What does it really take to grow a career inside one company for 25 years? In this episode of the Grit Blueprint Podcast, I talk with Sarah Lee, VP of Purchasing at Blish-Mize Co., who answered that question by living it. She walked in the door as a receptionist in 2001 and worked through the catalog, advertising, and purchasing departments before becoming the first female merchandise manager and, eventually, the executive setting the assortment for a fifth-generation family business that has been running since 1871.

We get honest about the part of the journey nobody likes to talk about: the messy middle. Sarah explains why she kept saying yes to new roles, how the roles she didn't love sharpened the leader she became, and what it takes to move a 155-year-old, change-resistant team without breaking what made it strong. If you lead people inside a legacy company, her approach to testing the old way against today's reality will give you language you can use moving forward.

This one is also a masterclass for anyone selling into the channel. Sarah breaks down how two-step distribution actually works, the filter she uses for building materials purchasing decisions, and what makes her stop at a booth when she is buying for more than 1,500 independent hardware retailers across 13 states. She also gets into the brand shifts reshaping the shelf, why private label keeps gaining ground, and how the right technology keeps a legacy distributor competitive. Her take on selling at trade shows, and the one cold-call story that turned into real opportunity, is worth the watch on its own.

We close on something I care about deeply: a clear, encouraging word for women in leadership and for anyone climbing without a map. Decide, stay open, and keep building. Hit play, take a few notes, and pass it along to someone in your building world.

What you’ll take away today:

Career growth in a family business doesn’t require leaving — Sarah’s 25-year climb from receptionist to VP shows how saying yes to every role builds an unmistakable career.

Two-step distribution becomes clear when you see how Blish-Mize connects manufacturers to more than 1,500 independent hardware retailers across 13 states.

Building materials purchasing decisions come down to a simple buyer filter: does the product grab attention, can your stores win with it, and is there room for everyone to profit.

Selling at trade shows still beats the cold email — one face-to-face conversation on a trade show floor can open a door that a buried inbox never would.

Women in leadership facing the messy middle get a clear directive: decide, stay open, and treat every step as a stepping stone.

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🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

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