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In celebration of International Women’s Day, we wanted to showcase some of the inspirational women here at Comfortech®.
We sat down with PinkFit® Hawke’s Bay Franchise Owner, Sarah Robertson to learn more about her story and how she’s breaking the bias in a predominately male industry.
Can you please tell us about yourself, your background and how you came to be where you are today?
I was born in Hastings, then moved to Auckland for school. I then got married and moved back to Hastings for more opportunities, a better lifestyle and to buy a home.
Tell us about your journey with PinkFit®. Where did you start and how has PinkFit® evolved?
After my husband, Michael and I moved to Hastings, he got a job as an insulation installer with PinkFit®. The previous franchise owner was about to retire, so my husband and I saw this as a great business opportunity.
We purchased the franchise for Hawke’s Bay, learning everything from the ground up. I started with little knowledge of the business, but now understand everything from installing Pink® Batts® insulation, measuring to delivering product and relationship building.
You have employed six female installers; can you tell us more about this?
Aside from myself, we have six female installers working with us. They are all local mums, who have been with us for a number of years, thriving in a typically male role. We pride ourselves on offering flexible hours so they can make it work their families and can have both a career and be parents.
Sarah pictured above with three of her female installers.
When it comes to women in business, what do you think the greatest barrier is?
Within the building industry, it’s getting beyond the preconceived idea that only men understand construction.
Is there anything that you are personally or professionally working on to break those barriers, especially working within a predominately male dominated industry?
To help break those barriers, I spent six months gaining the BCITO Insulation Installation micro-credential. The purpose of this qualification is to provide assurance to the market that the sector is providing the right training and qualifications to deliver quality homes for New Zealand. This also helps to set me apart from other installers.
I have also established great working relationships within the industry, and employing females helps to break some of those barriers, too.
As a female business owner, what motivates you?
It’s important to me that I run a successful business, especially within a male dominated industry, and I want to make my children proud, and to empower my three young girls. I am incredibly passionate about the work that I do, and I am proud to offer other females opportunities. This is what gets me out of bed for work every day.
How do you balance the demands of being a small business owner with other aspects of your life, such as family and personal interests?
We have five kids and a business, so this is a juggling act, but my husband and I are a team. We work well together, sharing the load to make it all happen.
Who are key women in your life that you admire or draw inspiration from?
My mother is my inspiration. She went back to university after having kids, becoming a chartered accountant. Throughout her career, she took on more senior roles and taught me how to believe in myself.
What advice would you give to other women in industries where they are underrepresented?
Relationships - the relationships that I have with other females in the industry are incredibly important. Having people who can support you, offer guidance and who understand the challenges we face is so important.
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