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Spotlight on women in construction: a conversation with Katie Poehling Seymour
Katie Poehling Seymour represents the fifth generation of leadership at First Supply Co,, and she’s the first woman at the helm in the company’s 127-year history. Adding to the countless ways she supports women in construction, Katie signed on First Supply as this year’s top sponsor of our Women Build event.
We got the chance to talk with Katie about her role in her family business and the power of authentic leadership. Read on to hear her advice for women entering the workforce and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
As CEO and President of La Crosse and Madison-based First Supply Co,, Katie Poehling Seymour knows that her commitment to authenticity, curiosity, and engagement pave the way for women to feel supported in this field. And the evidence is clear: Katie oversees 54 facilities across six states, and under her leadership, First Supply earned Top Workplace recognition in 2024, along with awards for Employee Well-Being and being a Woman-Led Company.
Katie herself has earned numerous awards, but she says the most meaningful was being named the Alice A. Martin Woman of the Year. “Alice Martin was a dear friend of our family and her daughter, Ashley, has become a very close friend of mine,” says Katie. “Alice was a trailblazer in our industry and tragically lost her battle with cancer a number of years ago. Her family and business established this award in her honor. To know they see her spirit and determination in me will drive me the rest of my career.”
Awards aren't given just by being acknowledged as a leader. There are traits that make a great leader. Poehling Seymour believes there are three great traits that make a strong leader. Authenticity is key, particularly for women to allow themselves to take up space and be their whole selves without reservation. Curiosity keeps them growing and seek better ways to do things. The last trait, engagement, is what Poehling Seymour believes is most important. “Engagement to me earns followership – the most important quality of a leader. You can be the best leader in the universe but if your team doesn’t believe in you and does not follow you, it doesn’t matter.”
Supporting women in the workplace
Poehling Seymour has driven meaningful change at First Supply, fostering a more supportive and inclusive workplace. She established the Women in Business Network, providing a dynamic space for female employees to connect, learn, and grow. Through guest speakers and networking opportunities, the program leaves a lasting impact and opens doors for career advancement.
Additionally, First Supply launched a mothers’ group to unite moms at all stages, offering a platform for sharing advice, support, and encouragement while balancing work and parenthood. “What I love about this group is that it’s not just for new mothers or those with children of a certain age—it’s a space where experienced moms can support those just returning from leave,” Katie says. “It’s a really strong community, and I truly hope it’s making a difference in the workplace experience of our moms.”
Advice for young women
For women just starting out, Poehling Seymour has one simple piece of advice: Find your hype woman. “It can be a friend, a coworker, or even your sister. I have a college friend who lives across the country, and she checks in on me, sends words of encouragement, likes every one of my social media posts, and shares my content. She celebrates me, and it means the world. Find that person—and thank her.”
And just as important? Be that woman for someone else. “It’s never too early to start. The more we celebrate each other, the stronger we all become.”
More than that, Poehling Seymour has a motto she lives by: “Do what you can, when you can, with what you have.” A reminder for not just women, but anyone aiming to succeed, that sometimes you can only give 50% and that’s okay. Perfection shouldn’t be the goal; doing your best with what you have in the moment is what really counts.
If you're beginning or restarting your career, Poehling Seymour has one key piece of advice: Find an advocate—and be one. An advocate goes beyond mentorship; they actively champion you. They’ll recommend you for projects, bring you into important meetings, and support your growth. One of the most impactful messages Poehling Seymour has heard came from a fellow industry leader: “Those of us in leadership today need to hold the ladder for those who are coming up.” That powerful imagery has stayed with her, inspiring her daily commitment to lifting other women as they climb.
Habitat welcomes Katie to Women Build
Through mentorship, advocacy, and genuine leadership, Katie Poehling Seymour is creating an inclusive, supportive workplace for her team.
Habitat is thrilled to welcome Katie and her colleagues to Women Build this year. Women Build brings women throughout the La Crosse region to Habitat’s build sites. The goal is to create a friendly, comfortable space for women to enter the construction world.
Habitat thanks First Supply for their generous sponsorship of Women Build and thanks Katie for her leadership and longtime support. Thank you!
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Darshida has been working to become a homeowner for years. She is a passionate nurse, a dedicated mother to four boys, and a longtime La Crosse resident. After years of hard work and unforeseen obstacles, Darshida and her family moved into their new home in spring 2023.