Misty Rackley, warehouse manager of Fire-Dex’s production plant in Pelham, Georgia, has spent 20 years working in the same building.  

Fire-Dex acquired this Georgia facility back in 2018, and Misty was part of the acquisition transfer. It was formerly a business called Darwood Manufacturing, where Misty began working as a receptionist. “So, I came in as a 20-year-old, just fresh in,” says Misty. “I was just handling accounts payable and day-to-day reception duties, whether it was filing, answering phones, and eventually helping with payroll and different things of that nature.”  

Misty did this same job for 13 years. She gained seniority and accepted new tasks, but her role was largely the same. Until Darwood was acquired by Fire-Dex. Immediately, Misty was promoted to office manager and was later promoted to turnout production supervisor. 

Most recently, in 2023, the Georgia plant was experiencing a change in management and Fire-Dex leadership came to Misty with a suggestion. “They approached me and asked about going back to overseeing cutting, being the warehouse manager, maintaining all of the inventory, and overseeing all of the stock programs.” Misty was promoted to warehouse manager, a position she still holds today.  

It turns out that Misty loves her new position. “I love numbers,” Misty says. “I've always been a numbers gal.” In her job, Misty gets to work with numbers every day, as she tracks production, inventory, the cutting room, and the office. While this is a large responsibility, Misty thrives because it allows her to help people. “I love to help. I love to teach. There's something rewarding about watching someone else develop in their career. I enjoy that.” 

Misty says working for Fire-Dex is just different. “Our leaders pay attention to us in a way that other companies don't,” Misty says. “Our leadership recognizes employees' interests. Strong qualities—what strengths and what weaknesses they have. And when positions come up that they think fit a person's strengths, they're quick to encourage you.”  

Fire-Dex has changed the way Misty sees career mobility. She says it’s given her the courage to speak up when she sees potential for change and to advocate for herself when she wants to try something new. More than anything, Misty feels that her time with Fire-Dex has been exciting.  

“For most of my career, I felt stuck. Like that was all I would ever do. I would always be behind. I would always just be the person who answers the phones.” So, when Fire-Dex came in, Misty was finally able to see potential for her future career. Now, she is doing a job she loves, in an environment that she knows will allow for her growth. Misty doesn’t feel stuck anymore, and she knows that her company leaders are watching out for new opportunities for her to try.  

“I'm excited for where we are continuing to grow to,” says Misty. “I love watching the growth of our employees here more than anything.”