RETAIL VOICES: Purity McKinney

We recently sat down with Purity McKinney, a Senior Warehouse Production Assistant in our Ohio facility. Purity has a heartwarming story, and her success at OnQ is a prime example of why it’s important to offer (and to accept!) second chances.

So Purity, tell us a little about your role at OnQ.

I’m a Senior Warehouse Production Assistant. It’s my job to set up and run the production floor. I work closely with the line leads to make sure they have everything they need, and to make sure projects move smoothly through production.

What’s your background, and how did you end up working at OnQ?

Well, my career wasn’t always going this well. I made some mistakes earlier in life and ended up being incarcerated for several years. Once I got out, I applied to a temp agency and that’s how I started working at OnQ in 2018.

You’ve obviously overcome a lot to get where you are today. Do you have any advice for others who may be dealing with challenges of their own?

Don’t ever give up. You’re going to get lots of “no’s” before you get a “yes.” Don’t let rejection get you down and never give up on yourself. Opportunities are out there, but you have to stay determined to make it happen.

Is your workload steady, or are there times when things are busier than normal?

Late-spring through the end of summer is the busiest time of the year. Retailers usually update their displays with new products in the Fall to get ready for the holidays, so that’s a really busy time when we’re building and shipping out lots of new displays.

What do you like most about being part of the OnQ team?

This company has lots of opportunity if you’re willing to put in the work. OnQ took a chance on me three years ago and I worked my way up from a temp position to a lead role on the production floor. I appreciate that OnQ put faith in me when I needed a second chance, and I feel like my hard work is noticed and rewarded.