Misty Thomas

I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning, strong communication, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with others. My career has taken me across several industries and experiences, ultimately leading me to the building systems, construction, and manufacturing industry, where I have spent the past 21 years. My early customer service experience at McDonald’s in the 1990s taught me the importance of patience, professionalism, and understanding people, while my subsequent experiences in manufacturing challenged me to grow and adapt. My background in forensic psychology has also strengthened my skills in observation, communication, problem-solving, and understanding different perspectives. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on professional development and embracing new opportunities to expand my knowledge. Today, as an Account Executive, I place a strong emphasis on customer service while also mentoring and supporting younger professionals on my team. I believe every position, challenge, colleague, and experience has something valuable to teach, and I carry those lessons forward as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to remain open-minded and never be afraid to ask questions. If something is unclear, ask for clarification, even if that means asking the same question twice. It is important to make sure you truly understand what you are learning rather than making assumptions. I also encourage women to seek out a mentor, or several mentors, early in their careers who can provide guidance, perspective, and support. Stay focused on your goals, but remember to enjoy the journey and have fun along the way. Most importantly, strive to maintain a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life, because long-term success is about growing your career while also making time for the people and experiences that matter most.

One of the biggest challenges I have experienced in my field is navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry while ensuring that my contributions, expertise, and perspective are recognized and respected. At times, I have encountered difficult situations in business settings, but those experiences have strengthened my determination to remain professional, continue learning, and demonstrate my value through the quality of my work. Being named Salesperson of the Year in 2025 was a meaningful accomplishment and reinforced for me that recognition is only one part of a successful career; what matters most is continuing to grow, supporting others, and making a meaningful contribution to my organization. Looking ahead, I see significant opportunities as the industry evolves and new generations of professionals bring fresh perspectives and ideas. I believe qualities such as kindness, collaboration, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to help others can play an important role in creating a stronger and more inclusive workplace.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, continuous learning, kindness, and hard work. I believe that every experience, including those that may initially seem unrelated to our goals, can provide valuable skills, perspective, and opportunities for growth. I strive to approach challenges with determination, remain open to learning, and treat others with respect and kindness. As a mother, one of my greatest priorities is creating a positive legacy for my children and showing them that perseverance and hard work can help you move forward, even when you encounter obstacles. I am proud of the journey that has shaped my career, and I hope to continue growing, helping others, and making a meaningful impact while demonstrating that women can build successful careers and thrive in any industry.