Biography
Kim Mendrea was hired as a receptionist for Stromberg Carlson in 1997. She was promoted and now handles bookkeeping for the RV supplier company. Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, Kim Mendrea developed her work ethic, largely through training at local supplier Stromberg Carlson Products and her relatives who worked there.
“God and family were a huge part of that,” Mendrea said. “All but one of my siblings still live in the Traverse City area. My mom is still in the house that my parents bought when they had my sister 56 years ago.” Today, Mendrea lives three miles from the childhood home with her husband, daughter, grandson and granddaughter.
“As for my relationship with Stromberg Carlson Products, I have known of them all of my life,” Mendrea said. In the 1950s, her aunt worked across the street from David Stromberg’s tool and die shop. Stromberg founded Stromberg Carlson Products and convinced Mendrea’s aunt to work for him. When Stromberg’s son-in-law Bob Brammer Sr. took over the company in the 1970s, he hired Mendrea’s mother as a receptionist.
Growing up, Mendrea had a single mother of six who worked several odd jobs, like bookkeeping and cleaning offices. Until 1990, Mendrea’s mom brought home Stromberg Carlson hardware kits for her kids to put together, which helped pay for their bikes, shoes and school clothes.
“We would set up a card table in the living room or out on the porch, depending on the weather, and prepare an assembly line,” Mendrea said. “The oldest child would get the hardware kits with the most nuts, bolts, screws and washers in them. The youngest would put in the instructions and staple the bag. We did thousands of them throughout the years.”
Mendrea was hired as a receptionist at Stromberg Carlson in 1997. Though her mom had left to pursue a role in the public school system, her aunt taught the ropes before retiring at age 70. Mendrea later changed positions in the company, moving to accounts payable, processing bankroll, ordering supplies and helping out others where she could.
“I like working for Bob and Charlie Stromberg because I like the family atmosphere,” Mendrea said. Even her daughter worked in the company’s plant during college. “I have had a lot of my time invested in this place, so I want it to be successful.”
