Empowering Change: Lisa Backlin’s Journey in the Supply Chain at Parts Town Unlimited

According to Gartner’s latest women in Supply Chain survey, women now make up 40% of the workforce in this field. Though, when it comes to leadership roles, notably at the VP level and higher, they still face critically important underrepresentation.

to delve into this topic further, we chatted with Lisa backlin, who serves as Group Vice President of Supply Chain at Parts Town Unlimited. With a rich background that includes leadership positions at Grainger and Home Depot, Lisa has dedicated her career to operations and mentorship while championing inclusive leadership. She shared insights from her upbringing in Chicago and discussed how humility plays a crucial role in effective leadership.

Supply Chain 24/7: Can you share a bit about your childhood?

lisa Backlin: I grew up in Chicago with an accountant mom and an optometrist dad who was more of an inventor at heart. Our home was filled with curiosity—questions like “What if we tried this?” were common. Family dinners on Fridays and gatherings on Sundays fostered a strong sense of community that has influenced me greatly.

SC247: What about your grandmother? How did she shape your viewpoint?

LB: My grandmother ran a store for larger men on the South Side of Chicago alongside her sisters. I admired how she handled pricing with kindness—allowing customers to pay later or work off their bills without hesitation. Witnessing women lead with compassion was normal for me; it’s somthing I strive to emulate today.

SC247: You’re involved with community initiatives like the Akron-Canton Food Bank—what drives that commitment?

LB: Growing up without much instilled in me the belief that everyone deserves access to basic needs so they can contribute fully to society. That’s why I’ve been part of the Akron-Canton Food Bank board for over a decade—it’s not just about my resume; it’s personal.

![Lisa’s grandmother holds court; Lisa poses with work friends at the Field Museum; Lisa speaks to Home Depot employees.]

Finding Her Path

SC247: What were you like during your school years?

LB: Not exactly athletic! Despite my height, basketball wasn’t my thing—I still laugh about trying out once! But socially? Absolutely—I thrived on connecting with others. In college, academics took a backseat as I focused more on building relationships than grades—but those friendships have lasted through time!

SC247: Did college change your outlook?

LB: For sure! Coming from modest means opened my eyes wide during college—it highlighted what I didn’t know before. Being part of a sorority added structure through community service projects which helped ground me during those formative years.

Early Career & Mentorship

SC247: How did you land your first job—and what led you to the Field Museum?

LB: my first gig was at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago—not exactly where I thought I’d end up but necessary for rent! After some soul-searching over Thai food post-review mishap, I stumbled upon job listings near DePaul university and found one at Field Museum where Lucy Bukowski became one of my key mentors.

SC247: What made Lucy such an impactful mentor for you?

LB: Lucy recognized potential rather than flaws—she told me instead of fixing things about myself; all I needed was experience! Within two years there, she had me representing our museum in D.C., shaping how mentoring should be: providing opportunities rather than changing someone fundamentally.

Discovering Supply Chain

SC247: How did supply chain become your focus area?

LB: After working at the museum for several years realizing my strengths lay more towards building frameworks rather than compliance tasks led me toward Grainger initially focusing on internal controls but eventually landing finance roles thanks largely due Gloria Ysasi-Diaz encouragingly suggesting inventory planning despite having no prior experience!

Leadership Lessons

SC247: What kind culture do you aim for as a leader?

LB: I prioritize recognizing team members who uplift others’ contributions as success is collective—not individualistic titles shouldn’t overshadow talent development opportunities either!

### Looking Ahead

SC247: Why Parts Town Unlimited?

LB: After great experiences elsewhere seeking something fresh brought me here—the culture is collaborative yet low-ego which resonates deeply within myself personally/professionally alike!

As we wrap up our conversation around mentorships & future aspirations within supply chains remember there are endless possibilities waiting ahead especially when communities come together supporting each other along their journeys too!