Women in hardware retailing
August is Women’s Month in South Africa. DIY and Industrial Trade News honours women building successful hardware retail and supply chain careers.
Breaking barriers, building success
Women have entered, innovated, and transformed hardware retail. They are redefining leadership, building empires, and mastering supply chains.
Take a look at some of the remarkable women leading the way in hardware:
Adele Baard, Timbuild City
Adele started on tills at her family’s Timbercity stores as a child. After earning a marketing degree, she joined the Timbercity National Franchise Committee, then led franchise and supplier operations at Elliot/Stein Build. She played a key role in building the TimBuild brand, bringing extensive industry experience and a positive leadership style to the fore.
Suzette Geldenhuys, Build it
Suzette started her hardware business journey in Burgersfort and now owns multiple Build it stores, including Spar, Tops, and Brickyards around the area. She’s passionate about retail, community, and building a family business legacy.
Debra Schmidt, Mica and DIY Depot
Debra is a Marketing Executive shaping the identity and community focus of Mica and DIY Depot. Known for her collaborative leadership, she’s driving marketing strategies that build authenticity, trust and local relationships.
Bronwin Templeman, Power Build
Bronwin leads PowerFest, noted for her energy and project leadership. Since Power Build started, she has championed the group’s “Unfair Advantage” and ensured that every trade show lives the group’s vision.
Reshaping the hardware supply chain
Women are also leading supply chains, managing manufacturing, distributing, and retail at all levels. From international shipping logistics to women-owned manufacturing, their impact spans the full value chain.
Jenny Smith, Academy Brushware
With 27 years at Academy Brushware, Jenny rose from sales rep to sales and marketing director. She’s known for leadership, industry knowledge, and strong customer relationships.
Lee Ann Scanlen, Einhell
With over two decades of experience in hardware, Lee Ann blends professionalism and a hands-on approach. She’s earned staff and customer trust, showing women are redefining the commercial space in building materials and hardware.
Nathalie Sweeney, Dulux
As marketing director at Dulux, Nathalie’s strategic vision and dedication have set high standards for the business. She’s celebrated as a role model and leader in the paint industry.
Heidi Masters, Bostik
Heidi has led the Bostik and Alcolin brands as marketing director, with professionalism, dedication and a significant impact on the DIY hardware sector.
Desiree Kritzinger, Rust-Oleum
Since 2012, Desiree’s vision and boldness have shaped Rust-Oleum. Now executive GM, she is steering the business into its most successful chapter yet.
These women’s collaborative approach across the supply chain ensures that innovation moves smoothly from concept to consumer, proving that when women succeed at every level, the entire hardware sector prospers.
