Designer
Northern Building Supply / Suttons Bay, Mich. 
Finding a Company That Values You:
The breaking point for me was when I had my son. I went on maternity leave at my old job, where I had been working for three years. When I came back, my bosses had distributed some of my accounts to other coworkers with the intention of them retaining the accounts. When I questioned this, I was advised to “put myself out there and start knocking on doors.”
I asked myself, “What am I doing right now? I’m not happy here, and they don’t value me at all.” I knew it was time to go.
After I was hired, I was given the consent to do what I thought necessary to establish my position. So right away, I gutted the showroom and redesigned it myself.
However, it created a deep, internal struggle. It’s not like I hated the company. I just lacked support from upper management. If encouragement isn’t coming from those who oversee you, where is it going to come from? When I interviewed with Northern Building Supply, my current company, I immediately felt a good vibe. The first part of their mission statement was that they’re a family-oriented company. They care about and encourage their employees.
After I was hired, I was given the consent to do what I thought necessary to establish my position. So right away, I gutted the showroom and redesigned it myself. I felt valued. The flexibility and trust my boss gave me started with my first day on the job. My self-worth was reestablished and I never looked back.
Read other rising stars' stories by clicking the icon below.
Add new comment
Related Stories
An Open Book Culture
After transitioning into ownership, this remodeler found success in transparency
Pro Remodeler’s Young Professionals Event Coming to IBS
Registration is open for our young professionals event taking place in Vegas at IBS 2023
Nominations Open: Forty Under 40 Class of 2023
Nominate a young remodeling or home improvement star for the annual Forty Under 40 program
Learning from Remodeling's Young Innovators
What this year's Forty Under 40 class reveals about the industry today and tomorrow
U40 Leadership Summit to Bring Young Professionals Together
For the first time, Pro Remodeler joins Pro Builder for an event aimed at young industry leaders
2022 Forty Under 40
The 11th annual Pro Remodeler Forty Under 40 list highlights the industry's shining future.
Call for Nominations: Pro Remodeler’s 2022 Forty Under 40
Nominate a young industry trailblazer for Pro Remodeler's annual Forty Under 40 program
Sarah Schnell, 26
A Forty Under 40 winner shares how her perspective changed when she sustained an injury.
Sarah Pierce, 25
A Forty Under 40 winner shares how she turned a livid homeowner into a happy customer.