An interview with Lindsey Rosenbery, Director of Sales and Marketing at ILMO

When you grow up in Decatur, Illinois, a city steeped in the heartbeat of heavy manufacturing, it’s almost inevitable that the industry finds its way into your story. For Lindsey Rosenbery, it wasn’t just proximity that drew her in. It was possibility.

Now Director of Sales and Marketing at ILMO Products, a family-owned welding supply and equipment company with nine locations across Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana, Lindsey oversees a team of District Sales Managers and helps drive the company’s growth strategy. But her journey to this leadership role didn’t begin with a master plan. It started with a phone call.

“I was working for another company when a recruiter reached out about ILMO,” Lindsey recalls. “It turned out to be a great career move.”

The View from the Top and the Path to Get There

Lindsey has been with ILMO for over 11 years, and in that time, she’s steadily climbed the ranks, taking on bigger roles and broader responsibilities. Each promotion is a proud milestone, but for Lindsey, success isn’t just personal, it’s about impact.

“Every time I’ve moved up, I’ve gotten to where I want to be and done what I want to do,” she says. “Now in my current role, I’m able to help employees achieve the same things. That’s really rewarding.”

She also finds purpose in helping customers save money and improve their businesses, proof that leadership in manufacturing is about more than processes and products. It’s about people.

Breaking the Mold

As a woman in a historically male-dominated field, Lindsey is excited about what’s changing and what’s possible.

“It’s been cool to see more women come into manufacturing, especially over the last few years,” she says. “ILMO is actually transitioning to being a female-owned business soon, which is a big deal. The landscape is shifting.”

While she acknowledges there’s still work to do in terms of visibility and outreach, she believes the door is open wider than ever.

“I don’t ever feel out of place or discouraged. Manufacturing is very welcoming now. It’s about finding a culture you want to be part of.”

Why Representation Matters

Lindsey is quick to point out that women bring unique perspectives to the table, perspectives the industry needs.

“Everyone has different ideas and points of view, and women think differently. There’s a lot we can offer,” she says. “But the only way to get more women in the field is for other women to pave the way.”

Representation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a ripple effect. And Lindsey is proof of how sharing stories and lifting others up can create meaningful change.

Creating Momentum

So how do we encourage more women to join the field? According to Lindsey, it starts with storytelling and a little recruitment of our own.

“More and more organizations are opening the door for women, and word of mouth plays a big role,” she says. “Recruiters can help, but so can the rest of us by sharing our stories and bringing our friends into the industry.”

Because sometimes, the path to a fulfilling career starts not with a master plan, but with someone saying, ‘You’d be great at this.’

Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation

For young women considering a manufacturing career, Lindsey has a clear message: “Don’t let fear stand in your way.”

“It’s not what it used to be. There’s nothing to be afraid of,” she says. “Set your fears aside and just go for it.”

She credits much of her confidence and growth to her biggest supporter, her husband who encouraged her to pursue her MBA and always pushed her to be the best version of herself. With that kind of support, and a welcoming industry that’s evolving fast, the future for women in manufacturing looks bright.