Women of Winnebago: Behind-the-Scenes Insights & Inspiration

Women of Winnebago: Behind-the-Scenes Insights & Inspiration
Meet some of the employees who help make Winnebago an industry leader.

By: GoLife Staff

With March being Women’s History Month, this is the perfect time to introduce you to some of the amazing women who are part of the Winnebago team. From product designers and marketers to engineers and inventory managers, these Winnebago women are integral to the company’s success. 

Read more about their roles, career wins, and their insights for other women wanting to excel in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.

Kim Mann, Senior Manager of Design

As Senior Manager of Design, Kim is in charge of all the aesthetic pieces inside the coach. 

“I lead a group of seven talented designers who not only chose colors and fabrics, but who influence fit and finish, furniture design (including how it operates), creating differentiators that challenge the status quo, track design trends in residential, automotive, resort living and private jets, and stay above the curve in trends. 

We are really excited to have one of our team, Lisa Wick, become a recently certified Leed designer. She is helping us resource sustainable, recyclable products. My team is amazing and includes industrial design, interior design, and upholstery design.”

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: Growing and developing engaged designers is my greatest personal “win.” One of my designers, Cass Linn, was a CAD designer and we had never used renderings before to evaluate interior designs. I asked her to figure it out and let me know how I could support her. 

In less than six months, she was producing photo-realistic images using CAD data for accuracy. She is so talented and way more techy than me. This improvement to our process, speed to market, and ability to get early input is a real pride point for me - which I really owe to my team.

Our all-electric eRV2 prototype interior is something at which I can point to and say that is what excellence looks like. Once again, this was a team effort between a new-to-the-field designer, Lisa Wick, and “Super Pro” industrial designer, Matt Unger. 

Being a manager, it is difficult to pinpoint a personal win because it really takes a village. For example, without our engineers, like Jeff Lewison, all of this would be make-believe. While we envision the future, it’s the engineering team who has to make it work.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: I came from the residential field and worked with construction crews to ensure my designs were executed as planned. That was a great training ground for learning how to operate in a male-dominated field. 

In that case, and in some cases now, I have to speak up until I’m heard – which can be awkward. My passion to get the product right outweighs my desire to be liked. Hopefully, that gets recognized – if not at first, eventually, as a redeemable quality. 

Learning how to position yourself in a group in a conference room or on the manufacturing floor also helps. I’m only five feet tall, so as you can imagine, I have to push my way up front if I want to see. 

One great asset here at Winnebago is the training we get through our Women’s Inclusion Network. We are trained how to support each other. If in a meeting, “Suzy” keeps trying to say something and isn’t being heard, myself or another female or even our WIN male members will make sure she is recognized and heard: “I believe Suzy has something to say; let’s hear her out.” 

Allyship is a culture that is growing in our industry to support diversity and make sure all voices are heard. It is no secret that if you look at our new RV consumers there are a lot of women in the role of making or influencing buying decisions. Of course it’s smart to listen to them as we develop and improve product.

[About The Winnebago Industries Women’s Inclusion Network: “WIN” supports the professional development of women by encouraging access to learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities with the goals of increasing women’s sense of belonging and the percentage of women in leadership roles within our business. Membership is open to all employees.]

Deb Larson, Planning Manager

As the planning manager at Winnebago, Deb Larson is in charge of making sure all manufactured parts that go into the motorhomes are ordered correctly. “I’m in the production side where the motorhomes go down the line and the parts go in, but I’m also heavily involved with the manufacturing buildings.”

Deb started working for Winnebago in 1983 and has spent the majority of that time at the Northern Iowa motorhome plant in different planning-focused roles. She started when her oldest daughter went to kindergarten and didn’t expect to make it a career, but moved her way up through various planning roles and has been Planning Manager for about 18 months. 

“Forty years ago, when I started, I think I worked on the floor for a year. Then I started getting different jobs with inventory and planning and worked my way up.” 

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: I’m proud of being part of the Microsoft D365 project journey startup and working to switch over to that system and train everyone. I was heavily involved in Cycle One of implementing the new program, which helps us plan what parts we’ll need more efficiently. 

