Women share what’s rewarding about their successful roofing careers

Women make up 10% of workers in the construction field, and within the roofing industry, that number shrinks to 0.5%. That doesn’t mean that their impact is small! At ABC Supply, women are making a big difference for our customers and for their fellow associates.

In honor of National Women in Construction Week, March 6-12, 2022, we spoke to some ABC Supply women about what makes the industry great, and we discussed which skills are helpful in becoming a successful woman in roofing. Read on to find out what they had to say!

The Industry Is Full of Opportunity

Something that associates agreed on was the amount of opportunity that
exists in the roofing — and more broadly, the construction — industries. In fact, the amount of opportunity was what drew some associates to the industry in the first place. “I wasn’t sure what to expect of working in building material distribution, but I was drawn in by the opportunity. I had the chance to prove my work ethic and be rewarded for it,” said Danielle Frank, branch manager of Manteno, Illinois.

Each day brings an opportunity to learn something or solve a new challenge. For many of the women, this variety isn’t just motivating, but one of the reasons why they love their job. “At any given time, I could be working on a $1 million siding project, a $60,000 window order or an $8,000 shingle order. Each of those customers has different needs, and figuring out how ABC Supply can best meet their needs is the greatest challenge. I love a challenge!” explained Julia Snow, outside sales rep in Pensacola, Florida.

At ABC Supply, Opportunity is one of our Core Values. We give our associates the freedom to take advantage of every opportunity to help a customer. “Being able to take a customer’s challenge and make it happen for them on time is very satisfying,” said Jessica Hughes, branch manager of San Andreas, California.

People Are Our Focus

Our conversation kept returning to the same idea: that people are the most important part of our business. For Michelle Kozma, branch manager of Fairfield, California, the focus on people is what drew her to the industry. “I saw the relationships that people in the industry built and the level of happiness it brought. I wanted to make a career out of serving people while maintaining a family-like relationship.”

At ABC Supply, we care about our people, and associates treat each other like Family (another Core Value!). “The support from my branch is the biggest factor in my success. You won’t be successful without a solid team behind you,” said Misti Hyde, outside sales rep in Cartersville, Georgia.

It’s not just fellow associates who make working in the industry enjoyable. The women also discussed how much they enjoy working with contractors. “There are so many people’s lives I am fortunate enough to touch every day. It’s a great feeling to be able to help contractors grow their businesses,” said Laura Mortara, managing partner in Lexington, Kentucky.

Jamie Steinhoff, a managing partner for T&C, a division of ABC Supply in Hudson, Florida, offered her perspective as a veteran of the building materials industry.  “I have been in the industry for 35 years,” she said. “I love working hard to do everything my team and I can do to make our customers successful. It’s a great feeling to watch existing customers grow, teach new customers the trade or watch an installer start and grow a successful business.”

 

Everyone Can Bring Their Skills To The Industry

All of the women we spoke to had different backgrounds, experiences and skills that made them perfect fits for the industry. Whether they’re expert problem solvers or masters of customer service, they’ve each found their place at ABC Supply.

Some associates, like Victoria Longo, branch manager in Lubbock, Texas, have found that being a team player has been the key to their success. “I like to plan changes with the team. When they are part of the decision, they tend to embrace change better than just being told what to do.”

Others, including Angela Ragona, managing partner in Toms River, New Jersey, have honed their customer service skills. “Service is a big thing for me. I want our customers to know they can count on my team to do whatever is necessary to get the job done.”

Above all, the associates have found that working hard will lead to a successful career. Sandy Steele, branch manager of Stockton, California, summed it up: “Never let anyone hold you back. Keep your head up, listen and learn.”

We love hearing about the rewarding roofing careers these women have found, not only during National Women in Construction Week but every day! To hear more from women in roofing, check out our blog post on how they’re succeeding in the industry.