Connie Rentschler’s 15-year journey at TVF mirrors the company’s employee-owned journey. TVF became 100% employee owned in 2010, one month after Connie was hired, and she has served as a great champion of Embracing an Ownership Mindset (one of our five Core Values) ever since. The purchasing coordinator has been a driving force and fixture of many company culture activities and initiatives. “At the time, not many of us fully understood what that meant—but 15 years later, I think we can all agree it was a great decision,” she says. “Proud to be part of this team!”
Connie served with distinction for years on the TVF Ownership & Engagement Board (OEB), calling it an honor, a privilege, and one of the most rewarding experiences she’s had at TVF. “It’s given me the opportunity to connect with people across the company whom I likely wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise,” Connie adds. “Meeting our Empowered Ventures (EV) “cousin” company members, going to the NCEO conference, and attending our yearly EV summit have all been very rewarding. Being a part of the OEB really gave me a chance to voice my opinions and contribute to making a difference at TVF.”
She credits Sales Forecasting and Planning Manager Jennie Rossi and Global Trade and Logistics Manager Laura Martin for taking a chance on her 15 years ago. “I suspect a little timing, a little desperation, and a lot of charm worked in my favor,” says Connie. “In those early days, with just the four of us, we worked fast, efficiently, and did whatever it took to get the job done. That foundation set the tone for my longterm commitment and success at TVF.” The TVF Supply Chain Team has nearly tripled in size from when Connie began.
“We grew and rebranded as the supply chain department in 2020. Our team bonded in a meaningful way thanks to exceptional leadership and support. We respect and care for each other, teach and help each other, and learn from each other every single day. Thank you all for being there for me.”
Connie says TVF has taught her three invaluable lessons:
- Resilience: she learned new technology and new ways of processing orders through multiple software conversions, dealt with port strikes, tariffs, and global communication challenges. A big, but very positive change for Connie and TVF was the shift to employee ownership in 2010. “In the beginning, not only were we skeptical, we truly did not know what the future had in store for us. All of the changes and challenges have paid off. It’s one of the primary reasons I am able to confidently retire today.”
- Believe in Myself: Connie battled self-doubt for so long, but those “I have come to realize over the years that I have special strengths and talents and know that I can make a positive impact on the TVF community and beyond.” She adds “your fresh energy and innovative ideas make a difference. Keep pushing boundaries and thinking differently. Your perspectives will help shape this company’s future.”
- There’s Power in Employee Ownership: When TVF was sold to our employees by co-founder and then-owner Dick Hanzel, Connie says the whole company was drawn together by then-CEO Chris Fredericks’ challenge to pay off the debt. TVF paid off the acquisition early and “this goal affected everything – how we worked together, how we made decisions with the company in mind, and in our day-to-day work.”
In retirement, her “second family” (as she calls her fellow co-owners at TVF) will take a backseat to her favorite role of all: grandma. Five grand children under five will keep her busy.
Connie says employee ownership is a bright point financially. “Due to the success of the company, Employee ownership allowed my retirement savings to grow much larger than a normal retirement account alone, making her me more financially secure.”
