How did you get started in your career? 

Like many, I graduated college with hopeful career path planned, and like many I ended up in a different direction. Jobs were incredibly difficult to come by as I attempted to enter the workforce following the 9/11 tragedy. Companies were in the midst of massive lay-off and hiring freezes. The one career path that kept presenting itself was sales. So I started my career “dialing for dollars” in a call center. Once I got over my fear of the phone, (the fear was real, people) I learned that I really enjoyed selling and speaking with customers.

Since those first days, I have remained in a sales capacity throughout my career. Prior to Boise Cascade, I sold granite slabs and tile for Bedrosians distribution, as well as sold carpet as a manufacturer rep for Milliken. After a lay-off due to the housing downturn, I found a position at Boise Cascade, and I could not be happier selling building materials! Every day is different and we have many product lines that we carry so there is always something new to learn and sell.

Has there been someone along the way that you credit with helping you get to where you are? And why? 

I have been extremely fortunate to have mentors who have helped me along the way. Mentorship has been a huge influence on my life. Often times, sales can be an extremely completive and isolating career (especially if you are on the road all of the time.) Having someone there to talk to and share ideas in a “no-judgment” zone is paramount.

More so than a particular person, I would say that my educational background is a major factor in my success. Not only did I go to an all women’s college, but I also went to an all girls boarding school for high school. One of the main reasons I credit this, is that I never compared myself or more importantly, my abilities, to a male. The top of the class, the MVP, class president, all were awarded to women.  This level playing field, where all things were possible, has made me very comfortable being the only woman in a room of full men today. All female education gave me an foundation of self-reliance, grit, and fearlessness that I am so grateful for today.

What do you love about the Home Building industry? 

I love to watch the landscape of Colorado changing, and to know that I am playing a part in it. I love seeing the products I sell go up on a project. I feel like we are doing important work, helping building houses that people turn into homes. In turn, we are a part of changing people’s lives for the better. Not everyone can say that is their career, so I feel incredibly privileged.

Tell us 3 things about yourself that people don’t know.

1) I have a side venture as a photographer, both in portraiture and fine art.  My artwork hangs at Outnumbered Gallery in Littleton, and I have been fortunate to actually sell my work. I have just started shooting weddings, an although they are challenging, I really love it!

2) I am originally from Texas, and took elocution lessons to learn how to not speak with deep southern accent. (yeehaw!)

3) When I was 18, I hit a cow with my car on a Texas highway at night…I won.

Anything else you would like to share? 

I am incredibly excited to be on the PWB board of directors. It has been fun to watch the great things that happen with women come together with common goals. Feel free to bring me any ideas on how we can be even greater. I hope that 2016 is a great year for all PWB members.