WBS Designer Receives National Honor at IBS

Congratulations to Dawn McIntosh, Sales and Design Specialist at Wisconsin Building Supply in Windsor. Dawn received the Women of the Future grant from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Merillat Cabinetry at the annual International Builders’ Show held Feb. 8–12 in Orlando.

Kimmi Houston, NAHB Professional Women in Building National Chair; Dawn McIntosh, WBS Sales and Design Specialist; Susan Cross, Masco (Merillat) Cabinetry Brand and Communications Manager

Dawn and her fellow grant recipients are members of the NAHB Professional Women in Building Council, a select group of inspiring women who share strategies and solutions to promote, enhance and support professional women in today’s home building industry. 

This grant will help fund Dawn’s efforts to expand her skills and services for WBS customers. She is currently pursuing two designations: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and Certified Graduate Associate (CGA). Dawn says the ongoing education requirements to maintain these designations prove she’s made a long-term commitment to her career.

Dawn submitted an essay for the grant application and wrote, “I have made the choice to venture into a new career, and I am loving every moment of it!” She described “working hand-in-hand with builders on kitchen and bath design” and expressed her interest in attending the International Builders’ Show to “gain more knowledge on the materials I’m selling.”

Since Dawn was selected as a grant recipient, she was able to attend a number of classes at IBS, including Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility, Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility, Color Forecast and Trends for 2012, Universal Design, 90 Trend Ideas, and Great Kitchens & Baths.

Dawn had this to say about her experience at IBS:

“I was honored to receive this award and the opportunity to attend the IBS to learn about all the new products that I am selling! The show format is very helpful for someone who wants to learn about a lot of different products. The sales professionals are very knowledgeable on their products and willing to share a lot of helpful information.”

Merillat and NAHB introduced the Women of the Future grant program more than a decade ago and have since honored more than 40 professional women in building.

Please join us in congratulating Dawn McIntosh on this prestigious honor. We’re excited for her expanding knowledge and talents to help us continue providing the best for our customers.

NAHB Professional Women in Building
'Women of the Future" grant recipients and presenters.