PPB October 2017

Rachel Koenig President AP Specialties San Clemente, California Number of direct reports: 6 R achel Koenig started supplier AP Specialties 16 years ago, and has grown it as a family business that employs nearly 150 people. With a background in retail, she says she enjoys working with people, so managing others seems to come naturally. “I like to see my employees grow and flourish, and I really enjoy our Southern California location,” she says. Among those she manages is nominator Yasmin Gonzalez, who has been at the company for 14 years. “I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with Rachel almost since I started. It didn’t take long for me to realize that besides being a boss she is a friend to everyone around her,” says Gonzalez. “She truly cares for all her employees. In my case, she has given me the opportunity to grow professionally with the company, and I can say I’m not the only one.” Another nominator, Cynthia Rodriguez, calls Koenig a great leader. “We learn how to do things by watching her do them. She shows people how to complete a task, not just gives them instructions.” Thirteen-year company veteran Tina Holland, who also nominated Koenig, says her boss truly cares about her employees. “She goes above and beyond making our workplace safe, and she tries to accommodate everyone’s needs and wants.” Holland is also impressed by Koenig’s interest in showing appreciation to employees and doesn’t hesitate to offer help when personal problems arise. “Family is very important to her so she is understanding of requests for personal time for family matters,” adds Holland. “Rachel’s ultimate goal is to grow her business and by keeping her employees happy, she has succeeded. I personally feel like one of the family and can honestly say that I have never had a better boss.” Employees report that Koenig demonstrates devotion to employee satisfaction by promoting from within almost exclusively, providing ongoing safety training, taking the time to listen, keeping an open- door policy and springing for occasional treats such arranging for an In-N-Out food truck to come to the facility to celebrate the news of a product patent. Rachel Koenig, front row, fourth from right, with her team at AP Specialties. Rachel’s cool factor She loves Halloween, so she plans a company party every year and encourages everyone to dress in costume—and she dons a costume too. Her best boss My father, Howard Koenig, has taught me a lot, but he always encouraged me to experience things outside of our home. Even though I never officially worked for him, he has taught me the most about business, people and the game of life. What managing others has taught her about herself Managing others has taught me that I have more patience than I thought. With so many different personalities, I think patience and good listening skills are crucial. Her best advice for other bosses My best piece of advice for being a great boss is to make the effort to keep your employees happy. Happy employees want to come to work and they make being where you spend so much of your time more enjoyable. With so many different personalities, I think patience and good listening skills are crucial. —Rachel Koenig Best Bosses | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2017 | 31