Kimberly Clarke didn’t plan on a career in manufacturing—but once she stepped onto the floor, she never left.
“I didn’t even know what a purchase order was when I started,” she says.
What began as an entry-level role while finishing her degree turned into a decades-long career spanning nearly every function of the business. Today, Clarke is a co-owner of Walker Manufacturing Group, a $60 million Inland Empire manufacturer and long-time supplier to Toyota.
From Entry-Level to Executive
Clarke’s rise wasn’t linear—it was immersive.
She worked across purchasing, production control, sales, and operations, building a rare, ground-up understanding of manufacturing.
“I learned everything by doing it,” she explains.
That breadth ultimately led her into executive leadership, guiding the company through ownership transitions, industry shifts, and the disruptions of COVID—always with a focus on stability for employees and long-term growth.
People First, Always
With a background in psychology and an MBA from Stanford, Clarke brings a distinctly human approach to leadership.
“Understanding people—your team, your customers, your suppliers—that’s everything,” she says.
That mindset has helped build a culture of longevity at Walker, where many team members and managers have worked together for decades.
Why MCIE
Clarke joined the MCIE Board to strengthen connections across the region’s manufacturing base.
“I’ve been doing this for years and was meeting companies I didn’t even know were down the street,” she says.
Her goal is simple: more collaboration, more shared knowledge, and more support between manufacturers.
“How do we help each other? How do we share what works? That’s where the real value is.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Clarke is especially passionate about encouraging young people—especially women—to explore manufacturing.
“Don’t let anyone tell you there’s not a place for you here,” she says.
Her advice: stay curious, think beyond traditional paths, and be willing to learn on the job.
Why It Matters
For Clarke, manufacturing is about more than production—it’s about people.
“At the end of the day, I want to give people a good, safe, happy life,” she says.
