Editor's Note: This is an interview with one of the outstanding professionals in the 2022 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business. Original post is from SF Business Times.

Sandy Richert Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Trumark Homes

Age: 60

Education: AA from Diablo Valley College

What your company does: Design and build multifamily, single-family homes, and master planned developments.

Biggest accomplishment: Being named Veteran of the Year for our Building Industry Association of the Bay Area in 2015. This was earned by more than two decades of involvement, volunteering for various committees, and leadership roles on councils within the BIA.

Industry entry point: Recommendation from a friend and new homes Realtor 30 years ago who was selling homes in the Bay Area. She thought the industry would be a perfect fit for me, and she was right.

Your industry’s success promoting DEI:Home building is traditionally a male-dominated industry, and I am proud to say that I spent several years while at Pulte Homes on their National Diversity and Women’s Leadership Council. Additionally I am a member of the Steering Committee for Women in Housing Leadership Group which focuses efforts on the education and promotion of women in the homebuilding industry.

Most valuable advice: Every team member you work with has value and something to contribute. Help them find their gift.

Biggest challenges facing female leaders:Women tend to be hard on themselves. Step up and educate yourself on the role you desire - you have more to offer than you may realize. Don’t wait until you can do the job perfectly, learn by doing.