With nearly 20 years in the industry, Amy Olson considers pallets to be her home. Founded in 2011 alongside her sister Mia Allen, Rose Pallet began as a vision to leave its unique mark on the industry. The company has since grown exponentially, now serving a customer base nearly triple its original size and reaching over $65 million in revenue in 2022.
At the heart of Olson’s leadership is her focus on company culture. “I make it a point to celebrate our team’s achievements and milestones, reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence,” she said. “This collective enthusiasm cultivates a motivating environment where everyone feels inspired to contribute, ultimately driving our success as a business.”
Under her guidance, Rose Pallet hosts training sessions to enhance skills and foster innovation, while celebratory traditions and flexible work schedules strengthen team cohesion and productivity. Olson said she believes that the success of any great company begins with strong leadership, and she strives to master this skill by leading with clarity and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
Rose Pallet has also achieved significant industry recognition, including certifications as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB). Olson has leveraged these accolades to access new markets and promote supplier diversity. Further affirming industry excellence, Rose Pallet earned the prestigious John Deere supplier diversity award for two consecutive years. Individually, Olson has been honored by Crain’s Chicago Business for female-driven business leadership, a recognition she considers her proudest accomplishment.
Olson’s passion for the industry fuels her success. Active in organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the Western Pallet Association (WPA), she stays engaged with emerging trends while sharing insights with her team. “I am just truly passionate about our industry, and I am always arming myself with knowledge,” said Olson. “Since 2005, I have entrenched myself in every aspect of the business, so I fully understand every angle, and I am able to pass on the knowledge to my team members for their future success at Rose.”
Looking ahead, Olson envisions Rose Pallet as a national leader in sustainable and innovative pallet solutions. Her strategic vision includes leveraging technology, refining processes and continually enhancing the customer experience to exceed expectations. She also prioritizes fostering diversity and professional growth within the company, ensuring her team is well-prepared for future challenges.
“I believe it is so crucial to have a great company and great culture,” said Olson. “I aim to contribute more effectively to my company by not only becoming a strong, resilient leader but also being a catalyst for positive growth and shared success.”
