Special
Features / January 2008
A Woman Icon
 Kim Irwin
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If you were giving an example of a woman in a totally man’s world, the person you would speaking about is Kim Irwin, owner of Integrity Wire Inc. Huntington, WV. Integrity Wire is a distributor specializing in wire & cable products whose focus is on the construction, transit, utility, and industrial markets.
Kim explained, “We are knowledgeable about manufacturing and technical specifications of cable and have worked with some of the largest contractors and engineering groups in the US as well as many Transit Authorities. We also have experience with cables for utilities, paper mills, steel mills, chemical plants, and other industrial markets as well as general construction jobs. I have my certification as a DBE (Disadvantaged Business Owner) and a WBE (Woman Business Enterprise)”. Kim is a recognized DBE and WBE in 29 states (a feat in itself). Kim’s company sells nationwide.
“I worked for a cable manufacturing company for 25 years. In 2002, I decided that I was going to open my own business in the electrical wire industry. I thought, I am going to try this and if it doesn’t work, then I’ll get another job”. Work it has! Kim’s company is tremendously successful, doubling every year since she opened her doors. One of the things that Kim is most proud of is that she did it on her own.
“My advice to women who want to work in a typically male dominated field, is to learn the trade. And, I mean learn all you can. Put your best foot forward and remember that customer service is very important. When I started my business, one of the things I found to be hard was being able to borrow money as a woman business owner. It is still very hard, even today, for women to get money to start their own businesses,” she commented.
“One of the local banks, Firth Third Street Bank, listened to my needs and believed in me. John Bauer was the loan officer. He came to my office and talked to me about what I needed and he helped me get the required line of credit for my needs,” she continued.
“It is also hard to market yourself as a new company. You have no history to fall back on. You basically have to rely on your personal data when you first start. I found that it took about 2 years to get to the point where I had new business every day. When first starting out you have to wear a lot of hats. You have to be your own accountant, payroll clerk, accounts receivable and accounts payable person, marketer, sales person, etc. Basically, you have to do it all. But, that is not a reason not to start,” she emphasized. “You can not be afraid of hard work,if you want to own your own business. After getting past the initial growing pains, it is very gratifying to watch the business grow stronger everyday. Each year brings new turns and opportunities.”
Kim Irvin is the owner of Integrity Wire located at 503 Bridge Street Huntington, WV 25702 Phone: (304) 525-9300 Fax: (304) 525-0900 www.integritywire.com.
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