flexiblefullpage - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
Currently Reading

A Lesson in Mentorship: Emma Wilson's Carpentry Journey

Advertisement
billboard -
Leadership

A Lesson in Mentorship: Emma Wilson's Carpentry Journey

Combining passion with mentorship created a career in carpentry that this 19-year-old foreman never expected


By Caroline Broderick February 8, 2023
emma wilson carpentry
This article first appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Pro Remodeler.

Emma Wilson’s parents knew if scrap wood was in the home, their 9-year-old daughter would get ahold of it. If drills weren’t locked away, Wilson would find them. A pile of stray bits of wood bits stacked next to the family’s firepit would disappear, and a rickety, uneven desk would show up in its place.

Wilson’s attraction to carpentry began young, and continued through her adolescence, even staying top of mind during career conversations as she approached 18, yet the idea seemed unobtainable.

“I had always been interested in doing this stuff, but I was told through school that I was too smart to be a carpenter, and that I needed to go to college,” recalls Wilson. 

emma wilson carpentry
Before Drew offered Wilson a job, she didn’t think it could be a career. “[Drew] thinks that this would be a good fit for me, maybe I can do this,” Wilson recalls thinking. | Image courtesy Emma Wilson

 

That was, until Joe Drew, owner of Marathon Craftsmen in Valparaiso, Ind., offered her a job. Drew was a family friend, and Wilson’s father had brought her to Drew’s shop to ask for project advice in support of his daughter’s passion.

On the third visit, Wilson left with a job doing cabinetry and trim work. Three months later, she became foreman, and just over a year later, speaks of plans to one day co-own the business. 

Her success doesn’t come solely from determination and passion although it certainly helped.  The support and encouragement of Drew and Wilson’s family played a key role in charting her path.

“I really lucked out on finding an area and a group of people that are patient and very understanding,” says Wilson. “I’m allowed to make mistakes and learn from them instead of being shamed for not knowing how to do things the first time.”

 

emma wilson

 

And now, that support comes from thousands of people on the internet. 

Drew recently submitted Wilson’s story to Mike Rowe, and her story gained more than 4,000 reactions and 200 messages of support from strangers across the globe: “Way to go, Emma, you are a superstar!” “Wow. Emma this shows you can do anything you set your mind on doing.” “This was my dream as a young woman years ago! So happy for you that things have changed for women to work at whatever makes them happy or they are talented in!”

Wilson’s experience came full circle when she recently spoke at a career event at Valparaiso University for young girls alongside a local builder, Barbara Biernat.

“I was there five years ago being told I’d never be where I am today,” says Wilson. “And here I am in front of them, like it happened. I did it. And you can do it too.”

 


written by

Caroline Broderick

Caroline Broderick is the Managing Editor for Pro Remodeler. Most recently, she served as the associate editor for PR's sister publications, Pro Builder, Custom Builder, and PRODUCTS where she covered design, building products, trends, and more in the residential construction industry. She can be reached at cbroderick@sgcmail.com.
 


Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
3 + 2 =

Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Related Stories

Backlogs in Remodeling: A Blessing and A Curse

Backlogs may be one of the most confusing aspects of a remodeling business. Here's a helpful way to look at your pipeline.

Putting on the Right Hat

Are you a manager, a leader or a boss? The answer may not be as obvious as you think.

Software Company to Award $150,000 to Home Service Company Owners

The grant program is intended to help strengthen small businesses

Remodeling Rebel

Diana Pauro, founder of Rebel Builders, aims to go against the traditional

Women in Trades: What Their Experiences Tell Us

The construction industry is in dire need of labor. Reflecting on women’s experiences shines a light on what needs to be done to welcome a stronger female workforce

The Empty Chair: Customer Experience Will Differentiate Your Business

With all signs pointing to a softer market, how can remodelers remain strong and different from the rest? Pro Remodeler's Director of Content Erika Mosse shares real examples.

What Kind of Business Are You In? (Is it Really Remodeling?)

The answer to that question is not as obvious as you might think

How to Have a People-First Company

On this episode of Remodeling Mastery, industry advisor Mark Richardson dives into the importance of your people and how to ensure a focus on their success

5 Areas to Reassess for Business Success

Give these key business areas your intellectual horsepower moving into the new year 

What's Your Game Plan for 2023?

Key industry influencers weigh in on what the future holds

Advertisement
boombox1 -
Advertisement
native1 -

More in Category




Advertisement
native2 -
Advertisement
halfpage1 -