Carr Hardware’s Patti Parker Named Top Woman in Hardware

Patti Parker, store manager of the Lenox store location of Carr Hardware, was recently named a Top Woman in Hardware by Hardware & Building Supply Dealer’s Top Women Profile Series, recognizing women making a meaningful impact and demonstrating achievement, growth and success in the hardware and home improvement industry.

Parker joined Carr Hardware in 2013 as an associate in the rental department at the Pittsfield, Massachusetts, store location, and in 2021, she transferred to the Lenox, Massachusetts, location, moving quickly from key holder to assistant manager.

Today, Parker is the store manager at the Lenox store and leads a team of 12 employees and oversees daily operations, payroll, scheduling and inventory. Parker focuses on training and development for her employees and has a mentorship system in place on her team, where employees with decades of experience mentor younger team members.

“I truly love coming to work every day, and a large part of that is thanks to my staff,” Parker says. “My coworkers are the most important part of the store and my most valuable asset when it comes to our success. I am so grateful to my team and customers who make this job such a joy.”

Parker is passionate about encouraging women to pursue roles in the hardware and home improvement industry and continues her work to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming for females.

“My advice for women looking to enter or advance throughout the hardware industry is to keep your head high and believe in yourself,” she says. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, because you absolutely can. Know your worth, trust your knowledge and skills and don’t be afraid to keep pushing forward. The more you show up, learn and prove what you’re capable of, the more you’ll open doors, not just for yourself, but for other women as well.”