Hastings-based office-supply
manufacturer Smead has been operated by Avent’s family since 1916. Avent took
over leadership of the company in 1998 from her mother, Ebba Hoffman.
“I started working here in 1965
and punched a time clock like everyone else. Mother was the boss, and we
understood that. She taught me that if your children are going to work for you,
they have to learn that when they’re at work, they’re your employees. It’s
important because it sets a standard for other employees.
The other thing Mother taught me was to have an open-door policy. If someone has to go through a secretary to see you, they don’t come. And she taught me not to be afraid to make a decision. Someone has to do it, and you’re the one charged with it. Get the information, think about it, make a decision, and execute it. She was a great role model. She took this from a small company—about $4 million—to one that was close to $300 million when she left. We’re at $500 million now.”
