The plumbing industry is full of rock star individuals. People that go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure their peers and the people coming in behind them have a better industry than what it was before. InSinkErator’s Rebecca Falish is the epitome of an industry rock star. In fact, to hear retired InSinkErator Vice President Joe Maiale say it, Falish “is a rock star turned superstar,” in the industry.

Although it has a reputation of being a male-dominated industry, the PHCP-PVF supply chain is full of impactful women. Celebrating Women’s History Month, Supply House Times is highlighting 10 influential women who are leading the industry to great success.

Starting with the “seemingly innate,” research has shown that many of the characteristics that make women strong leaders are empathy, encouragement and shared vision. 

The American Supply Association’s Alice A. Martin Woman of the Year Award was presented to Delta Faucet Co. Senior Director, National Trade Sales Suzanne Chreene at the recent ASA Women in Industry ELEVATE2022 spring conference in Louisville. 

Sorry James Brown, but this is no longer a “Man’s World.” Today, women work in just about every field and industry, proving they can do just about anything a man can do. U.S. Census statistics show more and more women have been entering previously considered male-dominated industries, including construction.

However, though women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, only 2.1% are plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics as of January 2022.

Registration is now open for Women in Industry’s ELEVATE2022 conference that takes place April 20-22 at the Hyatt Regency in Louisville, Kentucky.

ELEVATE2022 is loaded with education and networking opportunities. Highlights include a tour of Zoeller Pump’s Louisville headquarters, plus educational sessions with Michelle Villalobos (How to “Sell” with Grace, Ease & Flow), Kathleen Hoye (How to Keep “Family” Part of Family Business), Janine Driver (You Say More Than You Think: Leadership, Sales & Communications Secrets for Affinity and Success) and Kristen Hawley (Self-Kindness is Self-Care).

Culture seems to be all the rage in the corporate world today, or maybe that’s just because I read a lot about it, and because we really focus on it being real. At Eastern, we have a healthy desire to have a positive impact on the lives of people we come in contact with. One of the ways we foster this is through our 28 Fundamentals, or as we call it, The Eastern Way.

As Careers in Construction Month draws to a close, Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) continues its investment in the national initiative, which recognizes talent and career development opportunities throughout the building trades. Designed to engage prospective skilled laborers as well as current professionals, RWC remains focused on inspiring others to seek a career in the trades.