WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION Nicole Bird Canadian Design and Construction Report defies obstacles and prejudice to succeed at Rsvp Design – Loewen Windows in Edmonton Loewen Windows who offered her a role. Along the way she was intro- duced to the dealer side of the busi- ness and knew that was where she wanted to be. She has been with the company now for 10 years and in Jan- uary took over ownership of the Loewen Window Centre of Edmonton. “Even though I am the owner I pre- fer to just think of myself as a sales professional. I love building long last- ing relationships with the builders, ar- chitects and homeowners, and that is truly my priority.” Bird says she believes she has one of the best jobs out there – looking at beautiful house plans and surrounded with design. Throughout her career she says she has always struggled to prove her worth against men. “I have been told that certain positions are not really supported to take maternity leave and I had one of my bosses give out his son's cards to a few of my cus- tomers.” She says it has been a challenge As owner and sales professional with Rsvp Design Inc. - Loewen Win- dow Centre of Edmonton, Nicole Bird has faced challenges, including get- ting into a profession held primarily by men. Early in her career, Bird started out in the construction industry at a local lumber company, where she worked for 10 years. During her time there, Bird requested a move into a sales po- sition at the order desk. At the time, it was not a position held by any women, and it was not encouraged for women to pursue the sales av- enue. Bird was denied a sales position several times, despite her experience, and what she calls her enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. She says after much frustration she was approached by a salesman with 34 – April-May 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report but she feels it has been worth the struggle because it has made her stronger. “I feel that I have worked extra hard to prove myself. I love showing up on a jobsite and having the contractor look at me first as if I won't know much but by the end of our meeting relying on my expertise and knowledge.” She says her experience has been that women working in male-domi- nated industries are doubted, ques- tioned and often talked-down-to. “I have been told that I would not be suc- cessful as a sales person because of my gender, I have been told that I could not be hired for several positions because I am a woman, and I have proven them all wrong.” She says there is nothing more sat- isfying than being told "you can't" and then going out and doing it anyway; and doing it well, and in some cases, better than some of her male counter- parts. “We may have to work twice as hard, but the satisfaction of a job well done is twice as sweet.”