Two years ago, we started Cycle One, and since then, we’ve improved a great deal. Now we’re on Cycle Three, and being part of this has probably been my biggest accomplishment here.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: In my 40 years here, I’ve always worked hard, and I always wanted to achieve more. So, I always took on more. I think, whether you are male or female, you earn respect with people, and then they trust your judgment. I’ve never had much difficulty and have achieved a lot. 

I think I’ve gained respect from a lot of people here at Winnebago. They come to me for a lot of different reasons, mainly help in planning. If you are a manager of operations, you know how to run day to day operations of the areas, but I know how to plan the parts. We each have our expertise in what we do. I found my niche here with inventory and planning. 

I just feel I gained respect here by working hard, and I learn something new every single day. I do really like what I do, and I like the people I work with. I have a great team.

Cathy Florea, Shipout Manager

Cathy has risen through the ranks on Winnebago’s operations side. As Shipout Manager, her role is to maintain Winnebago’s shipping goals safely and with a quality product. 

Shipout Manager tasks include making sure all units have an alignment, go through the water test booth, move through the complex to the designated workstations, and have a final quality inspection prior to going to the drive-away company for delivery. Cathy also oversees the truck maintenance area, helps to get show and product training units completed, and leads a variety of other critical tasks. 

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: In September of 2015, I accepted the job of Shipout Manager. The first quarter was spent learning how the process worked in Shipout to gain more insight on what we could change to help make quarter goals. I remember having a conversation with my previous boss about how I was going to change the current process. He informed me that wasn’t going to work but allowed me to proceed with the process. 

When the 2016 second quarter ended, we had made our shipping goal. I give credit to my supervisors and their teams for making this happen, as it was an adjustment to how the previous process worked. I had to razz my former boss about how the process worked out when he didn’t think it would.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: Always present your information with data that supports the facts. The more you can back up your message with the data/facts, the more credible your reputation becomes. 

If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Never give up, hold your head high and believe in yourself.

Kim Weckert, Director of Digital Customer Experience 

Kim leads all of Winnebago’s digital customer experience. “I have the privilege to listen to our consumers and dealers to envision, enhance, and refine our customer experiences using technology. My team designs, develops, and supports digital products, such as our website, mobile app, and in-coach IOT devices.”

She is also a proud mother of two adult children, a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, and a global traveler. Kim’s love for adventure started at an early age while camping with her grandparents in a Winnebago. She later developed a passion for overlanding and has traversed many miles through the backcountry via snowmobile, off-road vehicle, and motorcycle.

“I have traveled extensively with family, visiting nearly all 50 states and exploring 26 national parks. My adventurous spirit and love for exploration have allowed me to experience some of the world's most beautiful and remote locations.”

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: Being in the recreational industry for over 30 years, I am grateful that I have been a part of several transformational experiences, which have been very rewarding both personally and professionally.

Before Winnebago, one “win” was launching the first rider digital experience platform, which allows users to plan, track, and share with a mobile app that integrates with the vehicle and display unit. 

It’s a personal and professional win because it was innovative and first to market, but it also leveraged my experience with the off-road community and passion for the ride. Over 12 years later, it’s humbling to see how an idea morphed into full product adoption, with more than one million miles of trails.

Another key “win” in my career is becoming part of the Winnebago family. I joined three years ago, not only because of the iconic brand but their commitment to pioneering innovation and focus on customer experiences. I work with a team of remarkable individuals who share the same passion for pushing boundaries. 

It has been a privilege to be part of this movement behind the all-electric RV. I am proud of the teamwork to successfully launch the eRV2 prototype in Tampa this January 2023, and the start of the #eVanLife movement.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: Being a woman leader in a male-dominated industry can add an extra layer of complexity to challenges. To succeed, it takes being unflappable, fearless, and willing to push for change.

Being unflappable means remaining calm, composed, and in control in the face of adversity. It requires the ability to handle unexpected setbacks, overcome obstacles, and keep moving forward. 

Fearlessness, on the other hand, involves the willingness to take risks, speak up, and stand up for what you believe in. It requires the courage to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and innovate in new and bold ways. 

While I can attest women are more accepted in male-dominated occupations than 20+ years ago, and certainly a lot has changed, there remains an opportunity to continue building diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Find a good mentor and seek out allies who can support and advocate for you. Join groups like our Winnebago Women’s Inclusion Network, or another organization like Society of Women Engineers, that helps provide great education, insights, and support.

