Meet our Industry Person of the Week, Katie Sanders, UpKeep, Business Development Representative; CMMS Radio, Correspondent.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Katie: I began my career in the manufacturing sector, working as an Account Executive for Eruditio, a company specializing in training and consultancy for manufacturing industry best practices. During that time, I connected with industry leaders, learned about challenges on the plant floor, and developed a passion for supporting organizations to improve their processes. That experience sparked my interest in solutions that help frontline teams work more efficiently, which led me to join UpKeep, a leader in Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS), where I work today as a Business Development Representative. Additionally, as a Correspondent for CMMS Radio and an active member of Women in Manufacturing, I have the opportunity to amplify maintenance and reliability stories, champion diversity in the industry, and share knowledge with a wider audience — which has been an inspiring way to stay connected with the community.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Katie: I love being a trusted partner for maintenance and reliability professionals. It’s incredibly rewarding to help connect them with tools that simplify their work and improve their operations. I’m most proud of my ability to build strong relationships and advocate for their success. Through my work at UpKeep, my role with CMMS Radio, and my involvement in Women in Manufacturing, I have the privilege of highlighting the voices of maintenance teams and promoting best practices that truly make a difference in the industry.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Katie: Be curious and stay open to learning. Whether you are in business development, broadcasting, or the maintenance and reliability space, you’ll be most successful if you listen carefully and develop a deep understanding of your customer’s world. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions — people appreciate genuine interest, and it helps you build authentic relationships. Finally, look for communities — like Women in Manufacturing — that can support you, mentor you, and help you grow your skills and your confidence.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Katie: Recently, I have been working on outreach initiatives to expand UpKeep’s presence among manufacturing and industrial clients. This included identifying key accounts, researching their needs, and developing messaging that resonates with the challenges of maintenance teams. Alongside that, I have contributed segments to CMMS Radio that highlight innovative maintenance strategies and share success stories from frontline teams. It has been incredibly rewarding to combine hands-on business development, industry storytelling, and community-building.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Katie: I am passionate about empowering frontline teams to do their best work. Technology, when paired with empathy and a human-centered approach, can make a tremendous difference — and that’s what I strive to promote every day, whether through business development, sharing stories on CMMS Radio, or supporting a diverse, inclusive industry through Women in Manufacturing.
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.
THANK YOU, KATIE! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
