“Everyone’s gonna say you can’t do it. Everyone. Your job is to figure out how you can do it.” These weren’t just casual words of wisdom for Karla Trotman. These were the words her parents, Jim and Sheila Wallace, instilled in her from a young age. Words that would shape her into the fearless woman she is today. 

Meet Karla Trotman, a woman who embodies what it means to thrive in midlife. As the CEO of Electro Soft, Inc. (ESI), she’s shattering glass ceilings with a smile, a whole lot of sass, and an unyielding spirit. 

Founded in 1986 by her parents, ESI represents a legacy of Black excellence in a field where representation has historically been scarce. Electro Soft is an electronics contract manufacturer that focuses on printed circuit boards, cables, wire harnesses, and box-build enclosure assemblies.  They employ about 30 workers in its facility. Karla’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and a dash of humor. Her story will resonate with every Black woman who has ever been underestimated, overlooked, or told she couldn’t do something. But Karla doesn’t just defy expectations; she shatters them. And she’s here to tell us how we can too.

Early Life: Forging Resilience in the Suburbs 

Growing up as a Black girl in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Karla faced immense pressure to fit in. But she quickly learned that conformity wasn’t her style. “Fitting in means that you’re like everyone else,” she candidly shares. “What you will be known for is your disruption and how you don’t fit in and what makes you different.” 

Her parents instilled in her a sense of self-reliance and a “don’t care what people think” attitude. They taught her practical skills like changing a tire and handling car maintenance. But most importantly, they equipped her to defend herself – not just physically, but against the subtle and not-so-subtle attacks that come with being a Black woman in a world that often tries to dim your light. 

Finding Her Voice: Embracing Disruption 

Karla admits that her journey to self-acceptance wasn’t easy. “I spent so much time trying to fit in,” she reflects, “that I got so frustrated that I never could that I decided I’m just going to be me.” This realization, hard-won as it was, became the foundation of her success. 

And it’s a lesson she carries into her leadership style today. “I don’t hire for fit,” she declares. “I hire for enhancement.” She seeks out individuals who will challenge the status quo, bring fresh perspectives, and push her company to new heights. 

Leading Electro Soft: From Shop Floor to CEO Suite 

Karla’s journey into the world of electronics manufacturing began earlier than you might think. As a child, she started working on the shop floor at Electro Soft, cutting wires for 25 cents an hour with a ruler and wire cutters. This early exposure to the family business instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the manufacturing process. 

After pursuing her own corporate career, Karla returned to Electro Soft over 15 years ago with the intention of eventually taking over from her father. She worked her way up the ranks, carefully observing and learning the ins and outs of the business. When Jim Wallace retired and Karla became CEO in 2020, she was ready to lead Electro Soft into a new era of growth and innovation. Karla has been able to pursue her vision for Electro Soft, focusing on growth and innovation.

However, like many women juggling leadership roles with family life, Karla has faced her share of challenges. “I’m tired,” she admits candidly, describing a whirlwind week of cross-country travel for work and social commitments. “I never tell people to do what I do.  My pace is reckless and crazy.” But for Karla, being present for the people she cares about, whether it’s her family or her close friends, is non-negotiable. It’s a balancing act that requires constant adjustment and prioritization, a reality that many women in our community can relate to. 

“Dark, Dirty, Dangerous” offers invaluable insights into: 

• Generational wealth: Karla explores the intricacies of building and transferring wealth within families, providing a roadmap for creating lasting legacies. 

• Building a business with vision: She emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, staying focused, and knowing your worth. 

• Honest conversations: Karla stresses the necessity of open communication within families and teams to navigate challenges and achieve success. 

• Succession planning: Drawing from her own experience, she provides a proven framework for ensuring a smooth transition of leadership in family businesses. 

As Loren Feldman, Founder of 21 Hats Media, puts it, “Karla’s journey is relevant especially to manufacturers and especially to underrepresented entrepreneurs, but really to everyone building a business.” 

