It is often said that the key to happiness is gratitude. November seemed like the perfect time to reflect on how grateful we are to be in this amazing industry, how grateful we are for the women that came before so many of us and opened the doors so we could walk through, and the gratefulness that we feel for the future leaders that will continue to advance our industry. I am grateful that the industry is evolving and hopeful that in my career lifetime that it will no longer be rare for women to be on a company’s leadership but the norm.
ASA Women In Industry (WII) is the largest growing segment of ASA. I am grateful for this organization that has allowed a platform to teach as well as inspire current and future leaders while also allowing a place to gather to form friendships, mentorships, and business relationships with other female industry leaders. The discussions that have taken place at our conferences reveals that companies are changing and becoming more inclusive. I recently heard from a colleague that her company added multiple benefits to benefit a more inclusive workplace as a result of conversations with other members of ASA WII during ELEVATE in 2022. I am grateful for the colleague that had the strength to have the conversations, for ASA WII that fostered the relationships to begin the discussion, and grateful for the companies are willing to evolve.
This time of year, we often reflect on our career choices and think about the gratefulness we have for our customers, the manufacturers that we work with, the companies that we work for, and the many friends we have made in this wonderful industry. We reached out to a few inspiring women that we are thankful for in our industry and asked them what they are grateful for, please see below for their responses:
"I am truly grateful for the many dear friendships and inspiration of the brilliant, brave women in our industry. Thank you for your vision, grit, and grace which have elevated the world in which we work and live." - Mary Burke, Burke Agency, Inc.
"Grateful for the relationships I have built through this network of amazing people. The support and guidance one receives in this industry is heartwarming." - Wendy Hornak, Preferred Sales
"I am thankful for the female leaders in the industry who paved the way, and now take the time to mentor and promote the next generation of rising female stars." - Louise Prader, Bradford White
"I am thankful for the inspiring females who have taken the lead in evolving and diversifying the plumbing industry. Together we continue to attract the next generation of female leaders and will witness extraordinary changes in our industry. ‘In the future, there will be no female leaders, there will just be leader,’ Sheryl Sandberg." - Bonnie Mason - Viega, LLC
"I am grateful for the friends I have made over the many years of attending WII." It has allowed me to observe my peers navigate their careers while also experiencing major life milestones such as the birth of a child, the death of a spouse, divorce, children leaving, new marriages, and so on. Our industry is so unique because the focus is equally on business and family, and I'm grateful to have these women to share it with." - Toni wall, The Collins Company
"Thankful for the mentors that believed in me and knew a female in the industry shouldn’t be a novelty but rather a normalcy!" - Rebecca Falish, InSinkErator
"Thankful for the women that are fearlessly reshaping industries and driving change, while leading corporations with a unique blend of compassion, wisdom, resilience, and determination. Their contributions are a testament to the limitless potential of female leaders." - Sarah Fields, Jetta Corporation
"It’s been such a pleasure being a part of ASAS Women in Industry (WII) for the past five years. This wonderful organization and group of women are incredibly supportive, inspiring, and have made a positive impact on my personal and professional growth. Thank you to everyone I’ve met along the way and I look forward to many more shared moments with all of you." - Nikki Nixon, Hirsch Pipe & Supply
"I’m thankful to work for an industry that places such a high level of focus on caring for, supporting, and uplifting its women. This industry recognizes the value that women add to the workplace." - Catherine Jauch, Hajoca Corporation
"It is an honor and a privilege to be involved in our industry. I am so grateful for the network of incredible ladies I am proud to call friends that encourage, mentor, and inspire me every day. The female "sisterhood" in our industry has proven to be a powerful force, and one of the reasons why we grow in number every year!" - Katie Hubach, Signature Sales
As we draw the curtains on this article about gratefulness, let us carry with us the knowledge that gratitude has the power to transform not only our own lives but also the lives we touch. Gratitude is the main emotion felt when reflecting upon how far women have advanced in the PHC and well as plumbing industry while continuing to break down the barriers of today, and eagerly mentoring our future female leaders. We are grateful for you and proud to be part of the change.
