In our December Women In PHCP spotlight, we invite you to meet Kristen Venable, territory manager for Coleman-Russell & Associates!

PHCPPros: What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

Venable: I am a manufacturer’s representative. I work for Coleman-Russell & Associates. Our firm covers Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle. My territory consists of South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. I am responsible for the commercial and residential plumbing market in my territory as well as heating, industrial, and well markets. I am involved in all phases of the market. I work with contractors, institutions, wholesalers, engineers, architects, designers, builders, and developers.

PHCPPros: Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

Venable: My professional career in the PHCP industry began right out of college. I went to work for Ferguson Enterprises after graduating from the University of Alabama. I decided to go into the plumbing industry because I love it! Plumbing has been in my family for three generations. My paternal grandfather started a plumbing business and my father, along with his two brothers, followed suit. I moved out West for five years and worked in the technology industry during that time. I missed the plumbing industry! I recently moved back to my home state and have happily rejoined the plumbing industry. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to be back in this industry.

PHCPPros: What are some of your career highlights? 

Venable: Highlights include incredible projects all over the Southeast United States and winning Branch of the Year with my Ferguson team. I was honored to receive Associate of the Year from the Homebuilders Association as well. That year, our team of associates raised more than $10,000 from our silent auction event, and those funds went to the Miracle League and the HBAA scholarship program. I also had the pleasure of working with my dad before he retired from plumbing, and that was very rewarding.

PHCPPros: What are your experiences with women mentors or mentees?

Venable: My mother is a mentor to me; she has always encouraged me. She is wise and I seek her advice often. What I admire most about my mother is her strength and faith. I have always known that she is a strong woman, but watching her battle breast cancer not once but twice has shown her immense strength. Her faith is immeasurable. She inspires me.

I have two daughters. I lift them up and encourage them every day. I try to instill wisdom by sharing with them my life experiences and things that I have been through as a woman.

PHCPPros: What advice would you give to women entering this industry?

Venable: Believe in yourself! When someone tells you that you can’t do something, or you won’t be able to achieve something (and trust me they will), just keep pushing forward. Don’t let anyone bring you down, and always believe in yourself.

PHCPPros: How can the industry better recruit and retain women? 

Venable: Support and love one another. Set a positive example. Educate younger women on the pros of working in this industry.

PHCPPros: What does it mean to receive this honor? 

Venable: I’m so very honored. It means so much to me to be nominated to represent women in the plumbing industry.