We have been in the carpentry business for 17 years; however I (Colleen) built my first piece of furniture 22 years ago. I have designed and built everything from a bench to a thirty-eight cabinet kitchen with solid surface countertops.

It’s been a tough but rewarding journey to get this far in my career. All I know is that when you love what you do, it will show through your work. When you have that passion, that drive, there is no one that can stand in your way. My advice for other women trying to break into a career that’s dominated by men is don’t ever let yourself be intimidated or made to feel out of place.

If you love to do something that isn’t in the realm of women’s work, go for it. Women shouldn’t be constrained by stereotypes. Honestly, sometimes I have had to work twice as hard as I would have if I was a man to gain the same level of respect, but I’ve become twice as good in my profession because of it.