After 30 years in the building materials industry, I’ll tell you the hard truth I wish I’d learned earlier: exceptional work alone won’t get you where you want to go.

Here’s the reality – I spent years growing one of the most successful door divisions in the industry. I was crushing it in sales, building strong teams, and delivering results. But you know what really transformed my career in construction? When I started telling my story.

It wasn’t until I began intentionally sharing my journey on LinkedIn and speaking at industry events that things exploded. That visibility turned into opportunities I never imagined. Today, through Build Women and GRIT Blueprint, I work with building materials companies generating anywhere from $10 million to $7 billion in annual revenue. I’ve gone from running a door division to speaking on stages for Walgreens, Verizon, and major industry events like the International Builders’ Show.

Let me be crystal clear: Your work won’t speak for itself. You have to give it a voice.

Think about it – how many talented women in construction are doing outstanding work right now, but nobody beyond their immediate team knows about it? That silence is costing them opportunities, promotions, and the chance to make a bigger impact in our industry.

Building Your Leadership Brand in Construction: Actionable Steps

1. Start Where You Are 

I didn’t have a massive platform when I began – I started by sharing my everyday experiences in the door business. Take that project you just crushed, that problem you solved, or that team win you led – and share it. LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting; it’s where construction industry leaders connect and deals happen.

2. Own Your Expertise 

In building materials, being known for everything means being remembered for nothing. I became known for revolutionizing the door business before expanding into broader industry leadership. What’s your specialty? Maybe it’s engineered lumber, commercial windows, or managing complex supply chains. Own that space and become the go-to expert.

3. Document Your Wins

Success in construction leaves evidence. Keep a running list of your projects, achievements, and problems solved. I’m not talking about humble brags – I mean concrete results. Numbers, outcomes, innovations. These become your stories, your speaking points, and your proof of expertise in building materials.

4. Show Up Where It Matters 

Industry events aren’t just for collecting business cards. I landed some of my biggest opportunities by raising my hand to speak at building material conferences and trade shows. Start small – contribute to panel discussions, share insights in breakout sessions, or write for industry publications. Your perspective as a woman in construction matters more than you realize.

5. Build Strategic Relationships 

The building materials industry runs on relationships, but here’s the key – be strategic. Don’t just connect with everyone. Focus on building genuine relationships with decision-makers and industry leaders who align with your goals. Share their content, comment thoughtfully on their posts, and add value before asking for anything.

Leadership Development in Action 

This isn’t about becoming an influencer – it’s about strategically positioning yourself as a leader in building materials. Every post, every presentation, every connection should align with where you want to go in this industry.

I’ve watched countless women transform their construction careers by simply becoming more visible. One of my mentees went from a salesperson in a small territory to a major market manager by consistently sharing her expertise and building industry relationships. Another launched her speaking business with a bang by narrowing her focus to two topics and doing significant lead generation.

The Construction Industry Needs Your Voice 

Women bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to building materials leadership. But making an impact requires more than just doing great work – it requires strategic visibility and intentional relationship building.

Ready to Take Action? 

Join us at the Build Women event at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in March 2025. You’ll connect with other women leaders in building materials who are challenging the status quo and creating real industry change.

Can’t wait until then? 

Join the Build Women Network today. We’re creating the largest community of women leaders in construction and building materials, and your voice matters in this conversation.

Remember: Your excellent work is the foundation, but your voice is what builds your future in this industry. Don’t let another day of impact go unnoticed.

Visit buildwomen.com to join our network or secure your spot at our Las Vegas event. 

Let’s build something extraordinary together.