Hillman Group’s Gaby Mann rests her case

A different path to diversity

GABY MANN RESTS HER CASE ON LISTENING AND HELPING

By Ken Clark

All Points Screw, Bolt & Specialty Company of Pompano Beach, Fla., isn’t your typical Hillman Group distribution facility.

“We package, we ship, we distribute the product, but we also actually create sales with inside and outside sales people, a customer pick-up counter and delivery trucks on the road,” said Gaby Mann, who as divisional vice president of operations runs the site. “We’re a standalone sales and shipping facility.”

Just as her division is out of the ordinary, so too is Mann’s career path. It began in law school, flourished as a practicing attorney in Georgia, and then took a hard turn into the hardware and building supply industry when she and her husband purchased All Points and moved to Florida. While preparing for the Florida Bar exam, Mann discovered that she enjoyed her connection with the fastener business.

“I didn’t think I was going to work there permanently,” she said. “But I loved it, and I thought it was so cool that we were actually making and selling products used to build permanent structures. So, I decided to change careers.”

Qualities that have allowed Mann to flourish in the fastener field include a natural curiosity and a willingness to learn. “I came in not knowing anything,” she told HBSDealer. “We had only two employees at the time, but I turned to them to educate me. I let vendors educate me, and also the customers. Peo ple love to talk about what they “...And as do, and if you just listen, then you people get more will learn so much from others.” The concepts of listening to others and helping others are the twin pillars of Mann’s concept of business established in their careers, they want to and personal growth, especially as give back.”women gain traction in careers previously — and sometimes currently —Gaby Mann, — dominated by men. divisional vice president of operations, The Hillman Group

At the Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply event (hosted by HBSDealer) in Chicago late last year, Mann was in the audience when a presenter quoted the former Secretary of State Madeline Albright: “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

“I jotted that down in my notebook, because I think that’s a pretty powerful message,” she said. “Women should encourage other women, and help and support and give them a safe space to discuss issues and be their mentor. I think that’s very important.”

From her vantage point, most of the companies and vendors she deals with day-to-day are represented by men, but the percentage of female participation is on the rise in the industry among both customers and vendors.

On International Women’s Day, Mann shared her views on the topic in a message broadcast by Hillman all over social media. “It is important to celebrate contributions women have made in society. It is essential to recognize those women who have been groundbreaking and transformative in their respective fields to allow women to gain equality. Until we have something like ‘International People Day,’ we will not have succeeded with true equality.”

One key area where she sees positive change is the increased willingness of managers to offer flexible work hours for the good of employees, their families and the company overall.

Whether it’s a child’s doctor appointment, school event, or an unexpected family emergency, more companies are embracing work-life balance. The trend was growing before the pandemic and has accelerated since, she said.

“Companies like Hillman and other distribution companies see the need for flexibility and are granting it,” she said. “Hybrid work environments and flexible shifts are crucial to really help bring equality into the workplace.”

More good news, she told HBSDealer, is that people in the industry genuinely want to help others, whether that means writing a letter of recommendation, or making a phone call on behalf of a colleague. “And as people get more established in their careers, they want to give back,” she said. “So find those people who can be your mentors and who you can ask a lot of questions.” She added: “I think women are starting to study different fields and different professions and aren’t afraid to go out there and do it.”

Women helping women

For Gaby Mann, the concept of helping others extends beyond the corporate world.

Along with a friend who is a breast cancer survivor, Mann co-founded a charity to bring comfort to women who have experienced mastectomies. The charity involves donation and distribution of a discreet drainage pouch for postsurgery recovery, which can be a mentally taxing time for patients. (Learn more at bcalmed.org)

She said when others at Hillman got wind of her effort, sourcing and graphics departments jumped in to help. “It just goes along with people wanting to help others,” she said.