Meet 10 influential
PHCP-PVF Women

How long have you been in the industry?
18 years with a four-year break to work in Telecom.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
The most rewarding part of my career is guiding and supporting our Marcone Plumbing sales and customer service teams to help our small business owners improve their profitability, enhance customer service, and contribute to a better lifestyle for our customers, employees and families. This demonstrates the positive impact my work can have on both businesses and individuals, both within our organization and the market we serve.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
I encourage fellow women to stand up for themselves, express your needs and potential, and actively seek out mentors are crucial in navigating the plumbing industry. The emphasis on hard work, a value instilled in me by my parents, forms the foundation of dedication and commitment needed for success. Acknowledging the pivotal role of mentors and expressing gratitude to those who have guided me highlights the significance of learning from experienced professionals in maneuvering through the complexities of the field. Overall, this advice serves as a personal roadmap for success and resilience in a male-dominated industry.

What came PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
There are several initiatives and actions that can be taken o better support and empower women in the plumbing industry:

• Education and training programs: Develop specific educational and training programs targeted at women entering the plumbing field. This can include scholarships, apprenticeship programs, and workshops.
• Mentorship programs: Establish mentorship programs where experienced women in the industry can guide and support those who are newer or at earlier stages in their careers.
• Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs and responsibilities of women, particularly those balancing family and career.
• Feedback mechanisms: Establish channels for women to provide feedback on their experiences within the industry, such as this article in Supply House Times. Use this feedback to continuously improve policies and practices.

How long have you been in the industry?
11 years.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
Establishing relationships is critical in this industry, so I value each of my customers. Because of the connections I have with my customers, it’s rewarding to provide them with the tools they need to grow their businesses.

Colleague relationships are just as critical, as we constantly collaborate on how best to serve each customer. My peers and I each implement our different skill sets as we work together towards a common goal of providing the best results for our customers.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
I thought this was a male-dominated industry at the start of my career. Over time, I’ve found that while there are a lot of men, I’ve also encountered many women-owned businesses, women thriving in sales, women leading marketing departments and plenty of women in the field. Today, the number of women joining the industry continues to grow.

As the industry constantly evolves, career opportunities increase. You’ll find women throughout PHCP-PVF companies excelling in sales, marketing, design, engineering, leadership and field-based roles.

What can PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
Our industry is vast, so we need to emphasize the abundance of incredible career paths offered by this growing field. The field is ripe with job openings and continuing education opportunities. The PHCP-PVF industry provides tremendous career potential, as evidenced by more and more women entering the field daily.

How long have you been in the industry?
I started working at Pro Marketing right out of college in 2008 as the office manager. Going into year 16, I now handle our HR, finances and inside sales.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
The relationships I have built over the years are incredibly rewarding. They are the reason I have decided to stay in this industry for the long haul.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
In a field where women are underrepresented, it’s important to remember there is room for all of us. Talk to the other women in our industry. There are more of us than you think, and that number continues to grow. Join female specific groups (I am a member of ASA Women in Industry and SWA Women Leadership) which offer strong support systems. Find a mentor and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

What can PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
First and foremost, we need to be supporting each other. I feel we should educate younger generations on the benefits of being in this industry, and let them know the plumbing industry isn’t only made up of plumbers.

How long have you been in the industry?
20 years in the construction industry with 7 years in plumbing specifically.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
There are so many things that make my career rewarding. The relationships I build and the individuals I meet are the most fulfilling aspects of my work. I love being able to add a different perspective and grace to problems, solutions and relationships in a male-dominated industry.

Most recently, my career has advanced to a new level thanks to Pepco, the leadership, and team members I work with. It's astounding how much support I have. The possibilities are endless when you combine your will to achieve with an organization that shares that desire from leadership to every single colleague. From a Pepco Sales and Marketing standpoint, I am able to open up more opportunity for the industry with the range of high-quality manufacturers we represent.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
Observe the expert tradespeople who have been in the industry for the longest and spend a lot of time there. Listen attentively and inquire frequently! Shadow your most tenured colleagues. Spend time on those you can sell solutions and value to and move on quickly from those you can’t.

What can PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
Keep highlighting the influential women in the business. Encourage women to pursue opportunities at every level of the corporate ladder. Consider giving them a platform to educate future generations about the industry in educational institutions, among other places.

How long have you been in the industry?
I started in the industry in 2004 as a trainee at Ferguson Enterprises. I am now coming up on 20 years in the plumbing and construction world.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
Absolutely the relationships I have built and the remarkable people I’ve had the opportunity to meet throughout my journey. There have been so many people along the way who inspire me in all different ways.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
I have learned so many things throughout my career about women and working and myself. As a female entering a male-dominated industry, I would say to learn as much as you can, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. I found passion in each position I took on. Finding passion in your brand, your service, your knowledge and believing in what you bring to each role will make you valuable to everyone inside and outside your organization.

