Home Hardware's Marianne Thompson talks Top Women
From the latest in the HBSDealer Top Women series, Marianne Thompson, chief commercial officer at Home Hardware Stores Limited, headquartered in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada, recently joined us for a Q&A to discuss her career, the hardware industry, and the growth of executive opportunities for women.
HBSDealer: Who has influenced your career the most? And how?
Thompson: “It is incredibly important to look back and thank the people who have helped you throughout your career. No one does it alone. There are countless managers, colleagues, peers, suppliers, customers, mentors, family members and friends who have given you opportunities to move your career forward.
“It’s the customer who gives you a unique opportunity that expanded your skill set. It’s the manager who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself. It’s the friend or family member who gave you the confidence when you needed it most. It’s the co-worker who helped you learn a new software program.
“Regardless of who or when it was, it’s the collective impact of all these people who make a difference in my career every single day.
“My career has also been influenced by many female colleagues and mentors in the field who have paved the way for women in the industry. Along with these incredible women, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Annette Verschuren, and Sarah Jordan are all strong, passionate trailblazers that I look up to.”
HBSDealer: What are the ways you, and others, have found support at Home Hardware?
Thompson: “Home Hardware has an extremely supportive workplace culture that is committed to promoting inclusivity and encourages everyone to bring their authentic selves to the table.
“Creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to contribute safely has always been one of my top priorities as a leader, and Home Hardware supports those efforts, leading by example. Home’s D&I efforts have been a key component to fostering an environment that makes everyone feel like they have opportunity, regardless of gender or background.
“I am also currently mentoring five women within my organization and strive to support, empower, and encourage them to aspire to be the best they can be. It is my hope that they pay it forward and continue to mentor the female leaders of tomorrow.”
HBSDealer: Are you seeing more women in executive roles in Canada in general? What about specifically in the hardware business?
Thompson: “The hardware business in Canada is expanding, and it is exciting to see more and more women step into the leadership space.
“As a woman who has spent their entire career in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, it’s incredibly empowering to see more women enter the ring at all levels of the hardware business and bring their expertise and knowledge to the table.
“It’s an exciting time, and it is long overdue.
“At Home Hardware, we have seen progress in narrowing the gender gap at all levels of leadership. Over the past five years, we increased the number of female vice president and director roles by 22% and have also increased the number of female managers by more than 10%.”
HBSDealer: The Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) is an exclusive community of women executives at leading retailers and brands. What do you like about the WIRLC in Canada?
Thompson: “In Canada, the Women in Retail Leadership Circle provides women across the country a platform to celebrate their successes and foster leadership development, which aligns with my core values.
“As women, it is important that we create spaces to uplift each other, discuss business strategy, mentorship programs and execute professional development.
“This is what the WIRLC prioritizes and why I am involved. It also provides the opportunity of an expanded network with the North American Women in Retail Leadership Circle membership.
“As a 2022 Top Women in Retail honoree, I have been fortunate enough to connect with many strong, like-minded women in the industry to share methods of leadership and development.”
HBSDealer: Any advice to women and men entering this field of hardware and building supply?
Thompson: “My advice to anyone entering the hardware and building supply field is: Don’t second guess it. You will have an incredibly rewarding and fun career in our industry. Be your authentic self.
“Do not be afraid to bring your ideas forward and remember that you have a seat at the table for a reason. If you can take risks and surround yourself with forward thinking people and leadership, you will find your way in the industry.
“You also can give back in meaningful ways.
“I have been able to extend my passion for helping people through my involvement in the home improvement industry, by building homes in developing countries and installing eco-stoves for the less fortunate to aide in building sustainable footprints for their futures.
“Your future in this field is limitless.”