
This month, we’re celebrating a major milestone—Danielle’s 12-year work anniversary! Since joining the company in 2013, Danielle has helped shape nearly every aspect of our operations. From working alongside the founder to now partnering with his son TJ in leading the business, her story is one of grit, growth, and grace. She’s juggled high-level responsibilities and personal commitments with remarkable strength and heart. I sat down with Danielle to reflect on her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what continues to drive her after all these years.
Let’s start at the beginning—what brought you to the company back in 2013?
“I had prayed a lot about my next role after taking a sabbatical to stay home with my young children. I’d worked in Operations most of my career, but I wanted to reenter the workforce by going back to my roots—customer service and office management. Company culture was the most important factor to me at the time. I was on a new path of growth and seeking a positive, family-oriented environment. I knew corporate life wasn’t for me, so when Hauser posted a job at their small, growing family business, I felt immediately drawn to it. The more I learned, the more I wanted to dive in.”
You’ve seen the company evolve tremendously over the past 12 years. What’s been the most rewarding part of that journey?
“Retaining many of the same customers I started working with in 2013 now many years later. Our partnerships are solid and based on loyalty and trust.”
You worked closely with TJ’s dad, the founder. What did you learn from that experience, and how has it influenced your leadership today?
“Tom is a fountain of wisdom in business and specifically in the niche industry of packaging. I learned so much from him while working alongside him and even to this day when tough questions arise, he is a wonderful resource, in addition to TJ. Tom made decisions based on relationships – ethics, loyalty, fairness and trust — not just the bottom line. Observing his relationships with suppliers and customers was a big part of my professional growth and the company’s growth.”
Now you’re in the trenches with TJ. How has that working relationship grown over the years?
“TJ and I bicker like siblings—but it’s a positive banter that usually leads to great ideas and even better laughs! After working together for so long, I can often predict what he’ll ask for or do. That dynamic pushes me to think outside of the box, which fuels creative problem-solving and collaboration.”
As a single mom balancing leadership and life—how have you managed to stay grounded?
“I strive to be an example of a woman who can succeed in her career while valuing family and faith. It’s easy to tie your identity to your job—especially when you care deeply about your work. My daughters know that I work hard, earned a master’s degree, and have made sacrifices to reach my goals. I hope they find work one day that brings them the same joy and purpose.”
What’s one challenge you’re most proud of overcoming?
“Covid caused glass capacity issues and costs that nobody could have predicted. The recent sea freight costs and now tariffs have posed new challenges. We have been able to maintain relationships by being transparent and fair as we navigate with our partners and customers. Despite these challenges, Hauser continues to grow, which is the best outcome we can hope for.”
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in operations or leadership in a family-run business?
“Give it time. Stick it out. It will be tough in the beginning especially if coming from a corporate environment. Observe, ask questions, and never hold back on providing ideas and voicing when things are not working well. Encourage your team. Be ok with friction with others. You are not going to grow a business by always getting along and doing the status quo. Do not get complacent—it’s ok to be uncomfortable, that ignites change.”
What excites you most about the future of the company—and your role in it?
“We have a few surprises coming over the next few months that are going to enable our team to serve our customers better and reach more businesses that want stellar packaging products from Hauser. So, stay tuned!”
Drop Dee an email to congratulate her!




I asked around the office, “what is it about Danielle that you admire most?” Here are a few of my favorite answers:
She always brings a level mind to the conversation!
I can talk to her about anything- she is a safe space.
Her work ethic is second to none.
Always there to help no matter what.