Women Leading the Way: Insights from Female Leaders at Ironmongery Warehouse
In the ongoing dynamic of the construction industry, women continue to break barriers and make significant contributions. Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing two outstanding female staff members at Ironmongery Warehouse: Lara Otto, Sales Director, and Monika Steininger, Cape Town Branch Manager. Their experiences and insights shed light on the indispensable tools, motivations, and advice for women in the construction industry.
Meet Lara Otto – Sales Director
Q: What tools or technology have you found most indispensable in your work?
Lara: Ironmongery Warehouse has advanced significantly in terms of technology. In the past, we manually captured specifications in Excel, using hard copies of floor plans and door schedules. This process was tedious and time-consuming (using a highlighter to cross-reference the doors on the floor plan and checking that you haven’t missed a door, to manually typing in product codes and making sure you have allocated the correct product in the excel block. Then manually doing a BOQ and ensuring all your quantities are correct.), but it worked in that era. Since then, we’ve evolved with the development of our in-house specifications program, Specworx. This revolutionary tool has drastically improved our efficiency and accuracy in creating specifications.
Specworx, in conjunction with architects’ Revit software, allows us to see exactly which doors have been specified and which still need attention. It enhances productivity, and saves time, which we all know is valuable. Additionally, Specworx offers a paperless system for professionals to review specifications, giving PQS confidence in approving claims for final accounts. Contractors can also check deliveries by product, door number, and POD. Specworx truly adds value to the entire professional team, enabling us to work smarter, not harder.
Q: How do you stay motivated on challenging days in the construction industry?
Lara: Drink Margaritas… how else does one stay motivated in the construction industry? (Laughs) Jokes aside, several factors keep me motivated. I strive to remain reliable, honest, ethical, and accountable for my mistakes. We are all human, and how we handle challenges sets us apart. The biggest motivating factor for me is the value we add to a project. We’re not just sales representatives; we are professionals with years of knowledge and experience ensuring the successful completion of a project.
Each project presents an opportunity to grow and learn. No two projects are the same, which keeps things exciting. The construction industry is fast-paced, with crucial deadlines, and although it can be stressful (most days), the rush is exhilarating. I love meeting new professionals and running a successful project together. What motivates me is when professionals call us back for the next job. That is how I know we’ve added value, and that keeps me going.
Meet Monika Steininger – Cape Town Branch Manager
Q: What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction?
Monika: Always be one step ahead, arm yourself with knowledge, and persist.
Q: Can you share a memorable project you’ve worked on and what made it special?
Monika: I’m currently working on and supplying ironmongery for a project with Vivid Architects called “On Park.” It’s already a strong contender for my most memorable project due to its unique construction and round design offering panoramic views of the park. Living in Cape Town has many perks, with lifestyle generally being the biggest one. This development embodies lifestyle, and one can only imagine waking up every morning surrounded by nature and the calming effects it provides.
It’s always exciting to have a front seat to an architect’s unique vision and to play a part in complementing that design with our ironmongery. This project is special because it blends innovative design with the natural beauty of Cape Town, creating a harmonious living space.
Lara and Monika’s experiences highlight the vital roles women play in the construction industry. Their dedication, resilience, and passion for their work inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in this field. At Ironmongery Warehouse, we are proud to support and celebrate the achievements of our female staff members.
Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our Ironmongery Specifiers to assist you in finishing your project.
Email us on enquiry@ironware.co.za or call us on 011 444 8677 to speak with one of our Architectural Ironmongery Specification Specialists.