Part of my success, I believe, is attributed to a core belief: Do what is right, love with mercy, walk humbly, and (as Eleanor Roosevelt said) “do something that scares you every day.”

We all have activities or situations that we avoid because we’re afraid or feel uncomfortable. Living a life of significance and creating a career with a positive impact isn’t found in easy or comfortable things. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone.

My best advice for women is to look beyond self-doubt and fear! Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. It requires a mental reframing that failure is nothing but feedback, and feedback is incredibly valuable. 

Be patient and persistent. While it can be challenging, don’t give up on your aspirations. Face the fear, embrace discomfort, seek out opportunities, and advocate for yourself. When you triumph (and you will!), you continue to build strength, courage, and confidence to continue to reach your dreams!

Emily Christian, Senior Specialist of Product Marketing

Emily’s role as Senior Specialist of Product Marketing is focused on Winnebago’s campervan and Class C products (like the Solis, Revel, and EKKO). She works closely with the product and engineering teams to develop messaging for new (and current) products. 

“I also help to produce studio photography, lifestyle photography, and video content that not only promotes the product but also how-to video content that helps support new owners (or those new to the RV space). In addition, I attend/support a variety of outdoor shows like Overland Expo, Sea Otter Classic, and more.

My favorite part of the job though is the opportunity and time spent traveling and living out on the road with the team and/or real-life owners in a variety of vans. Having that ability to experience the lifestyle and understand the euphoria (as well as the frustrations) has only improved my ability to craft the message and has made it that much more personal.”

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: I’ve been part of some incredible product launches at Winnebago, from the Solis to the EKKO to the latest launch of our eRV2 prototype. Each experience has been very unique and memorable in its own right, but my best “wins” have always come from being out on the road. 

One experience in particular that sticks with me was a trash clean-up that I had the opportunity to organize and participate in this past fall as our team traveled in a caravan of Revels for the Revel-Mode Rally in Moab, UT.

I think the reason this experience resonates so greatly with me is because it was a culmination of multiple interests/loves coming together: traveling to an epic location, a community of friends, and the opportunity to leave a beautiful place a little bit better than we found it. 

Out of that experience, I created a connection with a local Moab non-profit that has helped inspire future clean-ups in a variety of locations, received some invaluable insight into the recycling process, and of course, made new friends.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: You’ve earned a seat at the table and your perspective matters, so share it! Trust your gut. 

Also, try to empower and encourage those women around you – a strong team of women is a formidable force, and the friendships created are life-changing. 

And lastly, if you are a Winnebago employee and given the opportunity, use the rigs that we create. It’s a HUGE confidence booster. In those moments of living on the road, you learn more about yourself and your capabilities while experiencing a freedom like no other.

Aimee Sheckler, Class B Product Planner

Aimee’s role as a Product Planner involves overseeing all the components that need to come together to make Winnebago’s Class B products. “If you made a Venn diagram of all the different teams involved, we’d be the paper it’s written on.”

Her focus is on the Solis as well as the newly revealed all-electric eRV2 prototype. A large portion of her role is testing products in the field and connecting with owners to gain insights. As someone who loves the outdoors and camping, this has been an ideal fit for her!

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: It was neat to get to see [the eRV2] right from the beginning … seeing that research and how we digest it. Then going through and building a mockup and working with the people in the model shop who have done such a great job in helping us work through our iterations.

It was nice to see it all the way through and be there when the eRV2 prototype was introduced to the public at the 2023 Florida RV SuperShow.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: No matter your gender, it’s important to just try hard and not let other people push you down.

I have a lot of energy and sometimes I get told that I’m a lot. But I think that’s part of what makes everything work really well in this role, by just trying things that otherwise wouldn’t be normal.
 

Read a complete profile on Aimee and more of her insights in this article.

Kelli Harms, Motorized Product Marketing Manager

As the manager of product marketing for Winnebago motorized products, Kelli’s team works on marketing all the Class A, B, and C products, as well as managing digital products (including website, photography, video, and shows). 

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: Throughout my career at Winnebago, I’ve had a lot of awesome experiences. From being on the movie set of About Schmidt (featured a Winnebago Adventurer in the film) to doing a live morning spot on the CBS Early Show during GNR to going on several photo shoots in amazing locations. 

