Top Women series Builders FirstSource’s Evionne Silver

Top Women Profile Series

At Builders FirstSource, Evionne Silver speaks her mind. (And you should, too.) By Ken Clark

As a night school student pursuing her masters degree in business administration, Evionne Silver followed a recruiter’s advice to go and interview with a Colorado Springs area, family owned lumberyard. It was a match made in LBM heaven. It was more than just a team of kind, loyal professionals, she said. “I found people who had a passion for the industry, and that inspired me to focus on making the business successful through good, bad and constantly changing times.”

Evionne Silver’s career path brought her to BMC in 2004, and she has since risen to the position of VP of Install Business for the newly merged BMC/Builders FirstSource. Here are some highlights of her outlook on the industry and its growing diversity.

What do you like most about the business? People are the heart of this industry, and teamwork always leads to success. Nothing happens in this industry without the dedication and hard work of people every day — from sales to production workers, truck drivers to installers. The people in this business have become an extension of my family. I have built lifelong friendships while also continuously pursuing my personal career goals.

Do you find it helpful having female role models? Unfortunately, there were not many female role models when I began my career on the operational side of this industry nearly two decades ago. However, this has begun to change in recent years. Having female role models helps to eliminate fears of being different or of having different views and opinions. It is important for women to understand that they are capable, and they should be confident even when they may be the only woman in a conference room or walking a construction site. There are many men in this industry who are advocates and role models for women, and they see diversity as a positive influence on future growth and success.

In what ways do you feel like you are a role model for other women? I am a role model for other women by showing them how critical it is that they stay true to themselves. Women need to understand that while we may have different ideas and resolutions than others at the table, those ideas still deserve to be heard. Sometimes the most out-of-the box solutions are the most innovative — and the most needed. Do not try and conform your thinking to what you feel others want to hear from you. Instead, speak from your own experiences and be confident in what you believe.

How can we all get more women into this industry? In my experience, women thrive on passion, hard work and multitasking. These natural skill sets are a perfect fit for this industry. We need to show women how fulfilling and rewarding this industry can be for them personally and professionally. Women can be truly impactful on this business,

Evionne Silver and there are many different roles that align with a balanced and successful career. Lots of positions can easily accommodate different stages of life, including early career growth, balanced family/work life and late career success.

Why is diversity in the workplace important? Diversity in the workplace is extremely important because it gives companies stronger growth potential. Recruitment to this industry can be difficult, and without diversity, companies are limiting their futures. Diversity allows businesses to better understand and relate to a growing diverse customer base. It gives employees pride in their workplace, which leads to higher morale and productivity. Diversity increases idea-generation within a company that leads to innovation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.