Exeter, N.H.—Ann Wicander, president of WE Cork, celebrates 30 years with the company. A veteran of the flooring industry, Wicander represents the fifth generation of her family to be involved in the cork segment.
Since the time Wicander took the reins as president of WE Cork—which was predominantly focused on cork underlayment products—she helped WE Cork expand within the flooring industry by developing numerous cork product launches. “When I first entered the industry, the majority of our business was cork underlayment and other products outside of the flooring industry,” she explained. “I have since been very focused on the flooring segment and have incorporated new technologies in developing our collections.”
Wicander’s path to her current position was not without its challenges. After graduating from college, Wicander’s father asked if she would be interested in going to California to explore the sound control market for their new WECU Soundless products. Her compensation entailed 100% commission plus $50 per day for food, hotel and transportation. After eight weeks, just two sales and a lot of rejection, she left the company.
However, three years later, Wicander negotiated a more industry-competitive package and rejoined WE Cork. Progressing from sales to marketing manager in a short period of time, Wicander was elevated to the position of president of the Western division in 1995 before ultimately assuming the role of president of the company in 1998.