The president of Fortune Brands’ Global Plumbing Group discusses the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field and her own journey to leadership.

By Donna Heiderstadt

Ask young women today about their career goals and “leading a plumbing company” is probably not among the top few answers. But, as is often the case, a journey takes unforeseen turns and can lead people to places they never expected. Cheri Phyfer has risen to the top of her field as president of Fortune Brands’ North Olmsted, Ohio-based Global Plumbing Group (GPG), parent of Moen and a collective of global luxury brands under the House of Rohl, including Perrin & Rowe, Riobel, Rohl, Shaws and Victoria + Albert.

Phyfer believes more women need to push the next generation into non-traditional roles, and lend a hand up to get them into more senior positions, especially through mentoring.

The executive joined GPG in 2018 as president of its U.S. Businesses after spending two decades at Sherwin Williams. There, she ran the company’s two largest store divisions and ultimately became president of its Consumer Brands Group.

Armed with a BA in Management and MBA, both from Clemson University, she is currently responsible for driving business growth across all of GPG’s product categories. She’s an outspoken advocate for empowering women in the K+B industry and is now one of the powerhouse voices behind NKBA’s newly formed Women’s Networking initiative.

She took time recently to share her thoughts on her biggest career challenges, the role of mentorship and her favorite KBIS moments.

What is the biggest hurdle today for women in the K+B industry?

I think the biggest hurdle for women in the K+B industry is that enough women aren’t in what I would call non-historical roles. It has improved, but we need to continue to get women into all higher and more diverse roles. As this happens, we need to showcase them so they can be a North Star to the next generation. When I reflect on this, I think we need to help by pulling and pushing women into larger roles via championing as well as informal and formal mentoring.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Believing that there was a ceiling on what I could achieve and that a champion above me was needed all the time. As you continue to rise, your mentors might become counterparts or even direct reports. I overcame this by starting to believe more in myself and developing confidence in myself as a leader. It takes time and effort to develop that confidence — I tell people to spend time everyday celebrating something you did well and are proud of. The mind is powerful. Train it to be a confidence builder.

If you look ahead five, 10 years in this industry, what do you see as the future for women?

I think the industry will be majority led by women. It is such a great industry with a strong support system. So by banding together now, we will be stronger in the future. The future truly is limitless.

What advice would you give to a woman just starting out in this industry today?

There is nothing you can’t do. Put your foot in the water and then go ahead and dive in. Always have a willingness to learn, a thirst for continual development and celebrate your wins. Practicing these will help you build confidence, but not arrogance, and will develop you as a servant leader.

What was your favorite moment at KBIS this year?

Two things: One general — just being together and how important face-to-face meetings are for building relationships and energy. And second, and hands-down my favorite moment, was the celebration of Lou Rohl’s retirement. Lou has been a leader who has relentlessly given his treasure to NKBA and KBIS. He has left such an impressionable mark on so many people and the industry. It was wonderful to see so many show up to honor and toast his legacy.

This article has been updated and was originally published on May 7, 2022.