"You are needed in this industry—and there is absolutely a place for you."

That’s not just advice Meggan gives to women entering the trades. It’s the way she lives her life.

From borrowing tools out of her dad’s workshop as a kid (and occasionally forgetting to return them) to becoming the Business Development Manager at Designs in Marble, Meggan’s path into the remodeling industry wasn’t accidental—it was built by hand, shaped by mentorship, and fueled by purpose.

From Playhouses to Production Floors

Meggan grew up surrounded by sawdust and possibility. Her dad and uncles built her and her brother a playhouse complete with shingles, shutters, and a real front door. Every summer, they expanded it, adding scraps of wood, creativity, and eventually even a second level in a nearby tree.

She wasn’t just watching from the sidelines.

She was building.

Even when her dad wasn’t thrilled about tools going missing from his workshop, he always took the time to teach her how to use them properly. He included her in home improvement projects and, as she grew older, shared lessons from his career as a General Manager in a Tool & Die shop. One message stuck with her most:

Relationships matter. People buy from people. And quality work brings more work.

Those early lessons shaped Meggan’s confidence, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering belief in building trust-based relationships.

Hooked on Stone—and the Story Behind It

While Meggan was in college exploring life outside Oconomowoc, her dad and brother Carl started Designs in Marble. In 2010, she returned home and agreed to temporarily fill a receptionist role.

She never left.

A summer spent watching raw stone slabs transform into stunning kitchens and bathrooms changed everything. She saw firsthand the craftsmanship behind fabrication—and she noticed something else: homeowners were often misinformed about stone materials and overwhelmed by limited options.

She made it her mission to change that.

Today, as Business Development Manager, Meggan focuses on educating customers, aligning expectations, and helping clients discover materials they may not have even known existed. She calls stone the “fun frosting” of a project—but she deeply respects the coordination, skill, and preparation required before that final layer can shine.

“I’m genuinely honored to contribute to each installation we’re entrusted with,” she says.

What Sets Designs in Marble Apart

Designs in Marble doesn’t sell trends—they guide decisions.

The team walks homeowners through realistic expectations of each material rather than steering them away from natural stone. Education comes first. Empowered decisions follow.

Her brother Carl, now sole owner, oversees technician training and production quality. With decades of hands-on fabrication experience, he leads with craftsmanship while investing in advanced CNC and programming technology to push the company forward. Professional development, culture, communication, and efficiency remain central to their growth.

The goal is simple but powerful: expertly installed stone with some of the shortest lead times in the industry—so remodeling projects finish strong.

Why NARI and WIN Matter

For Meggan, NARI Milwaukee is about connection.

The relationships she’s built with fellow business owners provide real insight into what contractor partners and homeowners need. Those conversations directly shape strategies within her sales and production teams.

But her involvement with WIN – Women in NARI hits even deeper.

“I truly believe women are a driving force behind positive change in the remodeling and building industry,” she says.

She’s watched women quietly hold operations together, lead teams, raise families, and still show up every day with passion and professionalism. And she believes compassion—the ability to do the job well for a neighbor who needs help—is what elevates this industry.

After fifteen years in the field, she’s proud to see more women stepping into leadership and ownership roles across Southeast Wisconsin.

“They’re not just improving customer experiences,” she says. “They’re elevating the entire industry.”

A Message to Women Entering the Trades

Meggan doesn’t sugarcoat her advice.

You are needed.

Ask questions. Advocate for what you need. Don’t confuse silence with strength. She’s watched too many talented women leave because they felt like they didn’t fit.

“Seeking support isn’t weakness,” she says. “It’s essential to your growth and safety.”

And if your first job isn’t the right fit? Keep going. The industry is evolving. Roles are expanding. There is space for you.

As your skills grow, the company you work for grows stronger with you.

Meggan’s journey—from building backyard forts to building trusted industry relationships—is proof that confidence is built early, leadership is learned through action, and passion paired with compassion changes industries.

And if you ever doubt whether women belong in the trades?

She’ll tell you without hesitation: They already do.

To learn more about Designs in Marble, click here.