone not currently involved. The Mentor Circle program provides a profound impact on both one’s career and daily life—an effect I had not anticipated but now look forward to each year. It offers an invaluable platform for building confidence by facilitating interactions with individuals you may not have previously met in person. Additionally, it provides exposure to a diverse array of industry roles and organizational cultures, while fostering an environment where individuals at various stages of their careers can ask questions and cultivate genuine professional connections.
Around the same time, I began my involvement with WISE, my company launched its first Employee Resource Group (ERG). Having already participated actively in the Mentor Circle program, I felt empowered to take on a leadership role in the ERG launch, applying insights gained from WISE while simultaneously contributing my own experiences to the group. My advice to anyone seeking to grow within the industry is to take advantage of the resources available, even if only when time permits. Exposure to the perspectives and experiences of others is consistently valuable, as these insights often resonate with personal experiences or challenges that may arise in the future. These platforms also foster networking opportunities with amazing individuals!
WISE: What initiatives or programs within WISE do you feel are making the biggest impact in the store brands industry?
Rachel: One of the first initiatives I became aware of within WISE was the emphasis on attracting young professionals to participate and become members. Engaging with multiple generations within the industry, all working toward a shared goal, provides a unique and invaluable experience. This interaction benefits not only current members but also those entering the industry, offering them a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in their careers thus empowering the future of the industry as well.
WISE: Can you share a moment in your career when another woman’s mentorship or support made a meaningful difference for you?
Rachel: Over the years, I have been privileged to encounter numerous influential women whose support has significantly impacted the trajectory of my career. Among these, one experience stands out as particularly transformative: a moment when a strong female role model helped me recognize that I was not merely occupying a job but rather embarking on a purposeful career path. Upon entering the store brand industry, I was uncertain about my long-term professional goals. While I was content with my current position and the life I was building, thoughts of career advancement and the pursuit of long-term goals were only sporadically on my mind. At the time, I lacked confidence and clarity on what would be required to advance or how I might become qualified for more responsibility.
My manager at the time, however, recognized my eagerness to learn and my willingness to embrace new challenges. One day, instead of posing the typical question, "Where do you see yourself in five years?"—to which I would have had no definitive answer—she suggested, "You should apply for this leadership role." Although I was initially apprehensive, after several conversations, I applied for the role and embarked on a more defined career journey. This pivotal moment shifted my perception of opportunities and future potential, also highlighting the importance of reassuring others of their capabilities and encouraging them to recognize that with belief and determination, no opportunity is out of reach.