Nation’s Best hosted its second annual Women’s Leadership Retreat, an event dedicated to fostering leadership development, personal wellness and connection among the company’s female leaders. This year’s retreat saw significant growth, with attendance increasing by 50%, expanding beyond female store managers to also include female assistant managers.
“Our goal is to empower our female leaders by focusing on their overall development—both as individuals and as professionals,” says Amber Little, chief human resources officer at Nation’s Best. “This retreat is more than just leadership training; it’s about building a supportive community of women who uplift each other.”
This initiative, created to nurture the female pipeline in the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry, has since made significant strides in supporting the development of female leaders. Nation’s Best is proud to highlight that 35% of its current store management roles and 33% of its executive leadership roles are held by women, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to developing and promoting female leaders at all levels.
Held at the scenic Lucky Arrow Retreat in Dripping Springs, Texas, the retreat provided an inspiring environment for women to connect, grow and empower one another. The programming not only focused on strengthening leadership skills but also emphasized total personal wellness and work-life balance, equipping participants with tools for both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Kim Peffley, Nation’s Best regional vice president, says the women’s retreat was an impactful experience, especially as a new member of the company.
“It was my first time attending, and having the opportunity to connect with so many talented and inspiring women in our industry was invaluable,” Peffley says. “It was a wonderful chance to put names to faces, learn from one another and celebrate the hard work we’ve all accomplished. By sharing our stories and creating new memories, we’ve strengthened our bond, ensuring that these connections will continue to grow. Having such a powerful internal network is not only inspirational but will also have a lasting positive impact on our teams and our company.”
Sandy Pace, senior product marketing manager at Allura, one of the event sponsor participants says it was a privilege to be part of this event.
“For too long, opportunities for women to come together, focus on leadership and invest in personal development have been rare in our industry,” Pace says. “This retreat marks a significant and inspiring shift, providing a platform for women to grow, connect and uplift one another. I’m honored to have had the chance to contribute to such a meaningful experience.”