DHI Canada Honours Our “Women In Construction” 2025 - Anisa LaPierre

Anisa LaPierre H BSc, MA

Branch Manager - Toronto

BG Distribution

Responsibilities:

I'm responsible for supporting our internal and external sales teams to help develop new and existing business by establishing customer contact, sales growth, and delivering customer and contract satisfaction. This is attained through streamlining operations, inventory maintainance and continuous communication with customers and our manufacturers.  

What led you to the door and hardware industry?

It wasn't intentional. I went to school to be a teacher. My mom has worked at Allegion since 1988 and I had the opportunity for a summer job there in highschool. I ended up working every summer until I graduated from university and took a full time role. I have always had an interest in how things work and I asked our tech service team many questions and learned a lot about hardware; vital knowledge as I remain in the industry. 

How many years have you been in the industry?

This is my 23rd year working in the hardware industry.

What was your first job?

My first job was on the assembly line for the Schlage residential grade locksets.

What is your proudest professional moment?

To date, I would have to say my proudest professional moment was taking a leap of faith and leaving a company I was with for more than 10 years to join BG Distribution. I am going into my 8th year here and have grown both professionally and personally, I attribute that growth to getting out of my comfort zone and trying something new.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Having a full time career, while having three young children and trying to give 100% to them both. Working moms are trying their best to balance a very full plate, we're doing all we can, I know I am, but it can be overwhelming and tiring. 

Who do you consider a mentor or hero?

My parents have both been mentors to me, each in their own way. My dad came to Canada from Pakistan in his early 20s, without any family here. He received a degree from Concordia University and figured out how to make a life on his own, facing numerous obstacles but never giving up. He always just figured out how to move forward, giving up was never on the table. My mom showed me how to stand up for what I believe in, how to juggle working and family life. Family has always been the priority and understanding how valuable those relationships are. 

What is the best advice you ever received?

What other people think of you is none of your business, everyone is always going to have an opinion. I have spent too much time caring about other's perceptions of what I should or should not do rather than what was doing best for me. Only you know what is best for you. 

What is the best advice you never received?

Hard work and perserverance are very important to achieve success, but so is building a strong network. 

What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years?

This is a quickly evolving industry where electronic products are continuing to gain market share. There's also been a lot of new talent coming into the industry, bringing lots of new ideas and perspectives to how things have been done. 

What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?

Technology is evolving at a rapid pace and the products we use to secure our spaces are incorporating it at an exponential pace. What was an idea only 5 years ago is now possible to execute. I feel we will continue to see this happen as new technology is developed. 

Fun fact you wish to share

I had hair past my knees until I started highschool.