Erin Danastasio is making a name for herself in a group of protein companies started by her grandfather and led by her father.
Danastasio, marketing communications manager for American Dehydrated Foods Inc. and International Dehydrated Foods Inc., is the granddaughter of founder Bill Darr and the daughter of CEO Kurt Hellweg.
But the job wasn’t handed to her. Danastasio notes the businesses have a family employment policy requiring family members to earn a college degree and succeed in outside employment before being considered. With a degree from the University of Missouri, work as the former alterations manager for David’s Bridal and the creation of her embroidery business, In Stitches LLC, under her belt, Danastasio was hired as customer service manager for ADF in November 2010 and took on her current title about a year later.
“When the customer service manager position became available, I knew that this would be one of my few opportunities to work for the family business, as the turnover rate is extremely low,” Danastasio says. “After applying, interviewing and being hired, I was humbled with the responses from the other employees within the companies.
“I am the only person from the third generation to work for the companies, and all the employees were excited to have ongoing representation from ownership being involved in the growth and leadership of our enterprises.”
In her role, Danastasio says she has taken on additional responsibilities such as organizing trade shows and researching new forms of marketing.
Danastasio also serves on the board of directors for the Darr Family Foundation, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her community contributions.
Last year, Danastasio joined the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, making a three-year commitment to serve on its board of directors as well as marketing co-chair for the organization.
“Deciding which grant projects we will raise money for – to benefit our children and teachers – is a large endeavor, but one that I find rewarding,” she says. “Having attended Springfield Public Schools, it is an incredible feeling to be able to give back in such a way.”
Danastasio also donates her time to the Springfield office of Muscular Dystrophy Association, a cause that is near and dear to her heart because a close family friend has the disease. In 2011, she was co-chair of the MDA’s Festival of Hope fundraising event, helping the organization raise more than $88,000.
“My family has always taken great pride in supporting the community, and that is a value I intend to instill in my children,” Danastasio says.
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