Employee spotlight: Delora Carlson

What makes 84.51˚ an intriguing company? Is it the flexible hybrid work options, the free food regularly found around the office or the challenging problems that we tackle? While these aspects are undoubtedly great, it’s the people that make working here truly special. Check out our Employee Spotlight series to learn more about who we are and the unique traits of our teammates. 

Hometown: Southfield, MI  Office Location:  Cincinnati  Start Date:  October 2022  Job title:  Senior Solution Design Consultant - Operations 

Describe your role.

I am a Supply Chain, Operations, Replenishment consultant closely working with Forecasting Center of Excellence in predictive sciences.  I support Kroger’s Central Store Replenishment Team with 84.51° Store Ordering Forecast Science.  

How long have you worked in solution design and what inspired you to pursue this field?

I have over 10 years of professional experience in supply chain management.  The bulk of my experience is in aviation, with experience in medical technology. Areas of my knowledge include global forecasting, buying and inventory management. In my career, process improvement has been a huge component.  Identifying the root cause of a problem, brainstorming, and implementing solutions are rewarding and the motive behind me joining 84.51° solution design.    

What interested you in joining 84.51°? 

COVID-19 piqued my interest in retail supply chain. The shortages of toilet paper and other household items with empty shelves made me question what it would take to forecast the irregular increase in demand. Having had experience in aviation and medical technology, the shelf life ranged from years to a handful of months.  However, produce shelf life would be within days. I was fascinated by the science behind forecasting so many items on a daily basis. 84.51° data insights was a large draw for me and I continue to learn so much every day. 

What has been the most memorable experience or favorite project you’ve worked on?

The most memorable experience in my time at 84.51° so far has been the traffic model change in 84.51° Store Ordering Forecast. Earlier this year, several divisions experienced elevated order volumes and the solution from Forecasting Center of Excellence was to switch the traffic model. This event sped up my understanding of our forecasting science. It also increased my communication with Kroger, which in turn helped build up rapport in a short amount of time.  

What’s your favorite part about working at 84.51°? Do you have a favorite benefit or perk that is offered?

My favorite part about working at 84.51° is the culture.  Being able to work with brilliant helpful coworkers has been a joy. I joined the organization in October and during my second week the company was hosting its all-company event Area 51. It was overwhelming at first, but it ended up being wonderful because I had the opportunity to meet many individuals on my team in person before going back to remote working. I have never worked at an organization that invests in and celebrates its employees in such a fun way. Also, I love the offices! They are truly gorgeous.   

What advice would you give to those who are considering working in this field?

My advice for someone in solution design is to build meaningful relationships.  Trust is needed to make recommended changes. It helps the process especially when you find that there are bumps on the road of progress. 

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work hours?

Reading is a passion of mine and in the past year, I really got into reading fiction. I read 100 books in 2022 and 150 so far this year. I utilize my library’s Libby app to download audiobooks and use social media to find popular book recommendations.  I absolutely love spending time with my husband and 5-year-old daughter.  It’s a joy watching her grow up.