Industry Women Leaning In
Ashley Martin and Katie Poehling are on a mission to gain, retain, and promote women in the plumbing industry. A quick chat on their new initiative “Women in Industry” reveals their passion for the industry, their goals and why they think a group like Women in Industry is important today.
Ashley Martin is NIBCO’s, Director of Distribution and Transportation, and Katie Poehling is, Sales for First Supply. I first learned about Katie and Ashley’s efforts to support women in the industry at Affiliated Distributors’ North American Meeting. Following the meeting, I sent the below questions to Katie and Ashley, and they kindly answered.
Q: I am sure you both had a lot of options to work anywhere and do anything, why did you choose to work for your companies?
Ashley: NIBCO is my family business and I always knew I wanted to come back and work here. I wanted to work at NIBCO because of the people and the culture which I think is very similar to the industry as a whole. We have good, hardworking people who are driven to be successful.
Katie: Along with my cousin, Todd Restel, First Supply CFO, we represent the fifth generation of our family business as well. It's very humbling and inspiring to work every day toward carrying on the legacy of the family business. On top of that, First Supply is a growing company that's constantly looking to lead the industry in every aspect of the business from logistics and counter displays to using the latest technology in our kitchen and bath stores. As Sheryl Sandberg said in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, "If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don't ask what seat you just get on."
Q: Why did you decide to start a “Women in Industry” group?
A: We have both been a part of women’s groups in the past. We think having a women’s group shows that the industry is committed to not only making women a part of the industry but successful in the industry. With Mary Barra being named CEO of General Motors it reminds us that women can be and do anything. It means one more barrier broken and for, young girls, we need to start early encouraging them that they can succeed in any industry.
Q: Who are you hoping will join the group?
A: We hope all women in the plumbing industry join. No matter what level, we can learn something from everyone. We want all women who work for wholesalers, manufacturers, and manufacturers’ rep firms to join.
Q: How do you think the industry as a whole will benefit from your group?
A: We think the industry will benefit greatly. As more women join the industry, they will bring new ideas and strategies so the industry as a whole will grow. Today, women are earning more college degrees than men. It’s imperative for the success of the industry that our wholesalers, manufacturers and manufacturers rep firms provide attractive careers for women.
For more information Women in Industry and to join the group, you can shoot an email over to Katie or Ashley.