Women in Construction Karen Devereaux achieves success in fastener sales with energy and truthful attitude Ontario Construction Report special feature Karen Devereaux began her career in the construction industry as a sales person in the tool supply industry at the age of 21. Today she is an industrial sales representative with Accurate Fasteners Ltd.,working with large clients and helping build the Accurate Group name. “When I started in the industry I sold pneumatic tools and industrial supplies,” she said. “I had to go into facto- ries and deal with foremen and plant managers, assessing what they needed and the state of the equipment they had.” Devereaux says at that time women in the field were treated differently and not always respectfully. She had to learn how to handle herself, how to maintain professional- ism but through it all developed a greater level of confi- dence. After six years in that role she moved over to the fas- tener industry, focusing on the GTA and windows and doors. She says the experience she had gained paid off and carried forward in this new sector. “The biggest chal- lenge at the start was gaining product knowledge. Techni- cal knowledge and staying up on all of the changes is still something I work at.” In 2004 she joined the Accurate team. Here she is using her industry experience, as well as strategic goals in help- ing the company grow and expand its client base. “If a company is at the point of needing to retest their product they will also often be open to looking at new hardware. This is an opportunity to showcase what we offer and to open up a new relationship.” Some of her key clients include Euro-Seal Windows & Doors, Vinylguard Window & Door Systems Ltd., Primeline Windows and Doors Inc., Alumicor Ltd., Ostaco Windows & Doors, and the Toronto District School Board. Devereaux says she enjoys her role as an outside sales person including the freedom and the required self-moti- vation. Ultimately she says it is her clients who keep her positive and enthusiastic about her job. Over the years she has recommended women consider careers in the industry and says where she does, she often recognizes bits of herself. “To be successful in this industry you need to be energetic, positive and you have to be able to tell customers the truth instead of what you think they want to hear.” Architectural Hardware Solutions Experts At Northern Architectural Products we strive to provide our customers with a premium level of service. With over 30 years of experience, we know that budget and time are the markers of a successful project and we will go that extra distance to support our client’s success. We keep thousands of items in stock and available for imme- diate shipment including: Weather Strip, Rollers and Wheels, Hinges and Window/Door Hardware. Our support technicians are available by phone or in person to provide answers to your questions and make sure that your projects continue to run problem-free. 550 Applewood Crescent, Concord, ON L4K 4B4 Phone: 905-660-0600 Fax: 905-660-0179 www.northern-arch.com T H E A C C U R AT E G R O U P O F C O M PA N I E S The Canadian Design and Construction Report — February - March 2015 – 23