Kristin Barnes

I attribute my success to persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn across very different industries. My background required me to balance school, multiple jobs, and professional responsibilities at the same time, which taught me discipline and time management early on. I also learned how to communicate with a wide range of people- from customers and contractors to engineers, analysts, and executives- and that has been one of the most valuable skills in my career.

Moving from finance and technology into industrial distribution required me to start over in many ways. I had to learn new products, new markets, and new operational challenges quickly. Instead of relying on what I already knew, I focused on listening, asking questions, and understanding how my customers actually run their businesses. That approach helped me build trust and long-term relationships.

Ultimately, I believe my success comes from persistence and being solutions-oriented. I don’t see my role as simply selling a product- I see it as helping businesses solve operational problems. When customers know you are reliable, responsive, and invested in their success, the business naturally follows.

he best advice I’ve learned and now try to live by, is not to focus on making the perfect decision, but to make a decision and then make that decision the right one. It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis, worrying about choosing the wrong path or missing a better opportunity. In reality, most of us don’t fail because we chose poorly; we struggle because we hesitate and do nothing.

Looking back, it’s tempting to think a different choice would have led to a better outcome, but we rarely see the full picture. That alternative path could just as easily have been worse. What matters more than the initial decision is the commitment that follows- how you adapt, learn, and put in the work to make the situation successful.

I’ve found that progress comes from forward movement. Once you commit, you can adjust, improve, and grow, but you can’t build momentum standing still. So I try not to chase perfect choices- I focus on making a choice and then doing everything I can to make it the best one.

My biggest advice is to focus on competence and consistency. Industrial and construction fields are relationship-driven industries, and trust matters more than anything else. You don’t have to know everything on day one, but you do have to be willing to learn, ask questions, and follow through. When people see that you show up, do what you say you’ll do, and solve problems, credibility builds quickly.

This industry is still largely male-dominated, and it can feel intimidating at first. My advice is not to let that make you shrink yourself or question whether you belong. You don’t have to prove yourself by being louder or tougher, you earn respect by being prepared, reliable, and knowledgeable. Confidence grows from competence, and once people know you can help their business run better, they stop seeing you as “a woman in the industry” and start seeing you as a trusted professional.

Finally, don’t be intimidated by what you don’t yet know. Every person in this field had to learn the products, terminology, and operations at some point. Stay curious, keep listening, and treat people fairly. Over time, the relationships you build and the reliability you show will matter far more than anything else, and those relationships are what create a lasting career.

The biggest challenge in our industry right now is uncertainty around supply, lead times, and pricing. Customers need dependable materials to keep projects moving, but they also need accurate information to plan jobs and control costs. That puts more responsibility on suppliers to be responsive and reliable.

At the same time, that challenge has created an opportunity. Companies now value consistency and communication as much as price. The suppliers who answer the phone, solve problems, and help customers navigate changes are becoming partners rather than just vendors.

With continued growth in infrastructure and development, customers are also looking for guidance, not just products. The industry is shifting from transactional sales to relationship-based service, and that’s where I see the biggest opportunity.

Honesty, integrity, and character are the values that matter most to me. I try to be someone who does what I say I’m going to do and to live consistently with who I say I am, both professionally and personally. Trust is the foundation of every relationship; whether it’s with customers, coworkers, friends, or family, and I believe trust is built through reliability over time, not words.

To me, character shows in the small things: following through, being accountable, and doing the right thing even when it’s inconvenient. I want people to know that when I make a commitment, they can depend on it. My goal is to build relationships where people feel comfortable relying on me because they know I will be honest and fair.