When I started at Consolidated Supply (and The Fixture Gallery), I worked part-time at the will call counter as well as in the showroom. Fourteen years ago, it was not very common to have a woman writing up a parts order. It was interesting to watch plumbers come in and look at you like “why are you at will call? You couldn’t possibly know what part I need.”
Fast forward to present day, and the growing force of women not only at Consolidated Supply and The Fixture Gallery, but in the industry, is inspiring. We have women in estimating, will call, warehouse, showroom – every aspect of our business. We have women branch/assistant managers, inside/outside sales, even a woman chairperson and CEO.
Construction in general is typically perceived as a male-dominated industry. Words such as strength, power and rugged determination are generally thought of as male traits. It has long created barriers for women seeking to enter the world of construction. Thankfully that narrative is changing, in part thanks to women in our industry who epitomize strength, power and resolve. Women are carving out their place and breaking down these walls. We are seeing top-down changes within our industry that are creating inclusion for women at all levels.
Recognizing diversity in the workplace, companies are actively seeking to recruit and retain female talent. Why, you ask? There is a growing recognition of the need to cultivate talent and dismantle the notion that certain fields are off limits based on gender. Women bring a different, amazing dynamic, as well as empathy to the business. Karolyn Neupert Gordon, a hero of mine, stepped out of tragedy into the day-to-day business of Consolidated Supply to make it not about profit but the people that make the company special. This forward way of thinking continues to erode the mantra of “this is how we have always done it” by producing greater, more impactful, results.
Whether it be in the trenches putting pipe in the ground, selling that beautiful faucet, having a seat at the table on the Board or being the CEO, women are lifting each other and our industry up. For me personally, I am here for it.
Honoring Women
This past year, I was honored to be asked to join the board of the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association, a fabulous place for connections, networking and education. Since its inception in 2002, the DPHA has had a handful of founding members who are women: Debbie Miller, Debby Stehr, Marilyn Hermance and Faye Norton. They lit the path for women like me to be excited about being a part of the plumbing world. Adding to the excitement, years later, we can proudly say that 50% of our board is women.
The two women at the helm – Rebekah Covay and Kymberly Glazer – have an energy and passion that elevate the association’s service to the industry, with Covey being the first female executive director of the DPHA. Through their work, the association continues to grow and attract a diverse group that promotes inclusivity.
While attending the ASA Women in Industry conference over the past few years I have witnessed its growth to 425 women. In 2023, the chairperson and CEO of Consolidated Supply, Karla Neupert Hockley, received the Alice A. Martin Woman of the Year award during the conference. She spoke of the other women who have been paving the way for many of us, including Karolyn Neupert Gordon, Alice A. Martin, Ashley Martin and Katie Poehling Seymour. She stressed that showing gratitude and “living your dash” (referring to the Linda Ellis poem, The Dash) are important for our journey.
This year’s Alice A. Martin Woman of the Year award honoree is Rebecca Falish with InSinkErator. Another true advocate for this industry, her award speech had takeaway “nuggets” that hit home, such as: know your facts, compromise is essential, show empathy (if you don’t know how to do it, learn), don’t be “that girl” and build each other up. I actually use one of her quotes from a 2023 article in which she was featured in Supply House Times as inspiration. She said, “When you belong in an industry, you must make sure it’s the best it can be for everyone, not just yourself. It’s a selfish thing to not be involved. You don’t just worry about your path; you worry about the others around you. We have to bring everyone along with us to succeed.”
Since then, when asked to join a committee or a board, I don’t say no. It is our responsibility to do our part in the growth of women in this industry.
The Right Support
With this said, it is essential to recognize the vital role that men have played in the process as well. Men have been instrumental in advocating for gender equality, challenging outdated attitudes and creating a more inclusive culture within the industry. They have become allies and mentors, offering support, guidance and opportunities. By challenging stereotypes, men have helped create and promote diversity and a supportive work environment.
My boss, Josh Spoklie, director of Plumbing at Consolidated Supply, has been one of those men, and one of my biggest cheerleaders. He challenges me to be better, to get to that next level, and asks the questions that take me on a deeper dive of what I am doing.
Ultimately, the goal of gaining more of a female footprint in the construction industry requires the efforts of both men and women. By working together, we can create a culture where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed. The increasing presence of women in this industry is a positive shift. I stand on the shoulders of the women before me and will do everything I can to continue the growth.
To the women out there, continue to do your part. Help break the barriers and pave the way for the women coming up behind us. Join that committee, go to that networking lunch, be involved. Make your voice heard. To the men who have been advocates for women in our industry, thank you for your support. We are stronger together.
We love our acronyms at Consolidated Supply (The Fixture Gallery) and so I leave you with DFTBA.
Don’t Forget To Be Awesome.
Amy Mack has been at Consolidated Supply @ The Fixture Gallery for 14 years. She currently is the corporate showroom manager, a position in which she oversees 10 of their showrooms in the Pacific Northwest.