2024 Store Brands Rising Stars: Maddison Gierschick of Staples
The rising stars across private label are shining brighter, reflective of an industry in the midst of robust growth and needing younger talent to develop new methods of doing business at a time when growth opportunities are robust.
The Fifth Annual Store Brands Rising Stars honors this crop of new talent that is driving sales from the retail and supplier sides of the business. Private label product sales over the past year continued to grow and the efforts of retailers through the first half of 2024 show an ongoing appetite for products that are unique and also offer shoppers a strong value.
RELATED: Meet the Store Brands Rising Stars Class of 2024
This year’s list of Rising Stars provides insight into how a new crop of talented individuals under the age of 40 are pushing the industry forward and continuing to innovate.
Maddison Gierschick
Staples
Maddison Gierschick, associate manager of Strategic Sourcing at Staples, is recognized for her exceptional performance and contributions to the company. Her dedication to lifelong learning, collaborative spirit, and problem-solving skills have made her a valuable asset to her team.
A 2024 Store Brands Rising Star, Gierschick attributes her success to three key factors: a commitment to continuous learning, a collaborative approach, and a knack for solving problems. Her curiosity drives her to ask questions and expand her knowledge, while her collaborative spirit allows her to work effectively with others toward shared goals.
“I am constantly working cross-functionally with others,” she said. “I love working with a team towards a common goal and being able to influence others to achieve a joint goal.”
Gierschick thrives on challenges and enjoys finding solutions that benefit all parties involved. This was evident in her work on a large-scale opportunity with major suppliers.
Despite the project's complexities, her strategic thinking and negotiation skills led to significantly stronger offers from the suppliers, resulting in a cost savings of more than 30% for the office superstore.
“I am always looking to find a mutual solution that benefits all parties involved,” she said. “I am constantly challenged to think differently and look for alternatives to source product and challenge the status quo.”
Gierschick’s leadership qualities and growth potential were evident from the start. Despite having limited experience, she quickly grasped complex concepts and made significant contributions. Her analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively using data further enhanced her ability to influence decision-making within the organization.
“It is a great honor to be recognized by my mentors and the industry,” she said. “I want to thank my boss and my peers who have helped encourage, mentor, and challenge me, allowing me to find success in my role and for the Staples Brands Team.”