DEI: More Than Just a Buzzword 

Karla’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t just lip service; it’s at the core of Electro Soft’s identity. She has created a workplace where people from all backgrounds feel valued and respected. “I have 5 different age demographics in my building,” she shares. “I have four different native languages that are not English. I don’t force people to speak English at all.” 

This commitment stems from her deep understanding of the power of diverse perspectives. “If you want to maximize your business, if you want to maximize your impact,” she insists, “you need to hear from people you may not like.” 

This inclusive approach, Karla believes, is not only good for business, but it’s also essential for building a legacy that reflects the diverse voices and experiences within our communities.

Building a Legacy: More Than a Name 

For Karla, success isn’t just about profits and growth; it’s about building a legacy that extends far beyond herself. “Get the little things taken care of,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of estate planning, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for building generational wealth and leaving a lasting impact. “Make sure you have a clear title on your home so that when you leave you don’t leave a mess. That’s part of leaving a legacy.” 

But legacy, for Karla, is about more than just material wealth. It’s about the impact you have on your community and the world around you. “We as Black people have to tell our stories,” she insists. “That’s how we’re going to impact a generation.” By sharing her experiences and insights, Karla is creating a roadmap for others to follow, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and achievement.

Paying it Forward: Investing in the Next Generation 

Karla’s commitment to community extends far beyond her business. She actively mentors young people, sharing her story and offering guidance to those who aspire to follow in her footsteps. She frequently speaks at schools and community events, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. 

And in a powerful testament to her belief in education, she recently fully funded an endowment at Penn State University to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. “Education changed the entire trajectory of my family, impacting generations,” she insists. “It’s my pleasure to pay it forward.” 

Inspiring Others: Thriving in Midlife 

So, what does thriving look like for Karla? It’s about prioritizing self-care, pursuing personal growth, and nurturing meaningful relationships. It’s about being present, showing up for the people she loves, and unapologetically pursuing her passions. 

“I tell people to try to be clear about what it is you want,” she advises. “Create the atmosphere for the things that you want.” Karla shares, “I didn’t used to believe in vision boards, but now I swear by them. It’s about being intentional and creating the atmosphere for the things you want in your life.” 

Whether it’s traveling the world, spending quality time with her family, or pushing the boundaries in her business, Karla encourages us to be intentional about our choices and create the life we desire. 

A Message of Empowerment 

Ladies, Karla’s story is a powerful reminder that age is just a number and that our potential is limitless. Embrace your individuality, speak your truth, and never stop pursuing your dreams. As Karla puts it, “You have to make a concerted effort for your life to happen the way you want it to happen.” 

So, let’s raise a glass to Karla Trotman, a woman who is redefining success, inspiring a generation, and creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. And don’t forget to grab a copy of her book, “Dark, Dirty, Dangerous” – it’s a must-read for every woman who dares to dream big. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a woman in business, or someone simply seeking inspiration to create the life you desire, Karla’s story will resonate deeply. 

What steps will you take today to build your own legacy? 

You can find “Dark, Dirty, Dangerous” at Bookshop.org using my affiliate link. 

Connect with Karla: 

• Karla’s website: KarlaTrotman.com 

• Karla’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karlatrotman/ 

• Karla’s Instagram: Instagram.com/karlatrotman/ 

• Karla’s Company: www.electrosoftinc.com 

About Karla Trotman:

Karla Trotman is the 2nd Generation owner and President and CEO of Electro Soft, Incorporated (ESI). She holds a B.S. in Business Logistics from Penn State and an MBA from Drexel University and has held pivotal supply chain roles at Honeywell, Gap, and IKEA.

During her time at IKEA, Karla founded an e-commerce business while on maternity leave, turning her logistics expertise into a successful online venture for prenatal and postnatal products, catering to celebrity and international clientele.

Transitioning from corporate America to ESI, her family’s electronics manufacturing company, Karla has held various leadership roles over 15 years, ultimately becoming CEO. Her strategic implementation of online marketing and acquisition revitalized ESI’s revenue.

An award-winning entrepreneur, Karla is a trailblazer in manufacturing and a passionate advocate for Minority Business Enterprises, leveraging her influence to bridge success gaps for minority business owners.