Jen Silver

I attribute much of my success to trusting my intuition and having the courage to act on it, even when the path ahead is uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

In 2020, that belief became deeply personal when a plane crashed into my home. Shortly before the crash, I felt an overwhelming instinct to leave work and pick up my children. There was no logical reason for the urgency I felt, but I listened to that inner voice. That experience profoundly reinforced something I had felt throughout my life: intuition has value, but only when we have the courage to act on it.

Since then, I have made a conscious commitment to trust those instincts, particularly when they lead me outside my comfort zone. That mindset has given me the confidence to speak up when something needs to change, advocate for others, pursue ideas that may initially seem ambitious, and step into rooms I might once have believed were beyond my reach—including engaging with members of Congress to advance initiatives and causes I believe can make a meaningful difference.

For me, success has not come from always knowing exactly what to do next. It has come from being willing to listen to that inner voice, trust myself, and have the courage to take the next step.

The best career advice I have ever received is to trust myself enough to make the decision and then commit to it.

There will always be people who see things differently, reasons to hesitate, and moments when the safer choice feels more comfortable. But growth rarely happens in the comfortable places. I have learned to gather the information, listen to the people I respect, trust my instincts, and then move forward with confidence.

That advice has shaped the way I lead, build businesses, advocate for others, and pursue opportunities that once felt far outside my comfort zone.

I would advise young women entering the industry to focus first on building a strong foundation of knowledge and to never be afraid to admit when they are still learning. You do not need to have every answer, and there is strength in being honest enough to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”

What matters is being committed to learning, never misrepresenting your expertise, and continually developing your skills. Knowledge builds confidence, credibility, and independence.

Most importantly, never underestimate the value of becoming truly knowledgeable in your field. There may be times when the people around you, including men with more years in the industry, do not have the same depth of knowledge you have worked to develop. Do not let that diminish your confidence. Invest in your own expertise, trust what you know, remain open to learning, and never be afraid to bring your voice to the table.

One of the greatest challenges in my field is navigating an insurance system that has, at times, been strained by misuse on multiple sides, including contractors and homeowners who postpone necessary maintenance and then look to storm-related claims as a solution. At the same time, the growing use of large percentage-based wind and hail deductibles is creating additional financial pressure for homeowners and new challenges for contractors trying to help them understand their options.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I have also faced the added challenge of having my knowledge and expertise questioned more frequently. That experience pushed me to become exceptionally well-informed and prepared so I could confidently address difficult questions, complex situations, and industry assumptions.

Ultimately, those challenges have strengthened my commitment to advocate for greater education, transparency, accountability, and consumer understanding across the roofing, construction, and property insurance industries.

The values that matter most to me are being my word, treating others with respect, and being obedient to my intuition.

Being my word means doing what I say I am going to do and taking responsibility when I fall short. Trust is built through consistency, accountability, and following through, especially when it would be easier not to.

Respect is equally important to me. I believe every person deserves to be heard, treated with dignity, and valued for the perspective and experience they bring. Some of the most meaningful growth in my life and career has come from being willing to listen, learn, and remain open to people who see the world differently than I do.

Finally, I have learned to be obedient to my intuition. When I feel strongly that I should speak up, pursue an idea, change direction, or step into an uncomfortable situation, I have learned not to ignore that voice. Trusting my intuition has shaped some of the most important decisions in my life and has given me the courage to pursue opportunities, advocate for others, and take on challenges that once felt beyond my reach.

Together, these values guide the way I lead, the way I build relationships, and the way I try to move through both my personal and professional life.