WOFB: Succeed by out-hustling the competition

Home Column WOFB: Succeed by out-hustling the competition

work smartBy Rae Anne CordickMy family owned a business where I first learned the basics of good fiscal policy and great customer service. After our business was sold, I was eventually hired by a past customer who happened to be the senior vice president of a national floor covering distributor. He hired me as his assistant.

I worked hard and worked smart and was promoted as the first female business manager within the corporation. A few years passed and I gained experience in the business, and I learned what it was like being the only female working with male counterparts.

In [short order,] I was promoted to the position of vice president, ahead of several males who assumed it would be their promotion—certainly before a woman. I must say that I never played the female card but rather ensured that I fit in, gained respect, didn’t rock the boat and quietly rose up the ladder. However, as this was a family-owned business I soon recognized that I could go no higher in the company.

An opportunity came my way to join a manufacturer in the flooring industry. It was there that I became a shareholder and was encouraged to redesign and invent some exciting new products. The first initiative was the production and marketing of a unique, high-end carpet cushion product made from recycled tires, which was timely, high performance and very successful.

Next, after recognizing that carpets were treated for stain only, it became apparent that the odor that resulted from spills, (e.g., pet urine), was not being addressed. Voilá—an odor-controlling technology was invented, patented, co-branded with a highly recognizable odor brand and launched by the largest manufacturer of flooring products in the U.S.

Picture me: a female from Canada presenting this innovation to the senior executive level when the owner looked around the room of males and said, “Why didn’t you guys think of this?” I recall being both thrilled and nervous at this comment. I must say that where some supported me; others who had great influence made it extremely difficult to succeed. Regardless, the program was successful.

As it turned out, I was ahead of the times. I planted the seed for this solution to a common household problem that only women understand. For that I am happy and proud.

The bottom line is: I always worked hard and worked smart. As a result, successes came early and they were numerous and timely. Trendsetting, environmentally friendly recycled products were developed long before it became fashionable to do so and still flourish today.


Rae Anne Cordick’s career in the flooring industry, which spanned more than 45 years, encompassed sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution and technology roles. She is currently retired.

Must Read

How some flooring dealers make ecommerce work

The idea of ecommerce is still in its infancy within the world of flooring. While the concept has found success within some home improvement-related...

CFI, NWFA recognize FCEF training program

Dalton—The Certified Flooring Installer (CFI) program and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) will offer credit toward their certifications for students completing the Floor...

CARE to increase carpet differential assessment

Dalton—CalRecycle directed the California Carpet Stewardship Program (CARE) to increase the carpet differential assessment effective April 1, 2023. The increase is necessary, according to...

Natural Stone Institute calls for award program entries

Oberlin, Ohio—The entry period for the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) awards program is now open. The association announced a call for entries for the...

‘Tuesday Tips:’ Learn where your customer is in the purchasing journey

https://youtu.be/KGelWm6o_90 Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) released a new “Tuesday Tips” this week. In the series, WFCA experts presents short video tips for improving customer service...

EF Contract launches WaterColors carpet tile

Dalton—EF Contract has launched WaterColors, its latest carpet tile. Billed as a study in color, near solid color for each tile span from neutrals...

As seen in

Aug. 29/Sept. 5, 2022

DOWNLOAD
Some text some message..
X