Kimberly Schaefer

I came up in this industry by learning every side of the operation, field, service, scheduling, customer communication and I never expected respect to be handed to me. I earned it by showing up prepared, being consistent, and standing behind my word. In roofing, especially in service, trust is everything. When clients know you’ll answer the phone, tell them the truth, and follow through, that goes a long way.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I’ve also learned to be confident without being combative. I don’t try to out-talk anyone. I focus on execution. Results speak louder than titles. I hold my team to high standards because I hold myself to the same ones, and I’m not afraid to make hard decisions to protect the company, our customers, or our reputation.

Lastly, I attribute my success to caring about the work, the people, and the customers’ investments. Roofing isn’t just a trade; it’s protecting livelihoods and businesses. When you treat it that way every day, success tends to follow.

Early on, I learned that confidence comes from knowing your work, understanding the details, and being willing to take ownership when things go wrong. In this industry, especially as a woman, you can’t rely on title alone you earn credibility by being sharp, consistent, and solutions-driven.

I was also told to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Silence doesn’t protect you; clarity does. When you communicate directly, set expectations, and stand behind your decisions, people learn quickly that you mean what you say.

That advice pushed me to stop second-guessing myself, trust my experience, and lead with accountability. Preparation plus courage has shaped my career more than anything else.

My advice to young women entering this industry is learn the work first, then own your voice.

Roofing is a hands-on, detail-driven business. Take the time to understand systems, materials, warranties, scheduling, and field operations. When you know the work, no one can question your seat at the table. Respect comes from competence, not volume.

Don’t feel pressure to fit a mold. You don’t have to be aggressive to be effective, and you don’t have to soften your standards to be liked. Be professional, be consistent, and be direct. Set boundaries early and hold them.

Also, find mentors but don’t wait for permission to lead. Advocate for yourself, ask questions, and take responsibility when things don’t go perfectly. Mistakes will happen; integrity is how you recover from them.

Most importantly, remember that you belong here. This industry needs strong women who bring discipline, empathy, and accountability to the table. If you stay focused, keep learning, and lead with purpose, the opportunities will come.

Leading a service operation demands constant oversight, fast decision-making, and a strong, steady presence for crews, clients, and internal teams. At the same time, motherhood especially with six children requires that same level of energy, organization, and commitment, particularly when staying engaged in their sports and activities. Both roles are demanding, and neither allows for half-effort.

The opportunity lies in what that balance creates. Managing both has sharpened my time management, strengthened my resilience, and elevated my leadership. I’ve learned how to prioritize what truly matters, build structure that supports people, and lead with empathy while still maintaining discipline and accountability.

Rather than viewing this balance as a limitation, I see it as proof that strong leadership and family dedication can coexist and actually reinforce one another. The skills required to run a high-performing service department are the same skills required to raise a strong family: consistency, communication, and follow-through. That perspective has made me a better leader, a better mother, and ultimately a stronger asset to Allcon Roofing.

At Allcon Roofing, integrity means doing the right thing even when it’s hard or costly standing by our word, owning mistakes, and being honest with clients and crews. Accountability is just as critical. I believe in clear expectations, follow-through, and taking responsibility, because that’s how trust is built and how teams perform at a high level.

Discipline ties everything together. Running a service department requires structure, consistency, and decisive leadership. At home, discipline creates stability for my family. With a large family, routines, communication, and standards aren’t optional—they’re essential. Those same principles guide how I lead at work.

Above all, family is my foundation. Being a mother keeps me grounded and gives purpose to everything I do. It’s taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of being present. I don’t separate my values between work and home they reinforce one another. Leading with integrity, structure, and care allows me to be effective in my role while also being the kind of mother and leader, I’m proud to be.