March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments of women throughout history and recognize their contributions to society, including in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. XL North is proud to join in the celebration by shining a spotlight on the achievements of women in flooring. From installers to designers to executives, women have made significant contributions to this industry, and XL North is committed to supporting and promoting their success.
In this interview, Sheri Gorman, Sales And Marketing Specialist for Facility Services Group, discusses her experiences in the floor care industry. She touches on her educational background, professional journey, and personal interests, as well as her greatest professional achievement and the importance of finding a mentor and continuing to learn.
The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”. What story are you telling with your work in the commercial flooring industry? What does being a female in this industry mean to you?
I have been in the flooring industry for over fifteen years, seven with manufacturers and eleven on the dealer side. The interiors/construction is a male dominated industry, especially at the top. There are more and more women in very recognizable roles today. I have always pushed to have a seat at the table. It should not be about being a man or woman, but about the best person for the job. Women help and support each other in their careers in ways men do not. I have been fortunate to work with some incredible women in the flooring industry to watch as role models.
Tell us about yourself. Where are you located? What’s your educational background? What do you do for fun/relaxation?
After 30 years in NYC , I have relocated to Wilmington DE. I have a degree from FSU in Interior Design and after graduating in a recession, got into sales. I feel my design degree did help me get where I am today. I spend my summers at the beach. I have recently taken up Zumba and I love it. I love to relax with a great glass of wine and good friends.
Describe your career. Where are you employed? What’s your role? What journey did you take professionally to get to where you are today?
Today I am currently the VP of Marketing & Business Development for Facility Services Group. I am responsible for all aspects of marketing and finding new business for floor care. Over the years, I have sold flooring, specified flooring as well as floor care. The flooring industry is one great big family and I love being a part of it.
What would you say is your greatest professional achievement?
I would have to say taking the LEED exam in 2007. Long before the LEED, GA (green associate) came out, I decided to take the exam to further my knowledge with sustainable buildings.
What is one thing that you have learned professionally that’s served you well in your career?
Find a mentor. Whether it is a man or woman, finding someone you can look up to and learn from is so important. At different times in my career, I have had different mentors. Also, never stop learning. That saying “learn something new every day” is so true. And things you may not think are important today, may be important next week.
In what ways were you impacted by your female mentors in the flooring industry?
I think it was seeing women take strong leadership roles in a male-dominated industry. Not being afraid to speak up and offer opinions and share ideas.
ABOUT FSG
https://www.fsgmaintenance.com/
Founded in 2012 by Chip Grimes, Facility Services Group, Inc. is a multi-faceted maintenance solutions company specializing in the maintenance and disinfection of all commercial flooring and surfaces. Carpet and resilient flooring including VCT, vinyl, wood flooring, and concrete floors.
We listen to our customer’s needs so that we understand their expectations. We deliver a plan for execution that clearly identifies the goals as well as the potential obstacles of a project so that the end result meets their expectations exactly, and we deliver consistent results.
