DHI Canada Honours Our “Women In Construction” - Kelly Hurst-Fradette

Kelly Hurst-Fradette

Contract Sales Consultant

Allmar Inc - Toronto

Responsibilities:

I provide quotes to General Contractors for toilet partitions, lockers and washroom accessories.

What led you to the door and hardware industry?

My mother and Les Groves. My mother worked at Stanley Hardware for many years. Les also worked for Stanley. During the years they worked together, Les became like a grandfather to me. He put the bug in my ear that there was more to life than hinges    - little did I know he was opening up the opportunity for me to work in the door and hardware industry. 

How many years have you been in the industry?

From 1985 till now - give or take a few years off.

What was your first job?

My first job was in Customer Service at Stanley Works. My mother went to Ireland for 6 weeks and her boss asked her to train someone to take over her position until she returned. That someone was me.

What is your proudest professional moment?

After my mother came back from Ireland, I moved on to a cellular phone company. My mother called me a few weeks later and asked me to contact one of the hardware distributors in Toronto.   After speaking to the distributor, they offered me a job.   Apparently the other employees spoke highly of me during my time at Stanley and encouraged the distributor to hire me. This was a very proud moment for me.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Doing site measures. I would call the site to see if the rooms were ready for measure. They would say "Yes" and when I get there, the walls and floors and plumbing are not in.

Who do you consider a mentor or hero?

My Mom. Back in the day, the entire industry was men. There were only a few women. On quite a few occasions, her knowledge would be challenged. Not only did she provide the correct product for the application, she was respected in the industry for her ability connect with everyone.

What is the best advice you ever received?

There are many challenges in our industry but don't give up! Look for the people who want you to succeed and ask them for advice.

What is the best advice you never received?

You are not going to be successful at everything. Be kind to yourself and keep going.

What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years?

Technology. We have come leaps and bounds with project take-offs in our industry. I remember having to do all the estimating and shop drawings by hand.

What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?

Hopefully I am wrong but I’m concerned that the younger generation doesn’t see the career opportunities our industry offers.  We need to find ways of engaging their interest.  

Fun fact you wish to share

I love animals. I would love to start a business for people who are dealing with a crisis and have no one to look after their pets. I want to be that soft shoulder they can count on and find comfort in knowing that their pets are being taken care of.  

I’m also an avid Blue Jays fan – Let’s go Blue Jays!