Age: 36
President, Faris Gourmet Popcorn, a division of United Manufacturers, Inc.
Alison Faris Helleberg has been part of her family’s businesses since birth. She’s been full-time since 2016 and took over as president in 2023, leading the companies her father built over 40 years.
Before returning home to Fond du Lac, Faris Helleberg worked as a financial analyst in both Chicago and New York City. She’s applied that rigor to growing her companies in traditionally male-dominated industries, all while earning the trust of a team and customer base that knew her dad well.
“While we have seen great growth over the last 10 years, what matters more is that our employees and customers trust me, our team and our products,” she says.
Outside the office, she’s active with the Charity Club of Fond du Lac, volunteers with St. Mary’s Springs Academy and enjoys “old lady activities” including reading, knitting and pickleball.
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Biggest break: The opportunity to step into a leadership role within my family’s businesses, and carry forward the legacy my dad built. Stepping into that position as a woman in traditionally male-dominated industries has pushed me to grow with confidence and resilience. It has shown me that leadership is not about matching someone else’s style, but rather about bringing my own strengths and insights to the table.
Biggest fail: One of my biggest professional lessons for our popcorn business came from trying to expand our market reach outside of Wisconsin before fully maximizing the opportunities closer to home. It taught me that sustainable growth starts by strengthening our core market and building credibility locally, which leads to creating a stronger foundation and actually more momentum.
I wish I’d known: When I moved into this role, I entered two new industries. I wish I had known that not everyone has everything figured out right away either! It is OK not to have everything figured out at the beginning, as long as you stay confident, trust your gut and are open to learning along the way.
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