PackageIt Team Spotlight - meet Michelle Gish Lead Estimator

Over the past two decades, Michelle has cultivated indispensable estimation and analysis skills. From her ability to foresee clients’ future needs to a deep understanding of PackageIt’s rapidly evolving product line, she’s a highly focused team player and undeniable company asset.

“There’s a lot of detail work in my job,” she says. “I reach out to suppliers to determine if they have the specific materials we need. I search for hard-to-find supplies, compare hundreds of packaging supply SKUs, and negotiate with vendors to secure the best value for our clients. Then, I follow up on supplier estimates I haven’t yet received.”

Michelle prepares estimates for a wide range of companies looking for custom boxes, crates or bags. “Many of our clients are small shops, but we also work with large companies, too—like metal fabricator NIC Global, aerospace manufacturers, and retailers like Paula’s Choice Skincare. And, in today’s Amazon age, our customers increasingly need sturdy, economical boxes to direct-ship products to buyers,” she explains. 

No stranger to the negotiation process, Michelle works with manufacturers to satisfy her clients’ packaging needs while acquiring custom materials and navigating budget expectations.

If a company wants logos, printing or artwork applied to custom packaging, she connects them with an outside designer or manufacturer’s design team. “When you work in distribution, you serve a broad range of clients and industries,” says Michelle. “I love that there’s always something new to learn in my job—new types of clients with diverse industry needs, and standout customization that fosters brand loyalty and increases visibility.”

A 9-year PackageIt veteran, Michelle values the independence she has as part of the company’s family-owned culture. “We’re not anonymous cogs in a big corporation,” she explains. “People genuinely know and care about each other.” Michelle should know: When her husband was transferred to Portland, the company allowed her to stay on and work remotely. 

“It’s tougher to keep up with my co-workers and enjoy the in-house camaraderie I used to,” she laments, “but I make it my priority to travel to Seattle once a month for sales meetings. And each morning, I participate in a team status call that helps us meet ETA benchmarks and troubleshoot tough projects with co-workers.”

Operations Manager Bill Gunning appreciates Michelle’s role at PackageIt, albeit long-distance. “Her years of experience and ability to build relationships in the industry is invaluable to our business. Michelle has a unique perspective and is creative in finding solutions—and we’re a better team with her on staff. She’s a key member of our operating team and a trusted member of the PackageIt family.”

<h2>Home, Family & Leisure Time

Michelle’s two sons, 17 and 20, still live in Washington State, so she has a double incentive to return to Seattle. Both boys are avid athletes, so she spends much of the school year traveling to attend their football and baseball games. At home in Portland, Michelle is an involved step-mom to four children: 18, 14, 11 and 9. “It’s a big spread with lots of different phases and activities going on. They are with us half the time, and I’m happy to be part of their lives.”

Summer is a favorite time for Michelle, who is a native of the Kitsap Peninsula in Puget Sound. As the days grow longer, she pursues her favorite activities: walking her two dogs, hiking, camping and attending live music concerts. “If I had a superpower, I’d clone myself and be in multiple places at the same time—doing different things!”

Like Michelle Gish, the entire PackageIt team is inspired by our clients’ success stories. To keep your business running strong every day, we stock the packaging materials you need most. Popular stock items include: