DHI Canada Honours Our “Women In Construction” 2025 - Nicole Jimenez

Nicole Jimenez

Business Development Manager - Smart Solutions

ASSA ABLOY DSS Canada

Responsibilities:

I manage and coordinate business development activities within the smart solutions brand category, and the release of new product launches and new brand acquisitions.  As well, I act as an advocate and key point of contact for Canada with the Factory teams related to ASSA ABLOY Smart Products.

What led you to the door and hardware industry?

When I was going through University I was working for ASSA ABLOY during the summers. When COVID hit in 2020, I was just graduating university, and my career path in my field of study had been derailed with restrictions and closures in Canada. I turned back to the only other industry that I was familiar with which was the Hardware Industry. As I spent more time learning and developing in the door and Hardware industry, I realized I enjoyed it and when restrictions were lifted in my previous field, I made the decision to leave that behind and continue to pursue my career in the construction field.

How many years have you been in the industry?

I started my career with ASSA ABLOY in 2018.

What was your first job?

My first job within the industry was an Administrative Assistant with ASSA ABLOY DSS Canada.

What is your proudest professional moment?

Over the last year I’ve been involved in bringing new acquisitions into the Canadian market. I’d say one of my proudest professional moments has been seeing these brand launches through to completion in the market. Working with and bringing together every department for one collective goal has been a great experience.

What has been your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge so far was the initial learning curve when I joined the industry. My focus and educational background was in Health and Science. With such a big shift to the construction industry, I feel like I am always continuously learning.

Who do you consider a mentor or hero?

I would say that a lot of my drive and determination comes from growing up around strong and successful women. As the first person in my family born in Canada, I grew up watching my mom, grandmother and aunts all build their professional lives after immigrating here. Watching these women raise their families while at the same time being strong career professionals, I strive to follow in their footsteps every day. My mom in particular is my hero. The support and guidance she has provided my whole life has given me the confidence to take risks and continue to pursue my goals.

What is the best advice you ever received?

The best advice that I've received is to never be scared to face a challenge head on. The career path that I'm on right now is very different than what I imagined growing up or going through school. Having the confidence to change and continue to grow both personally and professionally has become so important to me.

What is the best advice you never received?

The best advice that I never received is to not be afraid to stand up for yourself and advocate for yourself in the workplace. It is so important to work towards your goals and make sure you receive the support to continue to move forward or the feedback to learn from mistakes.

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

In the world in general, I think we have seen more changes in recent years than ever before. The innovation and advancements in this field alone in technology have been amazing. As someone who has a focus on electronics and technology I’ve seen a huge shift in the industry towards a connected solution. I also think that there has been a big shift in creating more opportunities for women in the industry. There have been growing womens support networks as well, that are creating safe spaces for women and providing more education for male allies.

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

I think for the future of construction in Canada, we’re going to see a continued focus on the increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The construction industry has traditionally been male dominated but there are many initiatives that are looking to pave the way for change in the future.

Fun fact you wish to share

I grew up as a competitve volleyball athlete and i truly think this taught me a lot about collaborating with a team, working hard to acheive goals and having a overall competitve mentally. I use these same key traits day to day in professional life.