When a Friendly Check-In Call Changes Your Career Path

As CEO of International Filter Manufacturing Corporation (IFM), I lead an air filtration manufacturing and distribution company that serves customers worldwide. We’re based in Litchfield, Illinois, where our company’s manufacturing facility remains. We have expanded operations across the Midwest, with an office located in Omaha, Nebraska.

The company was founded by Cecilia Ewing, a self-taught filtration entrepreneur with a strong desire to increase small business sales to the federal government. Ms. Ewing (later Ewing-Hayes) worked diligently to initially serve as a manufacturer’s representative and later engaged technical experts to develop a line of aftermarket filtration products. One such product was a filter sold to the U.S. government for use on its HMMWV (HUMVEE) vehicles. IFM received special recognition from the U.S. government for its outstanding support of our warfighters by supplying critical military parts during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. 

In 2019, I purchased the company along with a private equity investor and became the organization’s CEO. In addition to supplying products used across the United States, IFM’s products are distributed worldwide including Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Singapore. The company has been minority owned for its entire 37-year history. IFM is a HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, MWBE, and DOT Certified organization, and we are also an authorized reseller for Grainger, Inc. 

A phone call led to a surprising (or not-so-surprising) career move

Back in 2012, I ran a professional services consulting firm that specialized in process improvement services for emerging businesses. I was referred to Ms. Ewing-Hayes as a potential client. We remained in touch, and in 2019 on one of our annual calls she shared she wanted to retire and sell her company to someone with a similar interest and passion. I accepted the challenge. 

My background was filled with nuggets that led me toward manufacturing. I had an extensive career working with other organizations in the industry, having served as a manufacturing cost accountant for a defense contractor. Also, my father was an auto mechanic for a truck fleet, and he fixed cars on the side as a hobby. I often shadowed him on personal jobs, learning the technical aspects of automotive repair. It was a bonus that I did not mind getting my hands dirty.         

A love for problem-solving … and for my industry

I love problem-solving and providing solutions. Manufacturing creates a tangible, physical solution to meet a customer’s need. I love the dynamics of all the moving parts of manufacturing: design, development, purchasing raw materials, building, packaging, shipping, and logistics. I like making things, and I love the filtration industry. It is exciting to be a part of an industry that focuses on providing clean air for people in the places where they work, live, or play and the automotive/mechanical systems they operate. 

Careers in manufacturing require flexibility and collaboration

For anyone interested in manufacturing careers, my advice is don’t be afraid to start on the ground floor, in the factory. Learn everything about your product and its impact. Be ready for change. The change will happen, so be a change leader. Don’t just ride the wave.

Imagine the possibilities of what you can make or build with the right resources in place. Start with what you have, optimize the use of available resources, and grow from there. Collaboration is key. IFM is where we are today through strong partnerships with our suppliers, customers, employees, private investors, and financial institutions.

About the author

Karen Watson is CEO of International Filter Manufacturing Corporation (IFM), an ISO 9001:2015 certified air filtration manufacturing and distribution company located in Litchfield, Illinois. Karen is a member of the board of directors for the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (Illinois MEP Center).