In 2016, PHCPPros launched its first spotlight of women in the plumbing, heating, cooling and piping community. The spotlight launched just two years after one of the industry’s leading women’s events, now a dedicated affinity group, kicked off: American Supply Association’s (ASA) Women In Industry. 

The momentum sparked from that launch in 2014 has been felt. It is evident in instances such as the Institute for Women’s Policy Research’s March 2019 fact sheet, “Access To Good Jobs, Unemployment & The Economy, Workforce Development & Job Training.” 

The fact sheet noted, “Within several individual trades, women improved their share of jobs between 2017 and 2018, but progress was uneven. Women saw significant employment growth — a 67 percent increase within the last year — as ‘Construction and Building Inspectors,’ bringing their share of workers in this occupation to 14 percent (up from 10.2 percent in 2017). ‘Laborers,’ ‘Painters,’ and ‘Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters’ also saw strong job growth and increases in women’s share of jobs.”

Yet, there is still room for change both within and outside of the industry, as noted in one of the largest comprehensive studies of women in corporate America: Women In The Workplace. The most recent 2019 report, led by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org, is based on five years of data from 590 companies employing more than 22 million people. The two highlights of the report are: 1.) Despite progress at senior levels, women remain significantly underrepresented. 2.) A “broken rung” at the step up to manager is the biggest obstacle that women face on the path to leadership.

The report stated, “The biggest obstacle women face on the path to senior leadership is at the first step up to manager. For every 100 men promoted and hired to manager, only 72 women are promoted and hired. This broken rung results in more women getting stuck at the entry level and fewer women becoming managers. Not surprisingly, men end up holding 62 percent of manager-level positions, while women hold just 38 percent.”

Moving beyond the notion of the “glass ceiling” to this notion of a “broken rung,” PHCPPros is eager to report on what this new metric of success looks like in the workplace. Bringing things full-circle, this year’s Women In PHCP kicks off with a woman who has moved up the ranks of management. And, one of the women who pioneered this movement of celebration and connection as a founding member of ASA’s division of Women In Industry. 

Featured in this series is Ashley Martin, senior vice president of sales and an officer of the Board of Directors of NIBCO Inc. Alongside Martin are 10 other 2020 Women In PHCP honorees!

ASHLEY MARTIN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICER, NIBCO INC.

Why did you decide to enter a career in PHCP? 

NIBCO is a family business spanning five generations. My parents supported me early on and it was my decision to join the business. I interned at NIBCO through various summer jobs during high school and college. I also worked in the mailroom, customer service, marketing, and events. I earned my bachelor’s degree in marketing at the University of Notre Dame and master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in strategy and operations management at Southern Methodist University. I went on to work for Winsupply – going through the training program at Noland in Frederick, Maryland and then working at Denver Winnelson as a showroom manager. I came back to NIBCO and started as a sales trainee. Prior to my current role at NIBCO, I was director of Distribution and Transportation; general manager of the PEX product line, and vice president of Wholesale Sales.

What have been some of your career highlights? 

The first one would have to be the success of ASA’s Women In Industry. When we started it, we were hoping to get 50 women to attend and we got 70. It has just kept growing with now over 200 women attending and the outpouring of support from the industry has been wonderful. Also, I think this highlights the need for these women’s groups in all industries or businesses. Women want to feel connected and empowered. Another highlight would be joining the NIBCO Board of Directors. Obviously, I need to understand our strategy and vision for the future. That’s very important but also women are not represented well enough on boards – paid or volunteer. I want to show having a more diverse board creates better results. My third highlight would be my team. I’m very proud of the team I have created. There have been a lot of changes and challenges since I took this role. I’ve put people in new roles, created new positions, and realigned the team. They have stepped up to the challenge and exceeded my expectations.   

PULL QUOTE: “I first started working with Ashley when the topic of attracting and retaining women into the plumbing and PVF industry came up at ASA. Ever since, I’ve admired Ashley’s abilities to lead and inspire. She has challenged the industry to think differently and to do more to advance the careers of women. More than anything, I enjoy working with Ashley because she understands the significance of ‘showing up.’ She is always engaged in the work and isn’t afraid to ask hard questions even if she’s the only woman with a seat at the table.” — Katie Poehling Seymour, Chief Operating Officer, Kitchen & Bath Stores at First Supply LLC 

Is there anything from your personal note that you would like to highlight?

