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.

Lani Smith
Company: Moen (North Olmsted, Ohio)
Position: Senior Remodel and Design Manager, New England (5 years)

How did you get in the industry?

I studied kitchen & bath design at The Boston Architectural College. Shortly after graduation in 2009, I started my career as a kitchen designer. After a few years designing I took a role as a manufacturers rep for a kitchen cabinet company where I learned how to manage a territory.  Three years later I was working at Moen. I have a passion for this industry. The opportunity to transition from designing kitchens to selling plumbing was a logical step for me.

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

I love my job! Every day is something new. I enjoy selling and interacting with my wholesale partners as well as designers and remodelers. I learn something new every day and it’s fun! Moen is a great company to work for. I love that Moen is the leader when it comes to innovation. Moen’s design teams are constantly working on ways to make the customer experience better. The support I receive from the company headquarters is second to none.

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

Women are thinkers and problem-solvers by design. This industry is the perfect fit for women. It doesn’t matter if you want to design kitchens and baths, specify product, work as a manufacturers rep or as a plumber. I believe it’s the duty of current industry professionals to reach out to young women and show them how exciting a career in this industry is. The path is endless!

How about the importance of attracting young professionals in general into the PHCP field?

There are many career paths to choose within the kitchen and bath industry. It’s imperative that industry professionals in all capacities share our experiences with young professionals. As a student I was very active with my local NKBA chapter. I was able to interact with designers as well as others in the field.  I was lucky to have a few standout women mentors that I met within the organization. Those relationships shaped my career outlook. I currently sit on the board for ASID New England as communications director. Our board always is looking for ways to reach out to students in the field. I have given presentations at Mount Ida’s College of Design the past two years to freshmen-level design students. I love to teach the elements of “behind the wall” plumbing. Knowledge is power! It’s all about awareness.