Knichel Logistics in Richland celebrated International Women's Day
William Knichel believed in his daughter.
“He pushed me to be my best and to work hard and that is what made me a strong woman today,” said Kristy Knichel, 45, who is president and CEO of her late father’s company, Knichel Logistics, a freight brokerage company in Richland. “I wanted to be respected in a male-dominated industry and my dad helped that happen.”
Now she is the one mentoring others – especially women.
“It is all about helping them get to the next level,” she said. “Women bring a different voice and different talents to the workforce. Women are great at multi-tasking.”
In between conference calls on Tuesday – International Women’s Day during Women’s History Month — Knichel took time out to host an employee brunch.
The theme of International Women’s Day was #BreakTheBias, a mission of the day when there’s a gender-equal world, one that is diverse and inclusive and free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.
The lunchroom at Knichel Logistics had trays of fruit, pastries, burritos and sandwiches from Bartram House Bakery & Café in Pine. The event was held in conjunction with Dress for Success Pittsburgh, a non-profit that helps women entering and returning to the workforce.
Everyone was invited for breakfast. Those who made a financial donation through “Your Hour, Her Power” – Dress for Success Worldwide’s National Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day campaign – or donated a personal care item received a PTO day and Knichel Logistics swag gifts.
The money and items help women who come to Dress for Success Pittsburgh for services.
Donations included clothes, shoes, purses, personal care items and money to Dress for Success. The collection will continue until March 30.
Dress for Success Pittsburgh reached out to Knichel Logistics. Knichel, of Grove City, is part of the “Ladies Leadership Coalition” podcast, comprised of six women who own businesses.
She said she is always looking to partner with women’s organizations. She has male and female leadership coaches available to guide the staff. Her youngest sister Casey Coffey is LTL manager. She co-hosted the event.
Her company has 250 clients and brings in more than $100 million in revenue. The building is 8,000 square feet. Knichel’s father started the company in 2003.
He died two months ago.
“Women need to be part of the conversation,” Knichel said. “We want them to speak up and be confident.”
“We always love helping others, “ Coffey said.
Tara Davis, of Plum, who is account manager/team leader, said Dress for Success Pittsburgh is a good cause to support.
“Kristy is an amazing president,” Davis said. “She always has an open door. You can talk to her about anything.”
Happy #InternationalWomensDay from all of us at Dress for Success Pittsburgh!
Join us in celebrating and supporting local women entering or returning to the workforce by donating to the #YourHourHerPower campaign.
Visit https://t.co/JrPCeqknxk to make your contribution. pic.twitter.com/Qxcm6Lr76D
— DressForSuccessPgh (@dfspgh) March 8, 2022
Recognizing International Women’s Day is important said Tanya Vokes, of Verona, CEO of Dress for Success Pittsburgh. She said whenever they can, they partner with women-owned businesses. It is even more meaningful that it falls during Women’s History Month.
“Leadership is not just what you do for yourself, but what you do for the women coming along after you,” Vokes said. “Women need support, and if we don’t support them then things won’t change. There is still work to be done.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.