I laugh a lot and like to have fun. I work hard and can be very competitive. I like to work out, travel, and spend time with my family and friends, especially my nephew, Ace. I love Notre Dame football and try to go to as many home games as possible. Professionally, I’m excited to learn more about our latest acquisition – Milwaukee Valve. I want to run NIBCO one day, so I need to understand all of our business units. Personally, I’m turning 35 and I’m excited to celebrate with my friends and family in Mexico. I would also like to mention my father, Rex Martin, and sister, Alexis Martin-Klose. They are incredibly supportive of me and my career. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

PULL QUOTE: “Ashley is a very competent and professional business woman who has achieved success in every position she has held. Early in her education, Ashley was diagnosed with a significant learning disability. Ashley not only overcame this disability through hard work, dedication, and relentless effort but she was able to achieve success. I am very proud of her for overcoming a huge obstacle early in life.” — Rex Martin, Chairman, NIBCO Inc.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

My mother, Alice A. Martin, was my mentor, sponsor, and advocate. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She fought for not only me but for opportunities for all women at NIBCO. I was honored to receive the first annual Alice A. Martin Woman of the Year award from ASA. I believe mentoring others is an important part of moving women forward. Women must support other women and mentoring is a great way to do that. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

This is a wonderful honor. Honestly, it means the world to me. I love that PHCPPros is highlighting women in the plumbing and mechanical industries. It shows other women that this industry has options and career paths for them. We need women in our industry. 

LAUREN ALLEN
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING,
THE MORAN GROUP OF COMPANIES

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I was hired by FE Moran, The Moran Group, in October of 2019 as the director of Marketing.  This is truly the opportunity of my lifetime. I am working with a mind-bogglingly talented and genuine “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” cast of characters. My role is to deliver a holistic, repeatable marketing strategy and creative process that builds on our already stellar reputation in this industry.  

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

My grandfather was a boilermaker and my dad is a retired Local 597 pipefitter. My parents owned a blue collar work gear store so the weekends in my late teens were spent managing it for zero pay. I unwittingly began my sales career at our store by talking to everyone that came in. They led by example and taught me about the dignity of work while demanding I push myself, be accountable, and ensure there was a modicum of passion in my chosen career path. I guess you could say I had a front row seat to the greatest legends in the industry and felt drawn to find my place within it. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

My Mom. She’s a unicorn. I just don’t know how else to describe her. I just can’t say, “You were right” enough in this lifetime. The construction industry can be intimidating if you aren’t familiar with the lay of the land, politics, or have never worked in a traditionally male dominated environment. But if you know what you're doing, want to learn from seasoned veterans, and operate with humility, you suddenly have an extension of your family that has your back and wants to see you win. For me, it’s more about coaching.  Paying it forward should be everyone’s mantra. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

It’s pretty rad to be honest. I feel completely humbled. Thanks so much to PHCPPros for this chance to express my thoughts. My hope is that women continue to grow this industry, in every discipline of construction, so we can continue to inspire new generations of talent to design and build America’s future. 

LEAH DAVENPORT
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING,
MCGUIRE MANUFACTURING CO., INC. 

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I have been the vice president of marketing at McGuire Manufacturing for about nine years. I am responsible for McGuire’s brand, marketing and communications.

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

I would say by chance really, but it has proven to be a very rewarding endeavor. My family moved to Connecticut from Alaska in the late 90s to take over our 100-year-old manufacturing business, BEAD. I stayed behind as my career as an account executive for a prominent healthcare system on the west coast was in full swing. Throughout the following years, my father was turning around a company during what would be some of our country’s most challenging times to be in manufacturing. However, by 2011, BEAD was growing again and an opening at the wholly-owned subsidiary, McGuire Manufacturing, became available. I jumped at the opportunity to be close to my family in Connecticut and to be part of the continued success.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

I’ve had a few women who have been a mentor to me across many industries and they all have helped me navigate the challenges of leadership over the years. I would say my mother-in-law taught me the importance of giving back and the key principles of servant leadership. Servant leadership is a way of leading that is practiced throughout our organization by all of our leaders today.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

I am humbled to have been nominated. As a fifth-generation employee and owner, I hope to continue to bring as much knowledge and excellence to our industry as those who led before me.

