Her Story
About Monika
Monika King is an accomplished architectural consultant and relationship-driven sales professional with more than two decades of experience in the building materials industry. Based in the Metro Washington, D.C. area, she specializes in Division 8 and 10 products, including toilet partitions, washroom accessories, lockers, doors, and openings. While public restrooms can often be overlooked in commercial design, Monika has built a career around transforming those spaces into environments that prioritize privacy, safety, functionality, and aesthetics. She represents high-quality manufacturers whose products elevate both the experience and design of commercial interiors, helping clients create spaces that are not only practical but thoughtfully designed for the people who use them every day. Currently serving as an Architectural Consultant with Arch Resources, LLC, Monika works closely with architects, designers, contractors, and commercial clients to develop tailored specification solutions for projects across the region. Her broad experience throughout the building materials industry—including decorative finishes, flooring, walk-off mat systems, and architectural products—allows her to see projects holistically rather than focusing on a single product category. Known for her honesty and integrity, Monika is respected for always recommending what is best for the project, even when that means suggesting a competitor’s solution. Her relationship-centered approach, combined with deep technical knowledge and an ability to connect people across industries, has made her a trusted advisor and valued partner throughout the commercial real estate and design communities. Beyond her professional work, Monika is a passionate advocate for women in commercial real estate and leadership development. She currently serves as chapter president of CREW Maryland Suburban, part of the global Commercial Real Estate Women Network organization dedicated to advancing women in the industry and creating opportunities for leadership and collaboration. She is also actively involved in volunteer and community initiatives, including Girl Scouts leadership and cultural organizations. Guided by values of integrity, resilience, lifelong learning, and authenticity, Monika continues to build meaningful relationships while helping shape functional, inclusive, and beautifully designed commercial spaces.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monika
01What do you attribute your success to?
Building personal relationships is a huge part of how you are successful in my industry. I had a president of the division from Sherwin-Williams who once said that friends buy from friends, so go out and make a lot of friends. Connecting with clients and knowing how they are, not just their project provides on-going success. Being honest with clients about what works - if my product isn't the right fit, I am never going to suggest something that is not going to work, because that backfires and it doesn't speak well of you. That's been a huge part of what makes me successful. I'm recommended by my peers all the time because of this approach.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to ask for your worth. There are so many times, even now, it seems so silly that all these years later we are still talking about how women are still underpaid versus men. In this industry, in building materials and construction, it is still very male-dominated. Understanding what makes you valuable (whether it's certifications, project lists or sales dollars) use that to justify why you're asking for a certain number. It's helpful to interview once a year as well. It allows you to determine what employers are looking for, how you compare and what the market is doing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
1) Always push yourself to grow. Education doesn't stop when you graduate college.
2) Find Networking Organizations that are a good fit for you. If there's a good woman focused group, join it. You need to be part of networking groups that can help elevate you and help pull you forward.
3) Do not ever take less than what you feel you are worth but be able to prove it as well.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field are still (unfortunately) pay for women. Years later a man will still likely be paid more than a woman so finding the opportunity with a company that can give that equal pay is key. The expectations of performance in the role also have to be realistic. My industry is about relationships but even when you have those if you're new to a company/product line it takes time to get projects/sales. If those expectations are unrealistic back away.
I think the biggest opportunity is growing in leadership positions. Again, you have to find the right company for this. Not every group will have leadership roles. Finding the people to help pull you forward and grow into these roles along with further education (certificate programs, a Masters, etc) will give you the opportunity to take on a higher leadership role.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, flexibility, self-awareness, and being open-minded. I'm a single parent with a teenage daughter so every day I try to lead by example for her. She sees how I balance things (sometimes not the best but that's where flexibility comes into play) and I talk to her about why I do certain things. At the end of the day you have to be okay with the decisions you made and how you conducted yourself. I'm not perfect and I don't have all the answers but I also freely admit that. I can see other sides of a situation and provide perspective. I've learned that it's okay to fail as that's how we learn. I have plenty self-awareness - I know who I am and I'm good with it.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.