“Hang in there, pick your battles, and maintain your grace. The garage door industry isn’t always easy for men or women, but it’s improving. It’s particularly challenging for women—but if you’re determined, you will feel accomplished as you make your way through your career.”—Susan Richmond, President, Door Services, Inc.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we shared the stories of four influential female leaders in the garage door industry. These women challenged traditional stereotypes and made their voices heard. Their perseverance speaks to the growing importance of the inclusion of women in male-dominated industries and the need for women to empower each other.

Throughout the month of March, we heard from the owner of Hamburg Overhead Door, Jennifer Kuhn, and Clopay Corporation’s Keri Croman and Ann Reed. For our final Q&A, we’re talking to Susan Richmond, President of Door Services, Inc. in Portland, Maine.

A year ago, I became the president and sole owner of Door Services, Inc. I graduated from St. Lawrence University with a B.S. in Psychology and Art History. Though I graduated from St. Lawrence, I needed a Master’s degree to get into a good career. I wasn’t sure if I had enough interest to commit to psychology, so I changed my focus to getting an environmental law degree, but my energy fizzled out there too.

After college, my parents pushed me to get a “real” job.  I found an ad in the newspaper for an administrative assistant position at Portland Glass. My resume caught the eye of the company’s manager, Bill Feder. Bill and the vice president saw potential in me. I was good with numbers, so they gave me a position in sales and estimating.

A few years later, Bill told me that he wanted to start his own business and he asked me to help. I agreed, and in 1989 we left Portland Glass and started Door Services, Inc. As our business grew, Bill started planning his succession, and a few years later, he offered to sell the business to me. We completed the deal a year ago, making me the sole owner.

2. What female leaders do you admire? How have they inspired your career in the rolling door industry?

My grandmothers and mother were powerful role models in my life. They taught me to be strong and independent, giving me the confidence to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

My mother is a strong role model in my life because she never held me back in life. As a kid, I was free to do what I loved. I constructed miniature buildings with Legos and Lincoln Logs, I played with Tonka Trucks and a steam shovel, but I also played with dolls and I loved sewing. It wasn’t unusual for my Barbie to operate the steam shovel in a hand-sewn dress. She supported all of my interests, regardless of traditional stereotypes, which helped me to expand and grow.

My maternal grandmother earned her Master’s degree in Mathematics in the 1920s and my paternal grandmother served as a postmaster in Newton, Ct. They were trailblazers who challenged the status quo and found success working in non-traditional roles. Through them, I learned that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, regardless of the industry.

I also drew inspiration from Jennifer Kuhn, president of Hamburg Overhead Door, and Kay Anagnos, President of Anagnos Door Co., Inc. These women are outstanding examples of fierce female business owners, and their mentorship was instrumental in my decision to purchase Door Services.

3. What challenges have you faced in your career as a woman? How did you overcome them?

I remember answering a call several years ago from a man who wanted pricing on a sectional overhead door. Early in the conversation, he interrupted me and asked to speak to a man so I forwarded the call to Bill. He told the customer that he didn’t handle pricing and sent the call back to me, and I got the sale. Over the years, I had to work on not taking things personally and how to stand firm without being aggressive. Bill made sure that I had a seat at the table and validated my leadership position within the industry.

The normality of women in this field has visibly changed since then. This one particular moment from 12 years ago stands out to me as a turning point. I had been awarded a contract to supply rolling steel doors for a renovation of the civic center in Portland with a major general contractor. I took Bill with me to help guide the superintendent in how the door would fit the space and to assist with any modifications we’d need to make.

There we stood in our hard hats, vests, and steel-toed boots. I fully expected the project superintendent to direct his questions to Bill. But, to my surprise, the superintendent directed his conversation to me without skipping a beat.  Initially, I was stunned at the change in respect. Then, it occurred to me that I was dealing with a new, much younger generation. This generation’s mothers were established in the workforce, so seeing a female in the commercial garage door industry was natural.

4. What advice would you give to other women in your field?

I’m seeing more women taking on roles as construction company owners, project managers, and on-site superintendents, despite facing barriers in the workplace. Hang in there, pick your battles, and maintain your grace. The garage door industry isn’t always easy for men or women, but it’s improving. It’s particularly challenging for women—but if you’re determined, you will feel accomplished as you make your way through your career.

5. Why is it important for more women to be represented in the garage door industry?

My environmental science professor believed in the diversity of all types, including social, ecological, etc. He believed that in a planet-altering disaster, greater biodiversity in our ecosystem would ensure survival through evolution and a lack of biodiversity could lead to collapse. We need a rich, complex world filled with variety to survive. In business, women bring a diverse set of ideas and solutions. Having different perspectives gives your solutions greater strength and viability.

6. What are some ways women can support each other in the workplace?

Women should take time to come together, be inclusive, share experiences, and talk about how they overcame challenges. My philosophy: be a team player, but always remember your voice; mentor other women on their journey, applaud their accomplishments, and celebrate their success. Meet with other women and share your experiences, and talk about how you overcame challenges. Be open and willing to provide support and let others know you’re available to talk.

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