KAREN FOX
NATIONAL MANAGER, WHOLESALE BUSINESS CHANNEL,
THE KEENEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

My title is National Manager of the Wholesale Business Channel at The Keeney Manufacturing Company. I have regional responsibility for Keeney Holdings LLC and I am responsible for maintaining our relationships with wholesale buying groups. I also make calls on wholesalers, contractors, and engineers.

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

I am an “accidental” member of this industry. I went to Keeney looking for a job and found a career. Our industry continues to remain a “secret.” When I tell people outside of the industry what I do for a living, they are at first incredulous. People, at first, don’t realize the extent of our channel of business. Then, they are surprised that I am a woman selling plumbing products.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

Within the industry, I really did not have a woman mentor. Most women when I started in my role were in “traditional” industry roles such as showroom, accounting, marketing, and human resources. There were a few women in purchasing, but not many. The stand-out woman in the industry who encouraged me in my career the most was Dottie Ramsey of Modern Plumbing in Tennessee. Dottie was chief operating officer of Modern Plumbing when she retired in 2016. She remains a champion of women in this industry and I consider her a dear friend. I participate in ASA's Women In Industry and I try to help women wherever I can. I would never say that I am a formal mentor. I have spoken to many women over the years and answered many questions along the way. I hope that I have helped people along their chosen career path.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

I am honored. But, I look forward to the day when women in this industry are the norm and not the exception.

KRYSTAL HATFIELD
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
OK PIPE & FITTINGS, INC.

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am the chief marketing officer of OK Pipe & Fittings. Along with promotional networking and marketing strategies, I assist with daily quoting and sales, and help maintain our ISO certification. I tend to be obsessive so I often find myself double-checking heat codes, UT Reports, MTRs, BOLs, and packing slips before orders ship out.  

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

I worked for a manufacturer’s representative firm in the oil and gas industry for eight years designing marketing and promotional strategies for forgings and castings. When OK Pipe & Fittings had grown enough to require someone in this role, I was honored to step in and develop an aggressive marketing plan that would put us on the map as the only source for large diameter AWWA fittings and pipe. My husband, Gabe Hatfield, has been the president of OK Pipe & Fittings for 17 years now, and his father, David Hatfield, was before that. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

My mother-in-law, Susan Hatfield, the chief financial officer of OK Pipe & Fittings ran every aspect of the office on her own for 20 years. Learning from her sedulous character strengthened my capabilities, and has prodded me to strive for more responsibilities within the company. Today is much, much different. Women like Sarah Alford, Kim Shelton-Brown, Jamie Meade, Sheryl Michalak, Margie Dalton, Ginger Restovic, and Jeanie Ludwig have taken leadership roles to ensure that women continue to develop community and connections that will shape the future of the PVF industry. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?  

I am greatly humbled and honored to receive this nomination. Receiving this honor makes me proud of all of the hard work and sleepless nights it took to get us here, and inspires me to keep going. It is refreshing to see more leadership positions occupied by women, when not so long ago women were predominantly given administrative duties. I am happy to be a part of the PVF industry in 2020, a time when a woman was elected president of the PVF Roundtable. And I know for a fact after meeting so many male industry icons, that a very strong woman stood with them the entire way. It takes all of us to make a difference, women and men. 

STEPHANIE MCALLISTER
SUPPLIER PROGRAM ANALYST, PHCP BUSINESS UNIT,
AFFILIATED DISTRIBUTORS

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am an analyst for the Supplier Program of the PHCP Business Unit at Affiliated Distributors (AD). My primary role is around driving purchasing behavior for our members in the PHCP Business Unit, which consists of our Plumbing, HVAC, PVF, and Decorative Brands divisions in both the U.S. and Canada. 

