12/05/2025
Finding a career at TVF doesn’t usually begin with working behind-the-scenes of “The Real World: Chicago.” But for Global Trade and Logistics Manager Laura Martin, starting in the television production industry while initially studying film in college taught her invaluable lessons that she has transferred into her more than 21-year career at TVF. She eventually transitioned toward studies that included management and accounting, which also serve her well today.
“You have to start at the bottom and just slowly work your way up, and you have to be committed and put the effort and the time in,” which Laura says really resonates with her throughout her journey that includes anything from cleaning up the office bathrooms in the early days to managing vendors to helping lead TVF’s far-reaching trade and logistics operations. Along the way, Laura has found ways to maintain her impressive contributions while balancing the right role for maximum impact by asking questions like: “How am I able to help move us forward? Am I the right person to move us forward? Am I capable of doing that?”
TVF is employee owned, which Laura says means everyone has skin in the game. “(Employee ownership) is a commitment. I feel like we're all committing to each other that we're invested to be successful,” which she says manifests itself in everyone at TVF “looking out for the best interest of our customers.”
Of TVF’s five Core Values (Embrace an Ownership Mindset, Help People Succeed, Seek Progress Over Perfection, Put Relationships First, and Communicate with Care and Clarity), Laura identifies most closely with Help People Succeed. “I enjoy helping my team be successful, helping make sure they have the right tools and resources they need to be successful. I enjoy TVF being successful. That's one of the things that I loved about managing vendors is the ability to be a part of a program and the success that we have with the customer.”
Away from the office, Laura enjoys spending time with family, daily walks, audio books, watercolor painting, and reading anything from historical fiction to fantasy.