By Donna Heiderstadt
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 collection of global luxury brands under the House of Rohl. Responsible for driving business growth across all of GPG’s product categories, she is 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. Cheri 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.
Join NKBA on Tuesday, March 8, at 2 p.m. ET, to celebrate International Women’s Day with a special broadcast of the KBIS NeXT Stage panel discussion about their career journeys. Register here.
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 an 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.
About Cheri Phyfer
Cheri Phyfer currently serves as President of Fortune Brands’ Global Plumbing Group (GPG), having joined the company in 2018 as President, U.S. Businesses and then being named President of GPG Americas. Previously, she spent 20 years at Sherwin Williams, where prior to becoming President of the Consumer Brands Group, she ran the company’s two largest store divisions. Cheri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Clemson University. She was recently tapped to be part of NKBA’s Women’s Networking program, which kicked off with a panel discussion at KBIS.
