The AICC and Paperboard Packaging Magazine Hall of Fame Award
The AICC and Paperboard Packaging Magazine Hall of Fame Award annually recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to the independent sector of the corrugated packaging industry through active membership in AICC and broad-based involvement in the industry.
We are so proud to announce that Kim Nelson, President, and CEO of Royal Containers Ltd is the most recent recipient of this award announced at an industry ceremony held in Indianapolis, on September 26, 2018.
The youngest to assume the chair of the AICC and only the second woman, Kim Nelson’s business acumen is widely respected and admired. In chatting with Kim, it’s clear to see the passion and drive that contributes to Royal’s success and her commitment to the industry as a whole.
“Authenticity is the essence of Kim Nelson.” – Mitch Klinger, President of Klinger-Nadler CPAs
Kim Nelson gained an extensive understanding of the family business from the shop floor on up to the executive suite from summers spent working there as a teen and is proud of the fact that she has worked every job in the building. “I always had my own job but at some point I’d, come back into the plant to do whatever help was needed. You kind of grow up in the business.”
But Kim says that her favourite job has to be what she is doing now and the mentoring of her team. “I enjoy having a team of people that I admire and trust so much and watching them become leaders. That puts the biggest smile on my face. I love watching people who have that leadership potential grow into it.”
But her mentorship extends beyond her employees and extends to a network of athletes that she supports through her efforts from summer employment to her financial support. “My focus is the employees first, and secondly it’s the athletes in my sports, biking and running. Every single athlete still to this day travels on my Aeroplan miles, it’s their flights and it’s their jobs, they all work here in the summer.”
In fact, most of Royal’s leadership team members have spent the majority of their careers at Royal Containers. Kim says, “I feel that the more employees we employ, is a measurement of success to me. What motivates me is to watch some of these people who have that leadership potential become great leaders, essentially watching people grow into their potential.”
A graduate of Brock University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) degree in 1992, Kim was three weeks from starting her second year of law school when she received a call from her father to fill an unexpected vacancy. “I didn’t even question it.” She says, “in a family run business, it’s just what you do.’ That three-week vacancy changed her destiny eventually leading to her tenure as President and CEO of Royal in 2009.
A competitive swimmer from an early age, she credits her training as an athlete for giving her the focus and competitive drive required to not only lead Royal but become an industry leader.
She is chairman of the board and a part owner of both Tencorr Packaging and Greenpac Mill. Encouraged by her father to join, Kim went on to serve as President of AICC Canada in 2000 and Chairman of AICC international in 2010, Kim is currently the Overseas Director of AICC and business advisor to several other companies.
Kim firmly believes that Royal’s success is driven by a firm commitment to their customer’s needs and maintaining open and honest communication. “We embrace transparency with our customers and with our people, our roadmap for success is shared openly with our employees and business partners so that we all know which direction we’re headed in, after all, we’re in this together.”
Congratulations! It is an honour to work for a dynamic, intelligent and driven woman!