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, Patricia Barclay with Sands Flooring Maintenance Services in Ontario, discusses the importance of educating end-users on proper maintenance to ensure a long-lasting and healthy environment. She shares her journey in the industry, being one of the first females in the male-dominated field in Alberta, and her greatest achievement in partnering with a flooring company to start up and run their maintenance division.
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?
I have a strong belief in educating end users on proper maintenance for the products that they buy to give their floor a long life and provide a healthy environment.
Tell us about yourself. Where are you located? What’s your educational background? What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I graduated from Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with a diploma in Interior Design. After several years in the design industry, I moved into the flooring industry as a representative for a local carpet manufacturer to the design and architectural industry. In a male-dominated field, I was one of the first females in the industry in Alberta.
I love to travel and cook. Whether it is truffle hunting in Italy or a Salsa cooking class in Mexico – I love to combine the two! While COVID stole the travel from me I look forward to hitting the road again!
Describe your career. Where are you employed? What’s your role? What journey did you take professionally to get to where you are today?
I gained a wide range of experience working for carpet and resilient flooring manufacturers, eventually moving to Toronto for a major manufacturer of both carpet and resilient flooring, focusing as the healthcare and educational representative. During that time, I strongly focused on the proper maintenance for the products, working with end users to educate their cleaning staff on the proper techniques to maintain the floor.
From that experience Sands Commercial Floor Coverings partnered with me to start up and run their maintenance division.
We are the only flooring company in Toronto with a maintenance division and we take great pride in working with the sales team and end users to ensure that the proper product is both installed and maintained. We provide regular programmed maintenance programs along with restorative cleaning/refinishing to all types of floor coverings.
What would you say is your greatest professional achievement?
My greatest achievement is partnering with Sands Commercial Floor Coverings and being given the opportunity to create a company that has allowed me to build a company that operates with integrity and provide superior service in the maintenance industry.
What is one thing that you have learned professionally that’s served you well in your career?
Best thing I have learned is to listen to our customer.
ABOUT SANDS
www.sandscommercialflooring.com/
For over 50 years, we have been providing our clients with high-quality products and services; setting the standard for full-service commercial floor coverings and maintenance services across North America.
We are an independent, dedicated, environmentally conscious, and customer-focused company that has become a leader in our industry, by maximizing value for our customers and providing them with unmatched dedication and service throughout all of our projects.
This value is what makes our “Total Package” a winning formula. With competitive and transparent pricing, green-friendly products, and recycling processes, you can rest easy knowing that Sands has you and the environment covered.
