As a child, Julie Sole remembers having diverse interests. One day she was building electrical circuits with her dad, and the next was writing multi-chapter stories about adventurous mice.

That time could be seen as a foreshadowing of her career in the manufacturing industry.

Sole grew up in Youngstown’s Brownlee Woods neighborhood and watched her dad’s career path morph over the years. He started in electrical engineering, then was a radio DJ, marketer, banker and eventually a business instructor at YSU for 20 years before retiring.

It was a firsthand look at how many directions a career can go – and planted seeds that would shape Sole’s own decisions.

“I loved storytelling just as much as I loved working with those little electrical kits,” she recalled. “The path was never clear-cut for me.”

However, those early tinkering sessions sparked a connection to how things work and the skills that can open doors.

Uncertainty still leads somewhere

During her high school years at Cardinal Mooney, Sole continued struggling to decide on a career path. Her dad suggested taking a focus test, which she did, but the result didn’t help much.

“My top two matches, which were writing and engineering, were almost identical in score. It just confirmed what I already knew – I had no idea which direction to go.”

Although she loved writing, upon graduation, she chose civil engineering because of the flexibility.

“There are a variety of areas – structures, environmental and geotechnical. I didn’t want to be boxed in, and this gave me options.”

Sole then pursued a bachelor’s degree at YSU, and while there, she got an internship at Vallourec as an engineering consultant.

Two years in, she was hired full-time as a continuous improvement analyst, which came with learning moments since her experience was limited in industrial engineering.

“In my interview, someone mentioned they had a black belt, and I made a karate joke. I didn’t realize at the time they were talking about Lean Six Sigma,” she said.

Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology used in manufacturing to boost efficiency and reduce waste. Sole earned that black belt status in 2014, plus got certified as a project management professional.

Challenges that create growth

In 2016, she was offered a role in managing capital investment projects at Vallourec. At first, she turned it down.

“I didn’t have a finance background, and I’m not a spreadsheet person. However, my boss told me it wasn’t just budgets, it was about bringing project management skills and engineering insight to the role.”

That shifted Sole’s perspective, and she accepted the position. Soon after, she found herself with more responsibility when her manager stepped away due to an illness – and later passed away.

“I didn’t feel ready, but I had to figure it out. That challenge changed everything for me.”  

Her interest in the bigger picture grew, and she went on to earn a master’s degree in business at YSU, which helped sharpen the financial and strategic skills she uses every day.

Five years later, she was promoted to North America CapEx manager, in charge of multi-million-dollar projects for Vallourec across the U.S. That opportunity then evolved into her current role as director of the North America CapEx office.

From plant upgrades to equipment installations, Sole keeps budgets and timelines on track and makes sure each project aligns with Vallourec’s long-term operational strategy. That involves frequent collaboration with international colleagues to get it done.

“I’ve gone from being nervous to speak in front of a few people to leading global calls. It’s been quite a journey,” she said.

Invested in industry and community

Beyond her work duties, Sole’s leadership extends to Vallourec’s community outreach program, which she helped launch. It connects employees to volunteer opportunities and local causes.

She also serves on the board for MVMC and Youngstown CityScape – and is part of the Leadership Mahoning Valley Class of 2025.

“It’s important to me to be involved in the community in ways that make a difference.”

That also includes participating in a number of MVMC-supported youth outreach events and presentations.

Sole has simple advice for young people when it comes to weighing options in manufacturing or STEM careers.

“You don’t have to be an expert on day one. Be curious. Be willing. That’s enough to get you going.”

Developing valuable skills is powerful, and she’s learned that through experience.

“Manufacturing isn’t just about machines – it’s solving problems, leading teams, improving systems and is full of possibilities.”

Sole’s story is proof that an uncertain start doesn’t mean a limited future. One thing is for sure, she won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

“I’ve grown a lot, but there’s still a lot to accomplish at Vallourec. I’m excited for what’s ahead for the company.”