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Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From pink boxing gloves to 'Businesswoman of the Year' awards, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of Kerrie Keeling, Managing Director of female-focused building firm, A Woman's Touch.
In an often male-dominated industry, Kerrie Keeling is proving a skilled tradesperson doesn’t need a Y chromosome. Despite currently running a successful building firm, Kerrie’s career started off in a very different direction – investment banking. After graduating form Leeds University with a joint BA Honours Degree in Business Studies and Spanish, Kerrie began an intense London career in investment banking with leading financial service firms JP Morgan and Citigroup. Upon reaching her banking career goals, Kerrie also found herself “at that teetering point” within the office. It was when she had some shady building work done to her Wandsworth flat - where she was disrespected and over-charged - Kerrie noticed a potential business opportunity. Discovering there was a gap in the market, Kerrie took a huge risk and created a female friendly building firm whose “primary intention is to deliver what they promise.” But setting up a company wasn’t enough for Kerrie, as although she had a bit of DIY experience, she wanted some formal training as well. Her extensive background now includes training in interior design, plastering, electrics, plumbing, carpentry and plumbing. “The training is not for me to offer my services, but rather so I could understand them and price them properly.”
Their work is predominantly domestic, but A Woman’s Touch have been awarded some larger commercial projects and hope to continue moving upwards and onwards. With 11 full-time employees and over 60 subcontractors and growing (where over half are female), A Woman’s Touch is more than just a pro-woman gimmick, but a successful building firm in its own right.
Said Kerrie: “We’re reliable, we stick to the price, we’re legal and we’re fully qualified. We’re not just cowboys…or cowgirls.”
1. Invitation to Management Today’s “35 Women under 35” 2008 Awards: Earlier this year, Kerrie was nominated as one of the top 35 women under the age of 35. Along with receiving an award, her profile was in Management Today’s feature article, which was also published in the Sunday Times.
2. Vase: This award was presented to Kerrie in 2006, as she won the Natwest Everywoman Businesswoman of the Year Award. “This is the first award we ever got,” said Kerrie with a proud smile. “It was very exciting.”
3. Royal Invitation for “Reception for Women in Business”: In February of 2007, Kerrie was invited to this prestigious event that took place at Buckingham Palace. Here she mingled amongst celebrities and royalty, including the Queen, Princess Anne, Camilla, Princess Sophie and Sharon Osbourne. Kerrie was the only “woman in business” in the construction industry.
4. Pink Boxing Glove: Kerrie uses her boxing gloves as part of some regular team building exercises that take place in the park nearby her office. Along with keeping the team physically fit, sparring in the park is a “great stress reliever”.
5. Dragon Boat Race Flyer: The Back-Up Trust, a national charity that supports people with spinal injury, has organized a Dragon Boat Raise to raise funds for their great cause. The event was held on September 4th at the London Docklands. Along with donating, Kerrie took part in the event with BNI Putney’s Dragon Boat Race team.
6. Look Magazine: Kerrie and her business were featured in a recently published Look Magazine. Titled “Anything men can do, we can do better”, Kerrie’s article was amongst many other successful women over a wide range of industries. Her story’s headline: “I own a building company”.
7. A Woman’s Touch Website: Found at www.awomanstouch.org.uk, here you can find more information on the company, the team behind it, press coverage, projects, contact details and more.
8. Red “What I Don’t See” Bracelet: Kerrie values this business philosophy from entrepreneur and speaker, Keith Cunnigham. She attended his “Keys to the Vault” seminar and found his presentation incredibly powerful and motivational. This bracelet is a keepsake from the seminar.
9. Pre-refurbishment Photograph of The Royal Palace Hotel Project: A Woman’s Touch took on this large commercial project, converting a grand Spanish villa (previously owned by a Saudi princess) into a chic boutique hotel.
10. Dog Squeaky Toy: This rubber puffer fish squeaky toy is for Kerrie’s adorable Westie, Ruben – named after renowned white-haired Cuban pianist, Ruben Gonzalez. A big fan of real fish, Kerrie has over 200 logged scuba dives in over five continents. She’s even certified to be an assistant dive instructor.
11. List of Court Cases: These “cowboy clients” have yet to pay A Woman’s Touch for services rendered. Kerrie therefore has to take them to court.
12. Desk Affirmation: “Money flows to me in oceans of abundant plentifulness” - These motivational words keep Kerrie positive and focused.
13. Letter from Neighbour: This letter of support is from Kerrie’s sweet 97-year-old neighbour who used to work as a Chartered Engineer. It reads: “Well done Kerrie! Keep at it.”