84 Lumber celebrates trio of leaders
Eighty-Four, PA, In celebration of Women in Construction Week, which runs through March 8, 84 Lumber is highlighting the stories of three remarkable women who have built successful careers across the many corners of the construction industry: Wendy Odom, Jessica Ryan, and Malori Raison.
Wendy Odom – Sales Coordinator, 84 Lumber Baton Rouge, Louisiana
With 35 years in the construction industry—22 of them with 84 Lumber—Wendy Odom has built a career defined by resilience and growth. A single mother when she entered the field, Odom was drawn to construction to support her family.
Over the years, she has embraced the opportunities at 84 Lumber, expanding her knowledge and mentoring others. “84 Lumber has given me the tools to grow, and in turn, I’ve been able to teach others, helping them gain confidence to better their futures,” Odom said.
Odom believes women bring unique strengths to the industry, including problem-solving skills, multitasking, and the ability to collaborate with others and thus successfully lead a team. She encourages women to enter the field with an open mind, ready to learn and grow. “This industry builds integrity, strength, and confidence,” she said, “It’s challenging but also there’s room for growth.”
More Top Women
The 2025 Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply Awards gala will return to Chicago Nov. 10-11.
The event will take place at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, and will continue its mission of recognizing achievement and encouraging career growth for the women of the hardware and building supply industry.
Above all else, if you can stick with it, it’s very rewarding, explained Odom, “For me, it’s working with great people. My salesmen and management have always allowed me to grow and learn everything possible in this industry. Together we built an awesome place to work. I now have an office of four women, who together with their talents and knowledge have helped build the success of 84 Lumber at this location.”
Jessica Ryan – Owner, Thermally Yours Inc., Clifton Park, New York
Jessica Ryan has been in the trades for 25 years, the last 11 specializing in insulation. She started working in construction as a teenager, learning how to handle and read blueprints and developing hands-on skills.
Today, as the owner of Thermally Yours Inc., she leads a dedicated team of installers and takes immense pride in her role as an employer and as someone who built her own business. “I came from nothing and was given no handouts and worked very hard to prove and establish myself, but I am most proud of my staff. My crew of installers make me so proud every day. They are kind and hardworking, and experts in our field.” Ryan said.
“My crew motivates me every day. There is an intimacy in being an employer—knowing you are responsible for the livelihoods of your employees’ families,” Ryan shared.
Ryan also acknowledges that there’s still some bias to overcome for women in the industry. “The construction industry has historically been male-dominated, though that's slowly changing. The preconceived notions and biases regarding a woman's ability in this field may still be present in some workplaces. I had to work extra hard to prove my skills and ability.”
Ryan feels that knowledge is the best defense against these attitudes. “Whether it's through self-directed learning, certification programs, or formal education, the goal is to be prepared to discuss your chosen trade confidently. You want to show you’ve done your homework and that you are serious about your trade.”
While women in construction may continue to face biases, they also have some advantages. “Companies want different perspectives, and women often bring superior organization and decision-making skills,” said Ryan. Her advice to women entering the trades: “Be assertive, ask questions, and do not back down. There is so much opportunity and money to be made in this field!”
Malori Raison – Customer Service Manager, 84 Lumber Franklin Components
Eight years ago, Malori Raison entered the construction industry with little knowledge of the field, responding to a job posting for an administrative role. Getting in on the ground floor of the then-new plant, her curiosity and determination led her to become a trusted expert at her facility.
Essentially growing with the plant, Raison built the current system from the ground up. She embraced the fast-paced environment, working tirelessly to enhance customer service and overall company organization. “Customer service is the first stop for most requests that come into the plant. I wanted to be the first and only step in time-sensitive situations where I could.”
"People hear customer service manager and a specific image of the day-to-day job pops into their head," said Raison. As Raison explains, she has extensive knowledge of the industry and literally wrote the book on operational efficiency. "For the past eight years, I've been compiling notes to train others on the same strategies I use, aiming to make my plant, as well as anyone else who wants my guidance, as efficient as possible."
She explained that it’s not just about working with customers, but also everyone within the facility. “I have tried to work directly with production and design. I see the plant and its associates just as much as my customer as the outside sales and their framers and builders.”
Raison emphasized that for the right woman, construction is an exciting career, with new challenges every day. Speaking directly on being a woman in a male-dominated field, Raison stated that some construction companies still hold onto some outdated ideas and must learn to recognize that not all women fit traditional gender stereotypes. “Many women enjoy getting their hands dirty and building things—companies need to give them the chance to prove themselves.” She encourages other women to enter construction with a willingness to learn and a tough exterior, knowing that the challenges are worth the rewards.
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As the construction industry faces a growing workforce shortage, recruiting more women is one of the most viable solutions. 84 Lumber actively supports initiatives to attract and retain female talent, from mentorship programs to leadership development opportunities.
“Women bring incredible value to the construction industry,” says Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing of 84 Lumber. “By sharing their stories and promoting opportunities, we hope to inspire more women to consider careers in this dynamic and rewarding field.”