Esther Houston

Houston’s was founded in 1933 at the end of prohibition by Esther and Jack Houston as a wine and spirit store. While the business was successful from the start, in 1944, Esther guided a business shift to the distribution of catering and bar supplies, before moving away from catering altogether to only restaurant and bar supply distribution. The company continued to evolve in the mid 60’s to becoming wholesale only, selling exclusively to dealers and distributors.

“Esther was a forward-thinking and innovative woman. It’s really through Esther’s vision of identifying customer needs, remaining flexible, following industry trends and gauging the market that Houston’s has grown,” according to former President Jennifer Vigil.

In 1971 Esther and Jack’s son, John, took over daily operations of the business, growing from a regional family business toward national expansion as a sourcing solution for the food service industry.

It isn’t lost on us that the supply chain is an industry that has been predominantly male and it wouldn’t be until 45 years later that a woman would again take the helm of Houston’s. Today the leadership team is almost half female. In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we asked the female members of our leadership team a series of questions that we’ve shared here.

Q.) What is the foundational leadership lesson you have learned in your career?

Rebecca Phillips

Rebecca Phillips, President – Face it and admit it when you make mistakes, and know that they are going to happen! We don’t learn without embracing our mistakes, and I think it’s especially important for a leader to be able to say that they could have done something better because it’s the first step to actually doing better.

Lenni Treat, Inside Sales & Accounts Receivable Manager – Lead by Example.

Tracie Hall, Human Resources Manager – Act as if. Women sometimes want to feel 100% ready and confident before moving forward or speaking up. Take a cue from men and focus on the areas you DO have knowledge of and act your way into clarity.

Amanda Hackathorn, Purchasing & Accounts Payable Manager – To be honest and present with your staff. I find that being as transparent as possible and keeping them informed helps employees feel like they are a part of the bigger picture, helping them to see how they can effect change in the company.

Annette Kramer, Administrative & Pricing Manager – Be myself and change is good

Q.) What traits do you feel strong leaders possess?

Tracie Hall

Tracie Hall – Authenticity, integrity and confidence, to name a few. If people know you’re coming from an honest place and are truly there for them, they’ll forgive any missteps you may have along the way.

Lenni Treat – Being a clear communicator. Knowing how to meet the needs of a diverse team. Whether it be in the way you converse, assign tasks, etc. Playing to your employee’s strengths. Having empathy – the right amount at the right times. Making sure that they know you appreciate them.

Annette Kramer – Honesty/Integrity • Lead by Example • Respect • Communication • Self-Motivated • Promote Teamwork

Amanda Hackathorn – To me, a good leader will listen to their people, clearly disseminate information, encourage ownership but also jump in to help with the work when it is needed. I’ve always had more respect for my own leaders throughout my career that understand that no task is “beneath” them in any way. We are all in this together and I think good leaders will do anything to help get the job done.

Q.) If there is someone that inspired you – who & how?

Amanda Hackathorn

Rebecca Phillips – My mom was in graphic design at a time when that was an almost exclusively male dominated field. In 1971 she was the first woman production artist ever hired by her firm in Chicago. She was once told that she drew like a man and says that as an artist within the context of the times it was a rare and high compliment. I think it’s an inspiring testament to years of women before us who worked against stereotypes and obstacles to pave the way for greater opportunities.

Amanda Hackathorn – I have been lucky enough to have worked with a lot of great people throughout the years, as mentors and as colleagues. I am drawn to people that work hard and are team-oriented. One person who stands out to me is Brenda Hart, Houston’s Receiving Supervisor. She knows our warehouse and systems like the back of her hand. She is a fantastic example of team-oriented and I am always inspired by her incredible leadership skills and work ethic.

Annette Kramer – My Dad. He always has a great attitude and sees the good in others

Q.) Have you had any mentors in your career that have influenced your success? What lessons, if any, do you still carry with you currently?

Rebecca Phillips – When I think about this question there is not so much an individual person that comes to mind.  What I keep coming back to is the Houston’s team. In 15 years here I’ve grown a lot, and a large part of this is due to the support of the people I’ve worked with along the way. I continue to learn so much from our team every single day and am humbly grateful for it. Probably one lesson I keep with me is that you can always grow and learn from others around you, people have gifts to give whether they know it or not.

Q.) What advice would you share for women seeking a more prominent role in business/social/cultural/other?

Annette Kramer

Rebecca Phillips – It’s okay to be afraid to face the hard stuff, but don’t let that fear stop you. Also, trust your gut. Learn to listen to it, and don’t follow a path that doesn’t feel right, even if others are telling you something different.

Annette Kramer – Don’t let others bring you down. Stay upbeat and be your strong self.

Lenni Treat – Don’t give up! Those opportunities exist, they just may be hard to find. Don’t sacrifice who you are, to fit into someone else’s box.

Tracie Hall – Don’t ask for permission. Approach life with confident expectation and others will rise to the occasion.

Q.) What do you see as challenges for the next generation of female leaders?

Lenni Treat

Lenni Treat – Continuing to stand up for equality in pay and roles. There are still many career fields that are male dominated. Males play an important role in leadership too, but right now the numbers are still very uneven.

Tracie Hall – Current and future generations of female leadership need more systematic support of balancing their personal/home life with work. The demands of raising a family could hold an otherwise qualified female leader back – a challenge not as many men have to face, thus creating more of a barrier towards upward mobility for women than for men.

Q.) Knowing the value of work/life balance, what are your interests outside of Houston’s?

Rebecca Phillips – I love getting outdoors!  Whether it’s working in my yard or hiking in the woods being outside always helps to center me. I took a huge leap this past year and started taking classes to earn a graduate certificate in Strategic Management from Harvard’s Extension School. And of course, my kids.  Those guys are the best.

Lenni Treat – I enjoy spending time outside. Whether it is relaxing by a fire in the back yard, gardening, or just reading a book (which I love to do inside or out J)

Tracie Hall – I love to travel! It opens my mindset – such a fun way to experience personal growth!

Annette Kramer – Camping, reading, or working in the yard. Any day at the beach is a great day!

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