Tropic Spotlight: Kory Lanzel

Meet Kory, Senior Regional Manager of Procurement Services on our Commercial Executive (CE) team. 👋

Kory’s time at Tropic began in a Senior Commercial Executive role, working with customers and suppliers. He was quickly promoted to Group Manager. He now brings his expertise in negotiations and relationships to bear as he manages and coaches senior CEs on the West Coast and Midwest, helping them develop their knowledge and skills.

Kory’s words to live by, as a Commercial Executive leader at Tropic:

“One of our core values at Tropic is Fighting for Fairness. I encourage everyone on my team to use the tools they have at their disposal to fight for fair cost and value for our customers in every interaction.”

Learn more about his diligent work ethic, his advice to his younger self, and his woodworking skills (even his 4-year-old daughter appreciates them).

Why did you decide to join Tropic?

I joined Tropic in May of 2021. At the time I believe we had fewer than 20 total employees. Joining a company that early on was a bit nerve-wracking, but the leadership and mission piqued my interest. At the time, I had over 11 years of procurement experience but had never been in a role where the work I was doing was the primary service being offered.

What has been your most memorable moment here?

We had an opportunity to get our full CE team together in Austin earlier this year to work and just hang out together. It was a really great experience being around our whole group.

As a CE, what does providing exceptional service to customers look like?

We expect CEs to work diligently on behalf of our customers. Every customer has different needs and deadlines and it is imperative that CEs are providing frequent updates to customers and suppliers throughout our involvement. We need CEs who communicate effectively, execute with urgency, and pay close attention to detail. 🗣️

How have you taken that approach to coach your team and negotiate with suppliers on their behalf?

One of our core values at Tropic is Fighting for Fairness. I encourage everyone on my team to use the tools they have at their disposal to fight for fair cost and value for our customers in every interaction.  Additionally, we stress the importance of treating the supplier side with respect and working toward win-win scenarios as best we can. The best people on our team excel at creating a positive experience for both the customer and supplier involved. 🤝

What is a fun fact people would be surprised to know about you?

My wife Alycia and I enjoy woodworking projects. We have made mostly simple things like cutting boards, but have also made tables, benches, garden boxes, and even a playhouse for our daughter complete with floors, drywall and shingles on the roof. 🏠

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Skiing with my family, swimming, golfing, building/woodworking, yard work which is oddly calming 🙂 and keeping my 4-year-old daughter entertained.

If you could choose two celebrities to be your parents, who would they be?

People joke that my dad looks like a younger Sam Elliott, so maybe him and Sally Field.

What are three items you cannot live without?

Sad to say my phone is one. Coffee and my miter saw probably would be the others.

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza. 🍕

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Travel more. There are so many places I want to see and I wish I had started earlier! ✈️

Keep in touch with friends and extended family. I have not been as good at keeping up with people as I should be.

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If you’re interested in seeing what Tropic is all about, take a peek inside our culture here. 🌴