The People Behind Geotoys: Christine Lenschow

Boxing the Holidays with Christine Lenschow, Operations Manager

We’re happy to have had a quick moment to catch up with Christine as we head into the holiday season. As the Geotoys operations manager — which includes overseeing product procurement, ordering, and shipping—she doesn’t have a whole lot of time to spare!

With the holidays around the corner, it must be incredibly busy for you and the folks at the warehouse! What does a typical day look like for you during the holiday season? 

I enter a lot of orders around the holidays! Our warehouse handles fulfillment, but I enter and create labels for all the orders.  I also keep track of accounts payables and receivables, work with our graphic designers and manufacturers on product packaging, and communicate with our sales reps regarding the status of orders.  Additionally, I handle customer service issues.

What’s the biggest challenge in keeping all those orders moving smoothly?  

Keeping track of all the orders can be a challenge.  However, after doing this for almost 20 years, I have a pretty good system for keeping it all organized.  

My team and I try to make sure we have enough inventory.  So we plan earlier in the year for production and manufacturing. My biggest recommendation would be to order as early as you can, because we don’t have control over shippers, so we are at their mercy for delivery during the holidays.

Do you have a memorable moment from past holiday seasons — maybe a shipping success story or a funny “oops” that worked out in the end?

I had one order that traveled - literally - around the world before it got to the customer. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of an educational toy company during the holidays?  

Knowing that not only are puzzles and games fun, but are educational as well. It has been really fun to see my kids and their friends grow up with Geotoys, too.

When the rush finally slows down, how do you like to unwind? 

I travel! I really enjoy Italy. I’ll be in Palermo visiting a friend in the middle of this month before Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off. It’s a moment to enjoy the calm before the chaos.