You never really know when one small act will alter the course of your life. Just ask Katie—an operational supervisor at Deseret Industries, whose story began with a seemingly inconsequential decision. 

In the summer of 2023, Katie was looking for a part-time job between semesters of college. She wasn’t having much luck, so her mom encouraged her to consider Deseret Industries. 

“I had some preconceptions about DI, but I was desperate for a job,” Katie admits. “So, I applied and got hired as a supervisor assistant.” 

Despite her initial doubts, Katie’s perspective quickly began to change. 

“I was only planning on being in the job for three months,” Katie recalls. “But by the end of my third week, I was like, ‘This is the coolest job ever.’ I realized I never wanted to leave.”

Katie started looking for a full-time job as a DI operational supervisor, but the position was highly competitive and hard to come by. Nevertheless, she felt that God opened a door for her shortly after she completed her degree when she got a last-minute interview for an opening and was ultimately offered the job in early 2024. 

“Apparently, it worked out well for me,” Katie says with a grin. “Now I can't imagine working anywhere else.” 

Operational supervisors are a crucial part of the Deseret Industries ecosystem. They use their skills in retail management to keep the store operating efficiently, but the most important part of their role is tied to professional development.  

“My job is primarily to form a connection with associates,” Katie says. “I am responsible for helping them grow and develop skills.” 

Within her role, Katie mentors associates, helping them learn important workplace behaviors like teamwork and dependability, as well as skills like customer service and problem-solving. But associates aren’t the only ones growing at Deseret Industries. 

“I’ve had to learn to take a step back,” Katie says. “I have discovered that the work doesn't have to be done my way. The point is to let associates participate so they can gain skills—so they learn to do things quickly, to figure out what works for them, to associate with their coworkers.”

Through her dedication and support, Katie has helped countless associates gain confidence and develop workplace skills that will prepare them for future employment opportunities. Katie inspires a culture of positivity by motivating associates through reassurance and pointing out their strengths. 

“This program is not just for people who are struggling,” Katie says. “It’s for anyone who wants to learn job skills and build a better life for themselves. You’ll never know if it’s right for you unless you try. I never would have found out that I needed to be at Deseret Industries unless I had given it a try.” 

For those with other needs, Katie is sure Deseret Industries has something to offer them as well. 

“Deseret Industries is just such a welcoming place,” Katie says. “Whoever you are—if you are struggling to find gifts for your kids, or if you want to browse a store to see what’s cool, or if you need to make a Halloween costume—DI is the place to go.” 

Are you looking to make a difference? Like Katie, you can support associates in building better lives for themselves. By shopping at your local Deseret Industries, you not only find quality goods at a reasonable cost—you also support a job training program that changes lives and give associates an opportunity to practice job skills.