Regardless of what you may have learned in elementary school, the shortest distance between two points is rarely a straight line, especially when point A is a college student and point B is a rewarding career. Case in point is Carrie Fox, the director for scanners, consumables and new business initiatives with Epson America.
Fresh out of Mercer University with a BA in psychology and a minor in business, Fox was working as an HR generalist in the marketing department of Universal Studios. It was during this time that she decided to pursue an MBA with an eye toward entrepreneurship. However, the technology sector ultimately proved to have a greater allure during her MBA internship, particularly in the area of product management. The more Fox experienced, the more she knew that her path was becoming fully illuminated.
“I found the dynamic nature of technology and the multi-faceted responsibilities of product marketing fascinating and fun,” said Fox, a 2022 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “Product management allows me to really tap into both left and right brain skill sets, managing financials and pricing strategies to creative marketing projects and future product roadmaps.”
During her 15-year journey with Epson, Fox has presided over a number of the manufacturer’s cornerstone releases, including the EcoTank line of printers and, more recently, the RapidReceipt scanner line. She loved the challenge of the EcoTank, a completely new business, and was tasked with defining the go-to-market strategy, from the pricing to the product and benefit sets for channel partners and consumers alike.
Fearless Factor
Being a major rollout for Epson, and a somewhat risk-laden endeavor, Fox nonetheless thrived through the stress while collaborating with her team in what was ultimately a highly rewarding experience. She had the benefit of being able to fall back on the teachings of her current boss and longtime mentor, Mike Isgrig—Epson’s vice president of North America consumer sales—in not being afraid to fail.
“The one thing he’s said that’s really stuck with me is that if you aren’t making mistakes along the way, you probably aren’t doing your job well,” Fox said of Isgrig. “You need to take calculated risks to really grow. I believe that pertains to both business and personal growth.”
Fox feels creative problem-solving, driving alignment on growth strategies and team building has helped augment her business strengths. Taking cues from Isgrig, she seeks out intelligent and motivated individuals to populate her team and fosters a culture of trust and empowerment in the process. She’s never been one to shy away from pitching in to help her team in any needed capacity.
“It’s important to define clear business goals and individual roles and responsibilities, as well as identify what motivates individuals and how communication preferences may vary,” she said. “I believe that helps foster motivation and drives both personal and business growth. I also try to identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiencies to free up time for the team to work on things that can really move the needle.”
It helps tremendously that Fox’s duties constantly challenge her propensity to learn and grow. The product rollouts and basking in channel partners’ major takedowns yield tremendous satisfaction, but it is the beauty of nurturing an idea from concept to fruition that speaks to Fox’s passions.
An Encore?
It’s tough to top 2021’s RapidReceipt scanner debut, which matched the EcoTank in addressing a previously unmet user need. The tireless work behind devising a national marketing campaign and helping channel partners drive significant year-over-year growth made for an eventful year.
“I want to continue to take a leadership role, both personally and for Epson as a brand, to accelerate category growth in the market,” Fox said. “I manage three unique teams, so the key goals within each vary. But, consistent across each is to pursue strategies that continue to innovate and provide value to end users, the channel and Epson.”
In the process, Fox will continue to learn, grow and, equally important, be willing to take risks. “I want to proactively plan strategic mid-term growth initiatives but remain flexible and evolve with economic and market trends,” she said.
Carrie and her husband, Adam Fox, have been married for six years; they met while enjoying a shared passion: beach volleyball. Living near the beach provides the opportunity to go on long strolls with their dog, Riley, who loves to frolic in the Pacific Ocean. She also loves the variety of activities that living in California offers, with the mountains and desert in addition to the sandy beaches.
An avid traveler, Fox loves to partake in an international trip at least once per year. Every few years, she coordinates an international trip for her extended family of 17 people.