What cam PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
Honestly, just doing things such as this feature. Bringing to light women who have been successful and are able to have both family and career and not being forced to sacrifice one for the other. Early in my career I wanted to conquer the world and rise to the very top. As I’ve gotten older, my goals and priorities have changed, but I’ve always been inspired by women who break the glass ceiling and remind me I can do whatever it is I want to do. I don’t have to follow a set path but instead I can make my own.

How long have you been in the industry?
30 years.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
Building business relationships with internal and external customers as well as mentoring newer associates to have successful and meaningful careers.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
Become involved in industry associations. Participate in networking and educational events to further advance your technical and leadership skills.

What can PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
In order to better support and empower women in the PHCP-PVF industry, companies can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth for women through educational and networking events, sponsorship and mentorship programs, and support work-life balance.

How long have you been in the industry?
36 years.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
I have had the privilege of working for a handful of wonderful companies during my career, but Delco Sales has been my most rewarding endeavor. I came to Delco in 2010 and, along with my partner Larry Burchill, we’ve been able to grow the business from 24 employees to 68 — and we’re still growing! The impact of this growth goes far deeper, as the wellbeing of our 68 employees and their families is intricately tied to the company's success. Knowing that what we’ve built, and continue to build, is contributing to the lives of people I care about so much is the ultimate reward. Additionally, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch our team members develop their careers within Delco. We always look to grow and nurture our employees and promote from within.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
Go into this career knowing that you will have to work harder and be better than your male counterparts. Despite coming a long way, it’s still a male dominated industry. Work hard, be confident, never compromise your integrity and always do the right thing.

What cam PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
Continue doing what you’re doing. This is a fantastic industry with many incredible women serving it. Continue to platform and acknowledging these fantastic women.

How long have you been in the industry?
Full-time — a little over 4 years, but I’ve grown up in the industry and have been involved seasonally for over 20 years.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
The opportunity to work alongside the fantastic people that make up the industry and the big picture role the industry plays in building America (hospitals, schools, keeping our water clean, data centers, etc.)

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
Build a strong support network! Connect with other women in the industry. I have gotten so much out of the ASA Women’s group that I feel silly I didn’t join it sooner… The intelligence, diversity and wealth of experience women in this industry have is unmatched.

It may sound cliché, but be resilient. Like any industry, this one may have its challenges, but perseverance is key. Use each experience and setback as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact.

What can PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
The industry has come a long way in supporting and empowering women. The vast increase in women joining the industry says it all. However, one area that could benefit from improvement, particularly in fostering a more inclusive environment, is maternity leave. I’d love to see our industry catch up to the more progressive support offered to working mothers in other industries to not only foster an environment that values and empowers current female professionals but also make us as an industry more appealing to prospective talent.

How long have you been in the industry?
Seven years in PHCP-PVF, and 23 in marketing. I began my career back in the early 2000’s on the manufacturing side, with York International/Johnson Controls, and joined APR in 2019.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
Having worked on both the manufacturer and independent wholesaler sides of the business, the most rewarding part has been having the opportunity to make meaningful impact through marketing innovation. I find great fulfillment in collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand their goals, and then developing integrated marketing strategies that drive measurable growth. One example was transforming APR's annual Buying Show into an immersive virtual event during the pandemic. Additionally, having led demand-generation programs that provided value to customers through content, tools and insights has been incredibly gratifying. My proudest accomplishments stem from marketing success that fuels the larger business objectives.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
Immerse yourself in understanding industry trends, build relationships across different functions, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks or speak up with ideas. Develop expertise in areas like digital and use your voice to provide a unique perspective. Find good mentors, believe in yourself, and the possibilities are endless, even in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

What can PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
Broadly speaking, the industry must lean in to provide pathways to leadership for qualified, high-performing women. For example, implementing formal mentoring and leadership development programs to nurture high-potential women towards management and executive positions. Exposure to senior leaders, both male and female, is invaluable. Consider sponsoring rising women to attend industry forums, conferences and trade shows to widen exposure and skills. I love that we’re celebrating contributions of standout women through recognitions and nominations for industry awards. Having visible role models is crucial.

How long have you been in the industry?
I feel like I was born in this industry, but I been working in the industry for 15, almost 16 years now.

What is the most rewarding part of your career in PHCP-PVF?
Truly getting to help someone out is by far my favorite part, but interacting with many people from all walks of life all while working towards the same thing: Providing service at the highest level we can is pretty awesome too.

What advice do you have for women coming into the industry, or that are early on in their career?
This industry will challenge you, but the reward is great. Keep pushing through, work hard and never stop learning. Carry a willingness to excel at anything you do while cultivating confidence in your knowledge and skill.

What cam PHCP-PVF companies be doing to better support and empower women in our industry?
Continue to recognize and invest in empowerment, encouragement and networking opportunities. There is a lot to learn still as we all navigate this industry, and as we support each other, we can only expand our knowledge and skill set.