Women who Support Women are More Successful

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

The roofing industry is a place where more women are doing just that – supporting each other.

Traditionally, women have tended to compete with each other for career advancement and for attaining leadership roles. Perhaps this was due to the notion that there are only so many coveted positions that are available to women. It’s time to throw these misconceptions out the window.

Studies are showing that women who support other women are more successful. Harvard Business Review conducted research into the types of networks that men and women had that helped them land executive positions. While both the men and women were central figures in their networks, women who succeeded also had a close inner circle of female contacts.

Forbes suggests that these inner circles help women rise into leadership roles because they need the support from their peers when they are faced with cultural bias – especially in industries that are typically male dominated. The inner circle serves as mentors by sharing experiences and recommendations on how to face challenges.

A few years ago, in the roofing industry, women came together to support each other through the establishment of National Women in Roofing (NWIR). The group’s four pillars are mentoring, networking, education and recruitment. NWIR has been met with enthusiasm and success, quickly surpassing 1200 members.

Long before the establishment of NWIR, Marianne Sumter, owner of Wil-Mar Products, manufacturer of roofing accessory products including the Pipe Collar experienced firsthand the power of women supporting each other after taking over her husband’s business following his death.

One of the first people that Marianne met at an industry event after taking over the business in 1995 was our very own Vickie Sharples, partner at RoofersCoffeeShop. “We have had a long relationship and Vickie holds a pretty special place in my heart,” she said.

Over the years, Marianne has developed close relationships with many of the women who work at the distributors that purchase her products. “I love working with women in the roofing industry. It’s been a very good experience to have the chance to work with so many talented, responsive women who really do want each other to succeed.”

In 2013, Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow created the Shine Theory, which is the premise that “I don’t shine if you don’t shine.” It describes “a commitment to collaborating with rather than competing against other people—especially other women.”

We see this happening more every day in the roofing industry, especially through the opportunities provided by NWIR. Marianne knows the power of women supporting women. Nearly 25 years later, Wil-Mar Products is still seeing success.

Learn more about Wil-Mar Products.