Born into the Box Business
Christian Nelson has a deep-rooted connection with the corrugated packaging industry. Having worked at a corrugated packaging plant during his summers, he naturally gravitated towards building a career in the same field. This inclination was further solidified by the fact that his family owns Nelson Container, a family-operated business. At Nelson, Christian's father is the owner, his mother handles marketing, one sister is the controller, and another is in sales. Christian himself proudly identifies as a Sales representative.
Despite his youth, Christian boasts an impressive two-decade experience in the corrugated industry. He began his journey as a general laborer, familiarizing himself with the basics of production. While pursuing a degree in IT Management in college, he explored various jobs, including bartending and working at a bike shop. However, the pull of the corrugated industry was too strong to resist, leading him back to Nelson in his early twenties. Christian's diverse roles at Nelson, ranging from general production to becoming a Sales Rep, have equipped him with a wealth of knowledge about the industry.
One of the significant factors contributing to Nelson's success over the years is their adoption of Amtech's software. Initially, they used the Imaginera system but later transitioned to the more advanced EnCore system. Christian appreciates the continuous improvements in the software, emphasizing its industry-specific focus that aids in various business operations like inventory management, scheduling, design, and pricing.
Apart from technological advancements, Christian credits Nelson's growth to their unwavering commitment to improvement and having a dedicated team. The company, although small with around 40 employees, is fortunate to have many who have served for nearly four decades.
Outside of work, Christian leads a vibrant life. He resides with his fiancée Kayla, a task force chef, their two shepherd mix dogs, Jace and Renna, and not to forget, 12 chickens. The couple is excitedly expecting their first child in November. Christian's hobbies are as diverse as his professional roles, encompassing video games, movies, skiing, disk golf, camping, and recently, fly fishing with Kayla.
Looking ahead, Christian envisions digital printing as the game-changer for the industry. He believes that with the advent of digital printing, the industry will witness enhanced printing quality, improved graphics, faster production runs, and reduced errors. He also emphasizes the importance of new technologies like EnCore in shaping the industry's future. Being a part of the Amtech Users’ Group, Christian values the collective knowledge-sharing and believes in the power of collaboration for mutual growth.
In conclusion, for Christian, it all boils down to the people. Whether it's the dedicated team at Nelson or the broader community at the Amtech Users’ Group, meaningful relationships and collaborations are at the heart of success.