Intern Impact: Greyson and Michelle Share The Stanley Black & Decker Journey

Greyson’s creativity is evident in his work on a “day in the life” video series with Mac Tools franchisees, an idea sparked by his ride-along with a franchisee balancing family, business, and even a puppy in the truck. Collaborating with social media leads, graphic designers, and franchisees, he captures authentic moments that resonate with younger audiences and bring the brand’s story to life. 

Through this experience, Greyson has learned to tailor content for diverse audiences and navigate the fast-paced, ever-changing world of channel marketing. He also understands that not every campaign will succeed as planned, prompting him to seek advice from those who have overcome similar challenges to improve future efforts. 

Michelle’s own story began in the internship program nearly three decades ago, where she started by resetting hardware store shelves and learning the fundamentals of the business. “It was not glamorous, but it taught me the value of teamwork and seeing the bigger picture.” Michelle is currently the Vice President of Channel Marketing. 

She remembers the thrill of seeing her efforts pay off in a major retailer’s accessory wall reset, and how that experience, along with rotating through sales and product roles, gave her a 360-degree view of the business and the end-user.

Michelle’s response to Greyson’s question is rooted in her own experiences with both success and setbacks. “Not every campaign is a home run,” she admits. “There have been times when we did not win a line review or a promotion did not land. But what matters is learning from those experiences, sharing those lessons, and moving forward together as a team.” 

Michelle’s journey from intern to executive is shaped by the people who invested in her potential. “I have been fortunate to have had great mentors – people who stuck up for me, who spoke on my behalf behind closed doors, and who gave me honest feedback and challenging assignments,” she shares. She credits these relationships for helping her build confidence and resilience, and she now pays it forward by championing and mentoring new talent, ensuring they have access to hands-on learning and growth. 

Michelle and Greyson's shared drive to make an impact and their appreciation for mentorship and teamwork are the common threads that connect their journeys. The internship program is not just a stepping stone; it is the foundation of a talent pipeline that empowers individuals to grow, take risks and ultimately lead.