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

I started at AD eight years ago as a financial programs specialist and this was my entrée into the industry. I now work with our members and suppliers to support beneficial growth programs. Roles like mine in accounting are needed in many types of industries, but the day-to-day tasks can vary greatly. I have learned so much in my tenure at AD. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

There is a long list of people here at AD who have mentored me and helped to shape my career but Julie Decker, who is the vice president of sales and marketing at Atco Rubber Products, immediately jumped to the front of my mind as a female mentor. She helped me get comfortable at large industry events when I was new and is a continuous source of knowledge for me when I need it. I value her opinions and accessibility, allowing me to bounce ideas off her and be a general strong resource. As I continue to gain experience, I look forward to giving back through mentorship, just as I value others who do the same for me and my peers. I have great relationships in the industry, and I would feel privileged to share my experiences and lessons learned with others. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

I am very humbled to be considered for an honor of this stature. I truly believe things happen for a reason and getting into this industry was a great blessing for me. The contributions I make, helping members maximize their rebates and grow their businesses, and the people I get to work with on a daily basis, are very important to me. My coworkers here at AD are really ideal people to share a work relationship with and my PHCP team feels more like family. Performing this work is a true blessing, and getting this recognition is just icing on the cake.

CHRISTINA MORAN
INSIDE SALES MANAGER,
NORTHEASTERN SUPPLY

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am currently and happily employed with Northeastern Supply and have been for the past 11 years. I enjoy my role as an inside sales manager. I love leading and developing our sales force to the best of their abilities, from the newer associates to the more experienced. 

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

I entered this industry in 1985, one year out of high school. I was looking for my first real job. I had been working at a fast food restaurant for four years. My neighbor said they had a job opening at the company she worked for, Ferguson Enterprises. It was an entry-level position doing inventory control. Back then, we did not have computers so everything was done by hand. I applied for the position and was hired. I am very mechanically inclined so I took to this industry quickly. I moved out of this position in one year and became an assistant purchasing agent.  From there, it was all hard work and learning everything I could about the wholesale distribution market and the industry. That afforded me the opportunities for advancement.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

When I started in this industry, there were hardly any women out there in a sales role. Calling on the plumbing trade that was used to dealing with men was a challenge. Many times I was shot down, as I could not possibly know what I was doing. I believe all the women in this industry faced the same challenges. No matter what we were put through, the ability to persevere is what allowed us to succeed. I mentor as many people as possible, both men and women. If I can provide guidance and promote a willingness to succeed into anyone that is willing to grow, then I have accomplished my goal. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

I consider myself to be quite humble. I believe in hard work, dedication and ability to be challenged on a regular basis. To receive this type of nomination is a bit overwhelming but very much appreciated. I am proud to be given the opportunity.

TRICIA MUSGRAVE
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL MARKETING,
VIEGA LLC

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am the director of Technical Marketing at Viega. I oversee a team of codes and standards, regulatory, project management, product data and technical literature professionals. My diverse team helps bring innovative product solutions to market that are safer, faster and cleaner. It’s a rewarding job and the days are never boring because the innovations keep coming! 

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

In 2003, I took an internship opportunity as a marketing intern for Vanguard Piping Systems. In 2006, when Viega purchased Vanguard, I moved into a public relations role, eventually managing the marketing department. It was during this time that I commissioned the build of Viega’s own Orange County Chopper, which remains to this day one of my favorite projects that I’ve managed. Years later, I moved to technical marketing to manage multiple strategic and product innovation projects. In October 2019, I was promoted to my current role.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

Dalyn Cantrell, also a former Vanguard Piping Systems hire and long-time Viega employee, is a great example of what it takes to be a female leader in a male-dominated industry. Dalyn has more than 30 years of industry experience and showed me how pipefitting technology can be exciting. I am fortunate to work with many knowledgeable men and women in the industry. I believe that diversity is important. We all come together with unique perspectives but have a shared mission to support each other and accomplish project objectives. Finding a company like Viega that offers flexibility to career women is important. Many of us have families at home as well as aspirations to advance our careers. I am living proof that there are companies in this industry that don’t force their employees to choose one or the other.   

