For Kimberlyn Hooker, success has never been about taking the easy route; it’s been about showing up, working hard, and continuously learning along the way. A native of Brookhaven, Mississippi, Kimberlyn’s journey with Continental Carbonic Products, a MATHESON company, began back in 2007 in one of the most hands-on roles possible: washing trucks and trailers on the weekends. What started as a part-time job quickly grew into a career built on dedication, growth, and leadership.
Do a job you want to work, not a job you have to work.
Kimberlyn
After just a short time, Kimberlyn applied for an open Safety position, which was her first step into a more technical side of operations. From there, she advanced through several roles, including Assistant Operator and Shift Operator, proving her adaptability and commitment to learning each step of the process. Though she briefly stepped away in 2011 for personal reasons, she returned in 2018 ready to take on new challenges. Kimberlyn became Weekend Production Manager, then Assistant Distribution Manager, a role she held for five years before achieving a major milestone: being named Plant Manager in December 2024.
Kimberlyn’s path wasn’t always straightforward, and she admits that when she first started, she didn’t know much about dry ice or its many uses. But curiosity quickly turned into passion. “The more I collaborated with it, the more I wanted to learn,” she recalls. That drive to understand and improve not only led her to success within Continental Carbonic but also inspired her to further her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2021 and a master’s degree in 2023.
In her current role, Kimberlyn’s mornings begin with greeting her team, an intentional moment that sets the tone for the day. She checks in on her employees, makes sure safety remains the top priority, and reminds everyone that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. “My proudest accomplishment has been turning the morale of my team around,” she says. “I pride myself on being fair and treating everyone with respect.” That leadership style, grounded in empathy and teamwork, defines her approach to managing the plant and reflects the company’s values of respect, fairness, and commitment.
Outside of work, Kimberlyn enjoys trail rides, football, fishing, movies, and spending time with family and friends. But even in her downtime, her leadership mindset shines through.
She values collaboration and shared decision-making even when interviewing new candidates. “Instead of one person making the decision, I include two production managers in the process,” she explains. “That way, everyone’s perspective is heard.” Her advice to others reflects the same thoughtful approach that has guided her career: “Do a job you want to work, not a job you have to work. Never stop learning.” For Kimberlyn, that’s more than advice; “it’s the Continental way.”
