The President of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and one of the owners of General Sheet Metal, dishes on the favorite items in her office, the best time of the day to get things done and what a typical day really looks like.

What’s the most cherished item in your office?

Two photos of my daughters.

What’s your favorite time to get things done?

Early morning, I love the quiet.

What’s the soundtrack that plays in the background of your office?

Air hammers, coil lines, team chatter, laughter and side of crackling bacon from the kitchen chef.

Name the band you cannot take off your playlist.

Rod Stewart

What does a typical workday look like?

Head to the gym at 4:30 a.m., change at the office and get ready for the day by 6:30. Greeting people as they come into the office, meetings and check ins. If I am lucky, a walk about the shop to check in with the team, and if I am really fortunate, a trip out to a job site to see the work in progress.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on a job site?

Losing my hard hat down a shaft on the 19th floor, and hearing it hit the sidewalls as it fell to the basement, then trying to figure out how not to get in trouble for not having my hard hat on as I made my way to the job trailer. Not really crazy, but embarrassing for a woman who was out of place to begin with.

What are you binge watching right now?

“Ted Lasso.”

What has this experience taught you?

If we are referring to COVID, don’t take things for granted, and live without regret, no woulda’s or coulda’s

If you knew what was going to happen over these past couple of years, what would you have done differently?

Our IT and remote work options were not too far off. We were deemed essential workers so we didn’t shut down.

Favorite comfort food?

Popcorn

Best advice you ever received?

You can always find the time to do the things you really want to do.

Biggest influence in your life?

Two mentors in the Sheet Metal Industry, Bob Blake and Pete Fluetsch.

What trait do you most admire?

Follow through. Do what you say you’re going to do. One of our core company values, 100% say-do ratio.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid. Jump into being uncomfortable, it gets easier.