IN BUSINESS
An outstanding
woman
Choices Flooring Shepparton installer, Sharon Rigbye CHOICES Flooring Sheppa rton installer, Sha ron Rigbye has been working in the flooring industry for 35 years and is sharing her experience in the industry and the challenges, achievements and dreams. Sharon said, “Like Melbourne Cup winner, Michelle Payne, I started working in horse racing; cleaning out stalls, strapping and some track work, but in those years it was so male-dominated I chose to leave. That’s why I have a high regard for Michelle because I know some of the hurdles she would have faced. “I started as a flooring installer after I married a
third-generation carpet layer. When his dad retired from their business, my husband, Jeff had to employ a helper … and I thought it might as well be me. We work as a team and just do what needs to be done. “I find there is not really any discrimination against women, but many people are surprised to see me. We had an elderly widow who was hesitant to have young men working in her house as she lived on her own – she was very happy and relieved to have a woman there. “T he job s a re some t i me s ve r y physic a l, but manageable. I am 51 years old, 5’ 1” so not a very big
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person. I agree that men are more physically adapted to this type of work but women are capable of assisting in all sorts of jobs in the building field. “As more and more women take on these challenges we are more accepted. I love that we travel to many places and work in many different houses and meet many lovely people. “It’s so different from when I started working 35 years ago. Times are changing; we are slowly winning out against discrimination.”
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1326 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 – Page 25