Tile Installation Pro Megan Renk Offers Tips on Connecting with Clients
As a 35-year-old, single mother, and a woman not raised around the construction industry, I'd never guess that one of my biggest life achievements would be owning a small business as a licensed tile contractor. What I quickly realized is that my decision to enter a career that has historically been a male-dominated industry would bring into question whether or not I would be accepted.
I remember times when homeowners or businessmen made me feel less than worthy to be in the tile trade. At one point, I was hired to fix someone else’s work and welcomed into a home on the first day as “the grout girl.” I’ve been fired for asking to be paid the 50% difference of my male coworkers who weren’t nearly as qualified to set tile. My IQ has come into question as I am seen as less than someone with a college degree. With these experiences under my tool belt, I had to take a hard look at what image I, as a businesswoman, was portraying to the outside world and how I could ensure successful connections with both male and female clients.