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It's Not Just a Man’s Job Anymore : Meet Cassie Salyers

Updated: 7 days ago


The skilled trades industry offers a wealth of rewarding career opportunities for women, extending beyond traditional roles and challenging long-standing gender norms. Cassie Salyers, an Area Sales Manager at Ferguson Home, exemplifies this shift through her two-decade-long career in sales within the home remodeling sector.


Cassie’s journey began as a sales trainee, a common starting point at Ferguson. Despite initial reservations about sales due to shyness, she explored various facets of the company, including operations and consultancy. “I was painfully shy,” Cassie shares in the interview, “but I loved learning how the business worked, and that curiosity helped me find my way.” Her adaptability and determination led her to become the showroom manager of the Charlotte location, and eventually, an area manager overseeing multiple regions. Reflecting on her career progression, Cassie emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and finding roles that offer daily variety and purpose: “Every day is different, and that’s what I love about it.”


Her active involvement with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) since 2007 further underscores her commitment to the field. Starting as a membership chair, she advanced to roles such as secretary and is slated to become treasurer. Cassie advocates for the significance of skilled labor, noting the current shortage and encouraging young individuals, including her nephew, to consider trades for their lucrative potential.​ Her active involvement with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) since 2007 further underscores her commitment to the field. Starting as a membership chair, she advanced to roles such as secretary and is slated to become treasurer. “Being part of NARI gave me a community where I could learn, grow, and give back,” Cassie says. She advocates for the significance of skilled labor, noting the current shortage and encouraging young individuals, including her nephew, to consider trades for their lucrative potential: “You can make six figures being a plumber. It’s not a fallback—it’s a real career.”


Cassie’s experience highlights the expanding landscape of non-traditional roles for women in the trades. Beyond positions like plumbing and electrical work, opportunities abound in areas such as engineering, architecture, project management, and construction management. These roles not only offer competitive salaries but also avenues for leadership and entrepreneurship. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, while women have historically been underrepresented in construction, there is a growing presence in management positions, reflecting a positive shift towards inclusivity.


The industry is witnessing a concerted effort to recruit, train, and retain women in various trades. Initiatives like the U.S. Department of Labor’s $6 million grant aim to expand job opportunities for women in apprenticeships and non-traditional occupations. Additionally, organizations such as Ferguson are championing mentorship, education, networking, and recognition programs to integrate more women into the industry. “Ferguson really supports growth from within,” Cassie notes. “I’ve had mentors who helped me believe in myself.”


Statistical data supports this positive trend. In 2021, the number of women working in trades occupations reached over 314,000, marking the highest level ever and a 32.1% increase over five years. Despite this growth, women still comprise only 3.9% of those working with tools in construction, indicating both progress and the need for continued efforts to balance gender representation.


For women considering a career in the trades, numerous resources are available to facilitate entry and advancement. Programs like Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) provide support and training, while organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offer networking and professional development opportunities. These platforms not only assist in skill development but also in navigating the unique challenges faced by women in these fields.


Cassie’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the fulfilling careers women can build in the trades. Her trajectory from a hesitant trainee to a confident leader exemplifies the potential for growth and success. As the industry continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly evident that the trades are not just a man’s world; they are a realm where women can thrive, lead, and make significant contributions.











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