Linda Howell – Manufacturing STAR
Strategic Factory is thrilled to announce that Linda Howell, Account Manager, and long-time team member, has been recognized as a 2024 Maryland Manufacturing Star by the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI). This prestigious award highlights Linda’s nearly two-decade-long impact on Maryland’s manufacturing industry, where her commitment to quality and customer care has made her a standout in our field.
Since joining Strategic Factory in 2005, Linda has played a key role in the company’s evolution from a storefront-based business to a digital-first leader in producing finished goods from prints to signage, branded materials, and more for businesses across industries looking to enhance their branding and marketing.
As the industry has embraced advanced machinery and automation, Linda has implemented automation with her clients through email communications, quoting processes, and digital spec samples. What used to take an entire day of production can now be accomplished in a few hours, thanks to advanced machinery. Her ability to adapt while maintaining personal connections with clients is a testament to her character. She remembers her clients’ personal milestones and is exceptional at building lasting relationships and ensuring quality work.
In Linda’s words, “My veins are PMS 185 and Reflex Blue.” Printing runs in Linda’s family—her father worked for ‘News American,’ which operated in Baltimore from 1864 to 1986. Known for her attention to detail, Linda can spot specific stocks and printing imperfections in her everyday life from restaurant menus to packaging, posters, mailers, and more.
Her combination of traditional expertise, technological adaptability, and customer-centric mindset makes her a true Maryland Manufacturing Star, embodying the best of what Strategic Factory and the Maryland manufacturing industry have to offer.
What is an RMI of Maryland Manufacturing Star?
The 2024 Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars is an RMI of Maryland and Maryland MEP program recognizing “Maryland Manufacturing Stars” – people who work in business, education, government, or nonprofits who have made meaningful contributions to our state’s manufacturing industry. The stories and photos of these exemplary Marylanders can be found in the online Stars Directory here.
STARS Celebration Dinner
The STARS Celebration Dinner is a large-scale Celebration on the evening of November 14, 2024 (5:30-8:30 PM), and will be held at Martin’s West in Baltimore County (600+ attendees expected.) This high-energy event will include two hours of networking, extensive and delicious food stations, and an open bar followed by a one-hour program. It will celebrate Maryland’s manufacturing Stars from across the state along with, Congressman Steny Hoyer. Join us at the Celebration event. Individual seats are $225 each. The deadline to reserve seats is Friday, November 1st. Reserve individual seats by clicking here.
Check out everything you need to know about the event if you are planning to attend here.
