Next Gen All Star: Ashley Caron

By Natalie Forster, Editorial Director, Nicole Krawcke

Ashley Caron

AGE: 32

COMPANY:THE GRANITE GROUP

TITLE: CASST LEAD, SHOWROOM CENTRALIZED SUPPORT

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

Two years.

What drew you into the industry?

My husband is a plumbing and heating contractor and I have watched several of those projects from beginning to end. I have experienced firsthand the struggles both the customer and contractor have faced. These previous experiences along with my natural inclination to help others and true desire to provide a service to both the customer and contractor is what ultimately led me to The Granite Group.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

Being able to provide our customers with a memorable experience in which we were able to meet all their needs and overcome any challenges is the most rewarding part of my day. I am fortunate that this career allows me to service both the contractors and homeowners.

What motivates you every day?

I love a challenge, so I often try to think of ways to improve someone’s experience. How can we at The Granite Group make their experience better? How can we assist the Sales Associates in our showrooms to be more successful? The Granite Group has a unique culture and one we want all our customers to feel.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

The PHCP-PVF industry is very complex and there are a lot of different avenues within this one field. I also think the amount of learning that is possible in this field is never ending due to technology constantly changing.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

My proudest moment has been graduating from The Granite Group University in May 2023. It is a leadership program within our company that focuses on upcoming leaders. We were required to complete a large group project along with digging deep into ourselves and fostering leadership skills. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the program. This program has opened new doors for me and I am very excited to take on my next role within The Granite Group as I take the lead of our showroom centralized support team. Very much looking forward to creating unforgettable experiences for our customers.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Before joining The Granite Group, I taught Early Childhood Education for over seven years.

“Ashley Caron joined The Granite Group in 2021 as a member of our Portland, Maine showroom team. In her initial role as a sales assistant, Ashley has helped the sales associates significantly increase their sales and has contributed to the overall success of the showroom.

Looking behind the sales numbers, it’s Ashley energy and enthusiasm that help drive success. Her positive attitude and welcoming spirit make all who visit, from contractor to homeowner, know that they are seen and will receive the time and attention they deserve.

Ashley is also a recent graduate of The Granite Group University (TGGU). She was one of 12 associates selected from a long list of nominees to participate in a yearlong program designed for emerging leaders within the company. Through monthly meetings held across our New England footprint, group project work and presentations to company leadership, Ashley proved what we already knew…that she has the intelligence, talent, drive and determination to grow within the company in a big and meaningful way.

Ashley was an elementary school teacher prior to joining The Granite Group. We see the traits of a great teacher playout in her current work life as she demonstrates her excellent communication, listening and collaboration skills, as well as creativity and patience.

Ashley is an admired colleague who is liked by all. As we know, it’s not only what you do but how you do it that makes the best leaders. People want to work with Ashley today, and someday soon, as she grows into a leadership role, people will want to work for her too.”

— Alicia Criniti, Senior VP, Marketing, The Granite Group

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Natalie Forster is the director of communications for the American Supply Association (ASA), where she leads the association's public and media relations strategy, social media efforts, and member-focused online and print communications. Prior to joining ASA, she was the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Before that, she served as an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company focused on the PHCP trades and real estate industries. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical. She joined BNP Media in 2014 and served as Web Editor and Business Management Editor of The ACHR NEWS. Prior to joining BNP, she worked at Patch.com, a hyper-local news platform focused on community journalism. She has 10 plus years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.