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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.
