When I first entered the trailer industry, I didn’ t look like most of the people in the room. And I didn’ t sound like them either. I didn’ t come in with a long family history in trailers or the typical“ industry” background. I came in with ideas, passion, and a whole lot of drive, but I still wondered if that would be enough. I wasn’ t sure if there was space for someone like me. But from day one, I found connection, and that’ s changed everything.
Early in my career, I asked our COO, Will, what it really takes to build confidence in this space. He didn’ t offer a speech. He offered trust. He gave me real responsibility, raised the bar, and never once questioned whether I could handle it. That kind of leadership leaves a mark. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a mentor can do is believe in you before you believe in yourself and give you the room to rise. That’ s how confidence is built in this business, not through comfort, but through challenge, trust, and high standards.
Two leaders who also made a lasting impact on me are Andria Gibbon and Corey Langley of NATDA. As executives, they didn’ t have to make time for a newcomer, but they did. They made me feel like I belonged before I even knew if I did. That kind of leadership isn’ t just admirable, it’ s transformative. It showed me what true mentorship looks like at the highest level, and how small moments of inclusion can create ripple effects across the entire industry.
Because mentorship isn’ t just advice or instruction. It’ s belief. It’ s someone choosing to open the door a little wider and say,“ Come on in. We want you here.”
As a woman in a male-dominated field, that kind of connection matters more than most people realize. Mentorship turns an intimidating environment into a space of opportunity. It bridges the gap between where we are and where we could be-- not just for ourselves, but for the women coming behind us. It’ s what transforms this industry from something that feels exclusive into something that feels like home.
And mentorship doesn’ t always look like a formal meeting. Sometimes it’ s as simple as a message after a trade show,“ Hey, you crushed that panel.” Sometimes it’ s helping another woman prepare for a meeting she’ s nervous about. Other times, it’ s just showing up fully, and making space for others to do the same.
Now that I’ ve found my footing, I do everything I can to be that person for someone else. Because I know what it’ s like to wonder if you fit in. And I know how powerful it is to have someone say,“ You do.”
Looking for a place to grow, connect, and build your career in the trailer industry? The Women in the Trailer Industry Committee is here to support you with real conversations and resources. Join us on LinkedIn and Facebook to get connected today!
To every woman entering this industry, you don’ t have to change who you are to succeed. You are not too loud, too soft, too bold, too different.
You are exactly what this industry needs.
56 NATDA Magazine www. natda. org