Grace McGregor Kramer wakes up every day hoping to do her best with the opportunities she is given.
“I attribute my success to a lot of luck and a privilege to be part of a great family, but getting up every day and doing my best with any opportunities in front of me is very important to earning success in addition to the support of family and the community,” explains the Vice-President of Strategy and Operations at McGregor Industries.
Kramer wears many hats at her job. “Like in many family businesses, I work with many departments – from overseeing sales and marketing, to managing union relationships to production scheduling. Every day is a new challenge and presents something different to learn,” she admits.
She is the fourth generation of the business, founded by her great-grandfather in 1919. The company manufactures and installs high rise steel stairs and railings. “We are extremely proud to be manufacturing products right here in NEPA,” she noted.
While manufacturing and construction are typically male dominated industries, more and more women are exploring what they have to offer. “Both industries are technical, so I have always found that my gender has worked to my advantage. People may underestimate you when you walk into a room for a project discussion or contract negotiation, but you are always able to prove yourself by understanding the technical aspects of your trade and your product,” she said.
Kramer graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Concentrations in Finance and Operations. Upon graduation she worked outside of the area for a short time, but always knew she wanted to live in NEPA and work in the family business, and has been employed there the past 14 years.
Her mentor has been her father, Bob McGregor. “I am so lucky to work with him every day, and he has taught me so much about not only the technical aspects of our business itself, but also about working hard, solving problems, and focusing on what really matters. He has been an incredible teacher and role model for me,” she adds.
Kramer is grateful to the tremendous support she receives from her husband, Michael Kramer, and her children, Teddy, 10, Virginia, 8 and Mack, 5; and her parents, Virginia and Bob McGregor. “They enable me to strive for the goals in my life,” she notes.
Kramer is vice-chair of the board of directors of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the Scranton Plan. She is also a board member of Johnson College and WVIA.
Grace McGregor Kramer
Age: 37
Home: Scranton
Title: Vice President of Strategy Operations
Company: McGregor Industries, Inc., Line Street, Dunmore