Ozarks Profile: Andrea Hardiman

Tell us about EDCO.

The company originated in Springfield and has more than 40 years' experience managing documents. Today, we're offering major innovations in imaging documents to make them accessible to electronic systems.

How did you arrive in this position?

I received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Drury College and completed 12 hours toward my master's degree in computer resources and information management at Webster University in Springfield. Since 1984, I have developed software, directed projects, conducted training and managed information systems for national and international businesses. I worked for 10 years at Reckitt Benckiser (formerly French's) and for six years at Kraft Foods, where I earned three ABCD (Above & Beyond the Call of Duty) Awards.

Why was a technology-related career attractive to you?

I have always liked to play with puzzles, and writing code is like working on a puzzle. I started as a programmer because I enjoyed writing computer code that would make a piece of machinery do what I wanted. As a manager, I give my expert staff the tools they need and provide an environment that encourages them to try new things without fear of penalty. I help them discover the best in themselves.

What are the challenges in your job, and how do you deal with them?

EDCO is rolling out three exciting new technology initiatives, which are Secure Store, RetrievalNet and an internal enterprise resource planning system that was custom designed for us. This offers tremendous benefits for our customers, and we're making like ducks: it's smooth sailing with our feet paddling like crazy underwater. My staff is wonderful, and we're having a great time.

What's your favorite thing about your work?

I like giving companies and individuals computer tools that take the mundane out of their jobs and allow their businesses to grow. I free them up to do other, more creative things for their companies.

Tell us about your family.

I live in the country with my husband, Wil, an organic farmer who drives a school bus. I have one daughter, two grandchildren, two cats and a dog.

What are your spare-time pursuits?

I enjoy growing orchids, doing needlework, as well as camping, hiking and canoeing.