From Law Student to Inventory Manager: How Dana Costachi Found Her Calling at USA Containers

When Dana Costachi joined USA Containers, she had no idea she was about to embark on a journey that would take her from a rookie sales rep to Inventory Manager, leading a growing team and overseeing one of the most complex arms of the company’s operations.

Dana's story is one of curiosity, adaptability, and quiet leadership. It’s also a testament to what can happen when someone is given the space — and trust — to grow.

Law Student to Inventory Manager

As an undergrad, Dana studied law, but while still in school, she took a job selling containers for a competing company. It was her first taste of the container industry, and though her commissions didn’t always reflect her hard work (some were as low as $12), she was hooked.

“I didn’t really know how it all worked,” she admitted. “But I liked it. I just wanted some extra income. It was fun.”

After leaving that role, Dana and her sister applied to multiple shipping container companies — hoping to stay in the industry they’d come to enjoy. USA Containers was the first to respond. After a few interviews, Dana joined the team — and quickly stood out.

From Sales to Strategy

Dana spent her first year at USA Containers in sales — rising quickly in the ranks. At one point, she and her sister ranked in the top 3. But as the company evolved, so did her path.

Andrei Popa, the company’s founder, remembers offering her a logistics role during a team retreat. Dana was hesitant at first — she liked sales and the flexibility it brought. But a few months later, another opportunity emerged: Inventory.

She took it — and thrived.

“I started with a five-minute-a-day task,” she joked. “But I streamlined everything. I made it work.”

Before long, Dana’s role grew into something much bigger. She began managing inventory for the entire western half of the United States, learning purchasing, scheduling, and depot coordination from a to z. And in 2023, she was officially promoted to Inventory Manager — overseeing a growing team of specialists.

Leading with Confidence — and Collaboration

Today, Dana leads a team of three. But ask her how it feels to be a manager, and she won’t give you the typical answer.

“I don’t feel like a manager. We’re just a great team. Everyone gets along, everyone does their job. It’s amazing.”

She credits much of her leadership style to Amy Smith, the company’s CFO.

“Amy taught me how to be a leader. Everything I do with my team — how I speak, how I support them — it’s because of the example she set for me.”

Dana’s department is known for its precision and efficiency — and that matters in a role where the smallest error can cost the company thousands of dollars. Whether it’s ensuring containers are ready for delivery or preventing oversold inventory situations, her work is mission-critical.

 Sales + Ops = Strategic Edge

One of Dana’s unique advantages is her background in both sales and operations.

“I understand both sides,” she says. “I know what sales reps go through, and I know what it takes to fulfill their orders. That helps me bridge the gap.”

Her advice to new sales reps? “Follow up until they block you,” she laughs. “Be patient, be persistent — and don’t be afraid to ask operations for help. We’ve got your back.”

Company Culture, Evolved

Today, Dana says she feels lucky — not just for the growth she’s experienced, but for the culture that’s taken root.

“There’s no drama. It’s stress-free. We’ve built a rhythm, a structure that works. I genuinely love coming to work.”

And her favorite part of the job? “When every container order is covered. When I can say yes to every sales rep asking, ‘Do we have inventory?’ That’s the best feeling.”

Dana may have started as a young law student looking for a side gig — but today, she’s a rising operations leader at one of the most forward-thinking container companies in North America.

Her journey is proof that careers don’t always follow a straight line — and that sometimes, saying “yes” to something unexpected can lead to everything you didn’t know you were looking for.

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