Leading the Legacy: How Paetra Orueta and Kendra Cox Are Shaping Blazer Industries’ Future
Blazer Industries, Inc., a family-owned modular building manufacturing company based in Aumsville, Oregon, has been a significant player in the industry since its inception in 1976. Founded by Marvin R. Shetler, the company has grown to become the largest commercial modular building manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest.
Today, the legacy of Blazer Industries is carried forward by Shetler's daughters, Paetra Orueta and Kendra Cox. It is a true pleasure to share the conversation we had with both of these leaders in our most recent episode of Hiring For Good. Paetra serves as the President of the company, while Kendra leads Business Development. Together, they have navigated the complexities of transitioning leadership within a family business, ensuring the company's continued success and growth.
Over the course of our conversation, Paetra and Kendra share insights into their journey of taking over the family business. They discussed challenges they faced along the way, including establishing trust among long-standing employees and redefining their roles within the company. Paetra emphasized the importance of building trust quickly, noting that first impressions are crucial in leadership transitions. The sisters also highlighted the significance of maintaining the company's core values while implementing innovative strategies to stay competitive.
Despite the inherent challenges of a family business transition, Paetra and Kendra have successfully upheld the company's mission to make their company a great place to work. Their leadership has preserved the company's legacy and positioned it for future growth. By embracing tradition and innovation, Paetra and Kendra continue to guide Blazer Industries toward new opportunities. This shared ability to honor the past while embracing change reflects the timeless principles of leadership, resilience, and adaptability that define a thriving family business.
Paetra’s Bio
Paetra Orueta serves as the President of Blazer Industries, Inc., a leading modular building manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. As the daughter of the company's founders, she has been deeply involved in the family business from a young age. Over the years, Paetra has worked diligently to earn the respect of long-term employees and to establish herself as a capable leader within the organization.
In her leadership role, Paetra has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the company's core values while driving innovation in modular construction. She emphasizes the importance of building trust quickly, recognizing that first impressions are crucial during leadership transitions.
Paetra's leadership skills are characterized by her ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking strategies, ensuring that Blazer Industries remains competitive in the evolving construction industry. Her dedication to creating a stable, healthy, and safe work environment reflects her belief that a satisfied workforce naturally leads to better products and services for customers.
Through her efforts, Paetra continues to honor her family's legacy while positioning Blazer Industries for future growth and success.
Kendra’s Bio
Kendra Cox is the Director of Business Development at Blazer Industries, Inc., a leading modular building manufacturer based in Aumsville, Oregon. As the daughter of the company's founders, she has been deeply involved in the family business from a young age, contributing to its growth and success. In her role, Kendra focuses on expanding the company's market presence and fostering client relationships across various sectors, including office, medical, educational, and restroom facilities.
Kendra's leadership is characterized by her commitment to innovation and her deep understanding of modular construction. She has been instrumental in addressing the increasing demand for multifamily modular construction, particularly amid labor shortages in the traditional construction industry. Kendra emphasizes that modular construction offers efficient and high-quality building solutions, providing a viable alternative to conventional methods.
Her ability to navigate the complexities of the construction industry and her dedication to client satisfaction have been pivotal in positioning Blazer Industries as a leader in modular building solutions. Kendra's strategic vision and leadership continue to drive the company's success and its commitment to delivering exceptional modular structures.