Strategies_Spring2024

“Back then, the technology wasn’t nearly what it is today,” she says. “You had to physically go in and write the orders, so it required somebody working in the field when a sales representative was on vacation.” Elias says she remained persistent with Mize Sr., and eventually, her tenacity was rewarded. When a sales representative needed someone to fill in while he recovered from a car accident, she was sent to Oklahoma City. She says Mize Sr. handed her a map and the keys to a car. “I hadn’t been out of the Atchison area much,” she says. “It was a challenge, making myself leave and not knowing where I was going. But I did it and worked in that territory for about 30 days.” Elias eventually assumed responsibility for a territory in northeast Missouri, which she covered until 1987 when she transferred to Springfield, Missouri. About 12 years ago, she was promoted to regional manager. Back to the Drafting Board When reflecting on her years with Blish-Mize, Elias says her career has brought her dreams full circle. She often assists with store remodels and goes into lumberyards and hardware stores to help design new layouts. To do this, she uses a DeltaCad program she learned on the job at Blish-Mize. “I have to kind of smile about it because I get to do my drafting—even though I didn’t go to school to learn how to do it. I didn’t ever dream that would happen,” she says.

Elias began working for Blish-Mize in 1973, first in the warehouse and later in customer service and sales.

In December of 2023, Elias completed a 15-day church mission trip in Thailand.

Stop by Booth # 512

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