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

I don’t consider what I’m doing unique – I’m a woman with integrity who is not afraid to do the right thing, gives open and honest feedback and knows that it’s possible to be empathetic while still driving results. While these aren’t groundbreaking ideas, I know they’re sometimes difficult to stick with, so to be recognized for my accomplishments is both unexpected and humbling. I hope that I and my fellow honorees can be role models for other up-and-coming women in the industry.

KATE OLINGER
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER,
UPONOR NORTH AMERICA

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am the senior marketing manager at Uponor. I deliver strategy and execute on the plans for retaining, acquiring and growing business with customers in the residential building segment. I also partner with our sales team and the rest of the organization to grow the residential business.

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

Many years ago, I began as a chemical engineer working in manufacturing for Uponor. What attracted me was the commitment to high-quality manufacturing and producing products that made people’s lives better and safer.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

Through industry associations I participate in, I encourage participation by other women in the industry. When they are able to join, I spend time with each of them to get them integrated into the industry and participate in advancing the industry through joining in workgroups and teams. I think it is essential that women feel their input is needed and valuable.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

It is an honor and especially love the opportunity to show that there are many women involved in the industry. I think it is vital for people to see that there are others like them involved and then they feel welcome as well.

CHRIS SELLNER
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC SOURCING,
UPONOR NORTH AMERICA

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am director of Strategic Sourcing at Uponor. I’m responsible for the purchasing and sourcing teams. Our main objectives are to drive the organization toward execution of strategies that will systematically improve results for quality, costs, delivery, capacity, and productivity, and other business results to meet or exceed customer and business expectations. 

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

Uponor recruited me to manage the Supply Chain for a very fast growing product line.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

I have mentored women over the years. Some are still at Uponor and others have moved on. I believe women should work hard to show our talents. Speak your voice. Share your story.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

I’m truly humbled. I work with many talented women who have such an impact directly to our customers. It’s exciting to be recognized for the work that is done behind the scenes. If my story can inspire one woman, I think that’s worth it. 

MICHELE TSETSAKIS
SALES MANAGER,
ROCKY TOP ONE HOUR AIR

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

While my official title at Rocky Top One Hour Air is Sales Manager, you can imagine that the day-to-day duties become much more than just a title. The majority of my time is spent running sales calls, building solid relationships with my customers by listening to their stories. Sometimes I may even be a therapist, a counselor, a financial advisor, or just a friend. 

How did you get into the PHCP industry?

I got into the HVAC industry by listening to a very important person in my life, my father. I was an Air Force Reservist working two jobs while going to school to finish up my business degree. My father, a legend in the air-conditioning industry in sun-sweltering Miami during the 1990s-2000s, called me and told me I should take the opportunity to interview for a sales position alongside him at Sears. I said to him, “Are you crazy?” He replied, “Maybe, but don’t worry, you will do great, I’m here to guide you and teach you everything you need to know.” Twenty-one years later, here I am!

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

I chose not one, but two roads in life that are not the most common to take for women: the military and the HVAC industry. Luckily, while serving my time in the Air Force Reserves, I had the opportunity to meet many courageous women who impacted my life greatly and served as my mentors. These women taught me that the roles we play could be limitless. I have a true passion for mentoring other women in this industry. I have had the pleasure of hiring and working alongside Natasha, a woman that I met at a networking event where I discovered her knack for sales, as she was pitching granite countertops. I knew she had “it” immediately. Her people skills and ability to connect with anyone she encountered made her a natural fit for the role. Natasha has grit, and a work ethic. She listens and learns, and in the end, actually teaches me more about myself than I think she could ever know!

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

I would like to think that stories like mine may influence fellow HVAC and plumbing owners to consider women as valid candidates for a career opportunity as technicians, installers and sales. Our high schools and vocational schools can also do a better job of including females in their advertising material and overall message. I am thankful for this nomination. It has given me a chance to tell my story and hopefully connect with those who can gain something from it.