A North Bay roofer has been recognized as one of the top five women roofers in North America.
Michelle Mulder, who owns and operates Nailed it Roofing out of Bonfield, was nominated for the Female Roofing Professional of the Year by a group of supporters including her husband, friends, and customers.
The online competition was shared through social media and that's where it caught Michelle's attention.
"I am in a Women's Harness and Heels Facebook group and it is all women roofers; the link was posted and I shared it," she said.
Out of more than 680 applicants, the site brought it down to five finalists, which included Mulder, who is the only Canadian among the finalists.
"It is crazy that I was actually chosen, and I am honoured to be recognized in our community and represent women in the trades. It is awesome," she said.
She believes the fact she both owns and operates her own company may have helped her separate from the pack.
"I think maybe because I am a hands-on owner, possibly, as I am up on the roof shingling and removing the shingles as well as operating the business side of things," she said.
Mulder said she also tries to give back; she's a member of the Program Advisory Committee at Canadore College and is considered a mentor for young women at the college.
The winner of the online contest will receive US$10,000, but all the other finalists will receive US$1,000.
Aside from the financial gain, Mulder hopes the contest and the exposure it receives will help promote women working in the trades.
"I would love to be that role model for anyone just even thinking about it, to just give them that push and to show them that it can be done," she said. "You can do it and it is definitely a rewarding career."
Aside from roofing, Mulder also has a career as an Ice Cross competitor during the winter months. She just recently placed fourth in an international women's Ice Cross event in Italy.
Mulder's company and her hard work have already been recognized in the North. Nailed it Roofing was nominated for New Business of the Year in 2015 and 2016 and Small Business of the Year in 2020 by the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce. Mulder was also nominated for the Northern Ontario Business Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2018.
Voting on the site can be done through online voting through one email per day. You can cast your vote here
Voting ends on June 6, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
— BayToday