But the experience I am most proud of is working on our 2022 Dealer Meeting. I felt like I was truly able to show what I can do – and what I am capable of. I had the opportunity to lead the event from an execution standpoint, and I was proud of how it turned out. 

I love working as a team, though – especially at shows! Our display is consistently one of the best there, and that’s a reflection of our entire marketing and digital team. All of our team wins are also personal wins! 

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: I think it’s important to share your perspective when given the opportunity. At times, I haven’t always practiced that – and looking back, I wish I would have. Look for opportunities to show what you know and think, but also have the reasons why to back it up. 

Be proactive, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s how we learn and grow – which makes you a better person and employee.

Andrea Carpenter, Electrical Engineer

Andrea designs the electrical systems for Winnebago’s motorhomes. She also brings in new components and verifies that designed units meet the safety code.

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: Most of the things I’ve done at Winnebago are pretty cool, but I think the thing I’m most proud of is from my previous job. 

There were several machines used to make PCBs for communications equipment. All of the machines were really old and didn’t run very well when I got there. I learned how they functioned, cleaned them up, re-wrote some of the programming, and got them running efficiently.

I’m proud of that because I knew absolutely nothing about them going into it, and most of the manuals were in a different language.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: The only advice I would give would be the same advice I’d give to anybody about their career: Be passionate and determined, and any real or perceived barriers won’t be as much of an issue. And be careful about determining the difference between real and perceived barriers. Creating barriers where there are none usually ends up being more detrimental.

Noelle Flora, Towables Marketing Specialist

Noelle is the Marketing Specialist for all towable products. She handles all product marketing, including on the website, in brochures, photoshoots, product launches, training manuals, resources, and all ambassador product-related support. She also plans or provides support to owner meetups or WIT Tow events.

In addition, Noelle works alongside Kelli, the Motorized Product Marketing Manager, on all product shows which include Tampa RV SuperShow, Dealer Meeting, Hershey RV Supershow, and Open House. 

“I am also very involved in our CommunityGO team, which is in charge of planning our volunteer and employee appreciation events, like volunteer week and our annual Company Picnic.”

Q: What is a personal “win” in your career that you are proud of?

A: During my first year at Winnebago, I took ownership of a lot of the hands-on planning of our RV Open House here in Elkhart, Indiana. With support from Kelli, we pulled off an amazing event! This was the first year we held our Open House at Elcona Country Club, which allowed our event to stand out from other OEM displays. 

We held a $250,000 hole-in-one contest, a $50,000 putting contest, and each day we had a “Poker Run” with the best hand winning $500. We also handed out bourbon bottles etched with the Winnebago logo to every dealer that attended. I designed and packaged all 600 bottles over two months leading up to the event, so handing them out and seeing the excitement on each dealer’s face was a huge success in my eyes!

Before Winnebago, I worked in the healthcare industry as a recreational therapist. I had no previous marketing or events experience when applying for this position, and Winnebago took a chance on me. The Open House event, in my eyes, was my chance to prove that they made the right decision. 

After the event, Winnebago President Huw Bower gave me a shoutout in our monthly Town Hall. That was when I knew this event was a “Win” and worth every second I put into it.

Q: What insights do you have for women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

A: My best advice is to just go for it. Apply for the job, even if you do not think your experience or resume fit the role exactly. Be willing to work hard and go out of your way to help those around you. Seek to understand first – most people are willing to teach you or help you if you take the time to ask and listen. 

One of the most beneficial experiences I had during my first few months was setting up a meeting with the head of each department. This allowed me to build relationships and also learn how I could benefit each area of our company. 

Find a company that has a culture you fit. If the culture is not in line with your values or purpose, keep looking. Find a mentor and build a relationship that allows you to grow as a person and in your career. 

Be open to opportunities, even if they are not within your responsibilities or department. Do not be afraid to speak up. If you do not communicate your needs, they may never be met. 

Your mindset is the most important thing. Every day will not be easy, but every day you can choose to make a difference.

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To learn more about how Winnebago is prioritizing inclusivity and diversity, read this RV News article. Winnebago also partners with many organizations helping to increase awareness and opportunities, including the RV Women’s Alliance, Society of Women Engineers, and Women in Manufacturing.