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Who's Who: Karie Lester

Karie Lester does not let school loyalties get in the way of enjoying Kentucky collegiate sports, and that all-for-one attitude is also a feature of her work as kiosk industry specialist for Lexmark.

August 8, 2002

Karie Lester received a BA in marketing from the University of Kentucky in 1992. But in a sports-mad state where intrastate rivalries - particularly between UK and the University of Louisville - can be pretty intense, Lester has turned a volatile situation into the practice venue for her diplomatic tactics.

Lester, you see, is that rarest of Kentucky sports fans: She supports both UK and U of L. Throw in her adoration for Western Kentucky University, located in the south central Kentucky and north central Tennessee regions where she was raised, and you have someone who can fit into any Bluegrass State sports crowd.

"I'm one of the few people who like all of those schools," Lester recently said. "Growing up in southern Kentucky, you grew to support any Kentucky school that did well. I get made fun of a lot in Lexington, but I still feel that way."

That she can support all those schools, and still find a way to live peacefully in Lexington, the home of UK and the school's most devoted fans, is a testament to Lester's ability to keep everyone happy.

It is a skill she has brought to her work with Lexmark International Inc. (NYSE:LXK), the Lexington-based printing solutions developer. As the company's kiosk industry specialist, she works with kiosk-related companies to develop best practices solutions.

Lexmark's Karie Lester calls Lexington, Ky., home, but travels frequently in her work as the company's kiosk industry specialist.

Tom Crawford, director of business partnerships at kiosk software development firm Netkey Inc., said the all-encompassing outlook Lester has when it comes to Kentucky sports also serves her well at Lexmark.

"She understands that the overall solution is what people buy," Crawford said. "It's not the Lexmark printer or the enclosure or our software. She knows that."

Finding a niche

After stints at Motorola and a Lexington-based cellular company, Lester joined Lexmark in 1999. After three years with Lexmark and a decade out of UK, the 32-year-old Lester considers Lexington her final destination.

"I've always been from Kentucky, but I never thought I'd work for Lexmark," she said. "I never thought Lexington would be the final spot. Lexmark was a local company and I never thought there would be an opportunity there."

There was, and Lester made the most of it, sinking her teeth into the kiosk sector. The challenge of working in a developing technology sector with so many possible applications appealed to her.

"Lexmark has different industry focuses and part of it was kiosks," she said. "We knew it would be a developing technology, especially one that involved printers. As it grew, it became necessary to devote one person to it."

Making a move

Since its launch in 1991, Lexmark has established itself as a leader in the printing industry. During fiscal year 2001, the company reported net earnings of $273.6 million on revenue of $4.1 billion.

For Lester, her work in a niche industry that is still maturing has required total commitment and the flexibility to adapt to changing demands and applications.

It turns out Lester thrives on such work-oriented gymnastics.

"The main strengths are you get to work with a lot of business partners, which are my customers," she said. "It's always changing. There's always something different going on, a little twist technologically here and there, that keeps it interesting."

Industry officials have noted her capacity for work and her understanding of the kiosk market's complexities.

"She's certainly a visionary within Lexmark," Crawford said.

Lester is not just an advocate for Lexmark. She has also taken an active role with Kiosks.org Association, serving on the industry advocacy group's advisory board.

The benefits of home life

While Lester spends a lot of time on the road, visiting clients, home ties remain important to her. She and her husband, Bill, met while playing trumpet in UK's band ("I played trumpet because that's where all the boys were," she said. "We were in the same section."), and they are delighted to remain in the Lexington area.

"It's a big little city," Lester said of Lexington, which has a population of 260,512. "It's got a good feel to it."

Lester has plenty to do in Lexington when she is not working. Between going to Commonwealth Stadium for UK football games or Rupp Arena for UK basketball contests, Lester indulges in another of Lexington's traditions -- the April and October horse racing meets at Keeneland. She also plays the piano at church and sings at home. One of her most rewarding activities outside work is acting as mentor for a group of six teenage girls.

Lester has worked with the girls, currently 15 and 16 years of age, for about five years, helping them prepare for the challenges of adulthood.

"We got hooked up because of their unique family circumstances," said Lester, who did not elaborate. "We spent a lot of time together, taking about what they're doing with their lives and with school."

Giving back to the community that has provided her with so much is important to Lester. It is an approach that serves her well -- at home and in the kiosk industry.