Leaders Face Challenges Head-On

One of the advantages of being a woman is the ability to multitask. Female executives are known and expected to take on the constant challenges of work, child-rearing, and domestic chores, seemingly without breaking a sweat. 

“People are always saying to me, ‘I don’t know how you juggle everything,’ but that’s just how women operate,” says Weg. “Give them a ball and they will keep it in the air. This is a gift that women innately have, and it gives them a leg up in business.” 

No doubt, multitasking is another of women’s superpowers. Women business owners, though, have also learned that they can’t do everything themselves — and there’s no shame in reaching out to others for help or advice. 

“We tend to seek out other women because there are so few of us in this industry,” says Jamie Henry, CEO of Bee Line Support, Chicago. “Some of my closest friends are women who have companies that are similar to mine. It’s unusual for a female to own a janitorial company, so we have this commonality.” 

Additionally, Henry advises other aspiring female business leaders to tap into associations, like Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), and seek out likeminded professionals and mentors. 

“If you can find someone that has already built a company and been through what you’re about to go through, by all means I would talk to them,” she says. “Our industry association can match you with a small group of people running businesses of a similar size so that you can learn from each other. There’s nothing like having a peer group of people doing exactly what you’re doing in your space and industry.” 

Rachel Sanchez, CEO, Prestige Maintenance USA, Plano, Texas, echoes this sentiment. As a second-generation owner, her experience has exclusively been in the janitorial industry, and at times she has questioned her abilities. 

“One of the things I’ve always done to overcome self-doubt is to have networks outside my organization,” says Sanchez. “It’s important not to go it alone. Just understand that you’re more successful when you have a network of individuals, and you don’t put pressure on yourself to know everything.” 

Seize Every Opportunity 

Sometimes, the fear of making mistakes prevents women from pursuing opportunities that have the potential to advance their career or grow their business. However, seasoned leaders recognize the value in learning from their mistakes and urge aspiring BSCs to seize every opportunity they can, whether they feel ready for it or not. 

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take chances,” Cedar advises. “You can’t wait until you know everything to try things. Life is one big learning experience, and as long as you put forth the effort, you have a good chance to be successful.” 

Growing up in the family business, Sanchez took advantage of every opportunity that came her way. She accompanied her parents to the job site at an early age and started cleaning when she was old enough. As the company expanded, she wanted to learn all that she could, so she worked in different facets of the business, including accounting and payroll. 

“Taking advantage of those opportunities allowed me to experience and learn about the business and the industry,” she says. “If an opportunity comes my way, I take it. I serve on the Women’s Business Council - Southwest, and this year I started on the board for ISSA. Because I’m focused on one segment — building service contracting — these opportunities have given me a broader view and understanding of the industry and the industries we serve.” 

Indeed, women have proven that they can do it all — and the industry recognizes the value and unique perspective that female owners and executives bring to leadership. 

“As women, we have a unique perspective that gives us an advantage,” says Hernandez. “We can step back, see the bigger picture, and understand how everything connects and flows together.” 

Hernandez has firsthand experience with this: She works alongside her co-owner husband, Carlos, and although their opinions may differ at times, they’ve learned to consider each other’s point of view and work together to find a solution. Early in her career, though, she questioned her purpose and place in the company. She sometimes felt that her husband had more to offer than she did. 

“I remember telling this to a BSCAI member years ago, and he stopped me,” she recalls. “He said, ‘you need to remember that you have power and ways to reach people that he can’t. He needs you, and this business needs you.’” 

These words gave Hernandez the boost she needed — and she does her part to pay it forward. 

“Networking and being a part of BSCAI are great ways to find support, connect with like-minded peers, and build confidence to know you are making an impact,” she says. 

Kassandra Kania is a freelance writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is a frequent contributor to Contracting Profits.