Wanda Heimbecker
Wanda Heimbecker – Manager, Mechanical Contractors Association Hamilton Niagara
Wanda Heimbecker is recognized as a highly motivated, reputable professional with over twenty years of award-winning success in business management, community/project development, public and media relations, communications, marketing engagement, program facilitation, and financial administration.
What is your current job and what do you love about it?
I’m entering my 11th year as the operations manager with the Mechanical Contractors Association Hamilton Niagara, an accredited unionized construction employer’s organization registered under the Labour Relations Act. Southern Ontario employers in Hamilton, Niagara, Halton, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties are signatory to the agreement between Mechanical Contractors Association Ontario and the United Association Ontario Provincial Pipe Trades Council (UA Local 67). Our professional network represents diversity where every perspective is valued. This framework of governance layers, protocols, and their committees attracts experienced professionals where I truly feel engaged in every exchange and aspect knowing daily learning evolves into professional growth.
How did you get your start in the mechanical contracting industry?
My work ethic, leadership, and handling of adversity were recognized by a director on the association’s board while serving as the “first female director and president” of a private business club. Apparently, women were only allowed to join just nine years before my successful elected appointment. I can tell you I shook many hands or at least I tried too, with senior gentlemen who were not ready for women to join their private business social haven. I have great respect for truth and integrity, thanking many for their conviction as I walked this path.
What accomplishments are you most proud of that you would like to share with WIMC members?
As a regional manager by day, I also co-manage my family owned agri-tourism destination business Whistling Gardens a private botanical gardens and garden centre. I have been self-employed for almost 30 years and still manage my part-time consulting company WMD Consultants specializing in collaborative solutions within the government, philanthropic and corporate sectors.
My achievements have been recognized by industry peers, as a co-recipient of numerous national and municipal awards in the areas of: Garden Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, New Tourism Idea, Youth Television Programming, and Youth Mentorship. Our family is also a recent recipient of the Canada 150 Awards Federal Medal, recognized for our positive community contributions. I’m proud of co-authoring a sales/mentoring education book “Sales Guru’s Speakout” reaching international distribution which is now translated into several languages. Currently, I’m an active youth entrepreneur mentor, active Economic Development/Planning/Tourism Advisor to the municipal council, Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce director while serving on approximately 10 other mechanical construction related committees. As a humanitarian, I believe in eternal growth and volunteerism, noting over 70 community/leadership volunteer appointments to date.
If you could give any woman starting in this industry any advice, what would it be? What is the best career advice you ever received?
Teach people how to treat you, by setting healthy respectful boundaries and lead by example. Know your value without ego and emotion driving you.
Track and measure outcomes which gauge your progress and success while rewarding yourself along the way.
Build healthy respectful relationships that are not disposable, as your network can introduce the most unexpected opportunities.
Give authentically, balance surfaces when you are truly enjoying the fruits of your labour.
What do you feel are some of the barriers (if any) women face in the trades or Mechanical contracting?
Let’s start with an internal scope and take ownership – yourself. It’s important to have a sense of belonging to produce your best work in order to contribute to a healthy environment.
External – Know your pioneering spirit, as you enter a predominantly male-oriented industry deeply entrenched in historical tradition in some sectors. As a new professional face, you will carve your own reputation and path based on accomplishments. As a former Status of Women representative, professional female networks represent a supportive and elevating structure I only wish was available when I started my career building.
I welcome the opportunity to link and connect with like-minded professionals!
Full Bio & CV Available http://ca.linkedin.com/in/wandaheimbecker