DHI Canada Honours Our “Women In Construction” 2025 - Carrie Rogers

Carrie Rogers

Director of Estimating

Penner Doors & Hardware

Responsibilities:

I oversee the project bidding strategies, ensuring that our estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with the company's goals.  As well, I mentor and manage a team of estimators, fostering an environment of growth and continuous improvement.

What led you to the door and hardware industry?

My journey into the door and hardware industry started with my family. My father and two uncles were owners of a steel frame/ door manufacturing company. When i was young, I often visited my father at Shanahans. During these visits, my interest in the industry peaked and decided to follow in my father's footsteps.

How many years have you been in the industry?

I'm celebrating 40 years in the industry this year. Time sure flies.

What was your first job?

My first job was working summers for my Dad at Shanahan's, where I made architectural binders, converted hardware schedules from handwritten to typed and handled filing duties etc.  

What is your proudest professional moment?

In 2006, after 23 years at Shanahans. I took a leap to broaden my horizons and I left the door industry, to join a large General Contractor.  During my 5 years with them, I gained experience and in-depth knowledge of the entire construction process and invaluable professional development training. This set me up for success to return as a leader to the door and hardware industry.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Leading a team through Covid.  Navigating price increases, mitigating risk, anticipating what increases could be coming, all while trying to bring new work into the business. It was like walking a tightrope. Thankfully I had a great ownership/executive group to lean on. 

Who do you consider a mentor or hero?

My father was my mentor and hero.  He had me learn all facets of the business.  I started in administration and accounting followed by a few years in manufacturing, and then a brief period in counter sales. Finally, I landed the role I truly wanted which was Project Management and Estimating. Spending time in all parts of the business gave me the invaluable experience I have needed throughout my career.

What is the best advice you ever received?

"Walk and talk like you own the joint."  Being a young woman in construction in the 80's and 90's wasn't easy, especially when  on a job site. You needed to portray that you were confident, even if you weren't.  

What is the best advice you never received?

 "Always make sure you have a work/life balance." This is something I have tried to get better at. 

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

The complexity of projects, small or large.  The documentation and process from prequalification, tendering, securing, contract review, project management, safety, billing and closeout have exponentially grown more complex. 

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

Attracting people to our industry. The days of sitting someone at a desk, giving them a few catalogues and saying "Good luck and see me if you have questions" are long gone.  We need strong training plans in place to grow and retain good people. The experienced people in our industry need to be mentors and pass on their wealth of knowledge. 

Fun fact you wish to share

If I won the lottery, I would buy a large amount of land outside of Calgary and have a huge animal rescue facility.