10 influential PHCP-PVF Women of 2026
Meet Emily McDonald, Chief Revenue Officer, Southwest Sales
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Supply House Times is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the PHCP-PVF industry to great success.
Emily McDonald
Chief Revenue Officer, Southwest Sales
How long have you been in the industry, and how did you get your start?
I graduated from Texas Tech University in 2001, our career fair was on Sept 12, 2001. Only 3 companies were able to get to Lubbock, TX on the day following 9-11 and almost every company went on an immediate hiring freeze. Ferguson Enterprises was one of the three companies that made it to the career fair and I met some great people that offered to give me an opportunity to learn more about Ferguson and the plumbing industry. Immediately following graduation, I joined Ferguson Enterprises as a showroom consultant, and this is where I fell in love with the Delta Faucet Company brand and the fantastic representatives that Southwest Sales had to train me on the Delta brand. In 2005 I left Ferguson to join Southwest Sales so that I could sell the brand that I was so passionate about.
What skill has been most critical to your advancement that people might not expect?
If I reflect on what’s truly shaped my career, it’s probably a few things that don’t always get highlighted, genuine care for people, being true to who I am (which is a bit weird) and always being curious. I have always deeply invested in building authentic relationships, really listening and understanding what drives others, Trust grows from that and so does opportunity. I have been blessed to be in this fantastic industry that has the best people and have built many wonderful lifelong friendships with people that I have met and gotten to work with/for. At the same time, I am a little quirky and very curious, I want to understand different perspectives, learn from others, and stay open to new ideas. Being curious has pushed me to understand the products that I represent, understand the needs of my customers, understand the manufacturer’s needs, and my fellow employee owner’s needs.
Where do you feel you are currently making the greatest impact in your organization or industry?
By continuing to make sure that it stays people focused first. We are in a time that everyone is driving for more data and analytics, while I genuinely believe in a data driven approach it has to be balanced with an understanding that this is a people industry and we must always use the data to enhance the people on our teams lives and the experiences that they can give to our customers.
Where do you see the most opportunity for growth in our industry?
The largest opportunity for growth in our industry lies in attracting and developing the next generation of talent. We must continue to position this as a dynamic, rewarding industry, one that draws young professionals who are looking for meaningful careers with long term and amazing opportunities. In particular, creating more visibility and pathways for women is essential to broadening our talent base and strengthening the future of our workforce.
At the same time, as consolidation continues across many areas of the market, there is significant opportunity to expand into new territories and product segments. Organizations that invest in people and strategic expansion will be best positioned to lead the next phase of growth in our industry.
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