Kent Women in Business

1. How long have you been in business in Kent?

Our business was established in 2009.

2. What’s your favorite part of running your own business?

Working with our fantastic team to provide awesome service for our clients. Each member brings knowledge and experiences that others can gain from and the company is better because of the team as a whole.

3. What makes your business different from others with similar offerings?
Taking those extra steps to be a resource for both clients and those who may go another direction. If we can help someone make an educated choice on a service, building method, or design we have accomplished what we set out to do, whether they select Metis or another company, though we ALWAYS prefer they select Metis 😉

4. How has Kent received you as a woman in business?

The Kent community put out the welcome mat for us years ago when we moved into Acorn Alley II from the Brimfield Clock Tower building. We are grateful for those who have engaged Metis and entrusted us with their construction projects from interior renovations to ground up construction. We have also made wonderful ‘Friends of Metis’, who share our business story, provide referrals, and encourage our success. We are also proud to be involved in our communities where we live and work in philanthropy. We enjoy giving back where we are able to make a difference, taking special pride in engaging our team on projects or programs that incorporate our skills and equipment/tools/vehicles.

5. What would you consider an advantage of being a business woman in Kent?

Whether a man or woman, Kent has excellent economic development opportunities available that include the Kent city departments, chamber of commerce, and Portage Development Board. As a new member we look forward to getting more involved with MSK, another excellent asset for community growth.

6. How did you get where you are today, and who/what helped you along the way?

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals throughout my career, especially in the construction industry. Those women who paved the road for women like me to do what we do and the men who supported, championed, and added to my professional education along the way. I’m constantly learning and open to new experiences to better myself, as well as our company, pursuing challenges on the basis of what’s best for Metis, not what’s best for me, many times stepping outside of my comfort zone. I learned very early on from my first job, or my first volunteer effort the team is always better together.

7. What have you learned about leadership, entrepreneurship and mentoring others?

Entrepreneurship I most equate with sacrifice. You sacrifice income, time with your family, and sometimes your health considering the stress, lack of sleep and other healthy habits you set aside for the time spent working on the health of your company. I’d say you work hard, but I know so many who do that no matter who owns the company. I suppose I think of it as for the success of the company, individual success of the team members rests squarely on an owners shoulders to make smart decisions, secure new business, and take appropriate amounts of risk to grow the business- among so many other things. You can’t be afraid to make, be held accountable, or suffer the consequences of tough decisions. Its definitely not for the faint hearted. I think that speaks to leadership as well. Leadership is more than sitting behind a desk and directing and delegating. To me its about getting in and working alongside, getting your hands dirty so to speak. Its about seeing what you can do to assist to make someones job easier or strategizing together to find a better way. When I think about mentorship I’ve been blessed along my journey to mentor and be mentored. There are so many benefits to being on both sides of mentorship, both are privileges.