To coincide with our annual Women in Industry issue, Supply House Times will spotlight a new PHCP-PVF supply chain female executive each day during the work week in the month of March. If you would like to be included or know of someone who should be included in our 2019 presentation, email Chief Editor Mike Miazga at miazgam@bnpmedia.com.

Kate Brady
Company: General Plumbing Supply (Walnut Creek, California)
Position: Director of Showrooms (25 years)
 

How did you get in the industry?

By accident. I graduated with a degree in interior design and took a job working in a small wholesale house while I job-hunted for what I “really” wanted to do. Turned out I fell in love with the plumbing industry.

What do you like the most about your job/company you work for?

It is not cookie-cutter. We have wholesale, showroom and distribution within our company. This allows me to tailor each of our showrooms to the needs of the area they are in. There is flexibility to try different ideas and experiment. There always is a chance to learn something new.

How important do you feel it is to attract young professionals into this industry ?

Extremely. If we don’t, our industry will ossify. This is a reason I work with the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association, which is focusing on educating and training the next generation. This industry can offer a wonderful career and we need to let young people know.

How important do you feel it is to attract women into the industry?

I suppose I don’t think about attracting women to the industry because they’re already here. My whole career I have interacted with women who are salespeople, managers, reps and plumbers, not to mention architects and designers. I can’t imagine the industry without them.