Opening Doors: How More Women Are Building Wealth In Unexpected Industries

The landscape of wealth-building has been shifting. Women, who have long been underrepresented in numerous industries, are breaking barriers and building financial success in places once considered unlikely or inaccessible.

Kimberley Hiebert is a powerful example of how women can carve their path to financial independence while staying true to their values. As the co-founder and CEO of Door Gurus, a mobile franchise in the trades, and the founder of Found-HER™, a platform dedicated to empowering women, particularly those in male-dominated industries, Kimberley's journey exemplifies the power of resilience and a deep commitment to people-first leadership.

The Rise of Women in Unexpected Industries

Women have always played a role in wealth creation, but their presence in industries like the trades, construction, and franchising has been historically limited. That reality is changing. Statistics show that women in Canada now control approximately 50% to 57% of private wealth, and women-owned businesses make up about 21% of the private sector. 

While women continue to lead in industries like retail, hospitality, and care services, they are increasingly entering fields once seen as off-limits, including skilled trades and franchising. In fact, over the past decade ,the number of female franchisees has grown by 35%, and as of 2023, women own 37% of all franchises in Canada.

Labour data also shows women’s participation in the skilled trades is at its highest level on record, with the number of female apprentices more than doubling over the past decade in the United States. As North America faces a growing shortage of skilled workers, industries are actively recruiting women, opening the door to new and lucrative pathways to long-term wealth creation.

A Role Model for Entrepreneurs

Kimberley’s entrepreneurial journey is both unconventional and instructive. A high-school dropout who rebuilt her life through grit and vision, she has founded and led multiple businesses across diverse industries. At the core of her approach is a simple principle: people first, transactions second.

That philosophy shaped the creation of Door Gurus, which Kimberley co-founded with her husband, Darren Hiebert. Designed as a mobile franchise, the business removes many of the barriers associated with traditional brick-and-mortar operations. Franchisees are able to serve residential and commercial clients directly, offering essential door repair and installation services with low overhead, scalable growth, and flexible schedules.

By prioritizing practical training, brand-led marketing, and operational simplicity, Door Gurus has positioned itself as a strong player in the Canadian franchise market, while also creating space for anyone, including women, to succeed in the trades. 

Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Industries

Kimberley’s commitment to empowerment extends beyond Door Gurus. Through Found-HER™, she has built a community designed to support women who are growing businesses, often in industries where they are likely the only, or first, female voice in the room.

Through podcasts, blogs, and newsletters, Found-HER™ offers guidance on building stronger teams, setting boundaries, maintaining balance, and navigating difficult conversations. More than a resource hub, it is a space where women can connect and grow without feeling pressured to conform to outdated leadership models.

Drawing on decades of real-world experience, Kimberley equips women with practical tools to build businesses that reflect their values and generate wealth on their own terms.

A Growing Opportunity for Women in the Skilled Trade

The skilled trades represent one of the most promising and underexplored wealth-building opportunities for women in Canada today. The industry offers flexible hours, mobile business models, and a consistent demand for services, making it an ideal space for entrepreneurial women. 

As an aging workforce retires, the demand for skilled labour continues to rise. Recent U.S. Department of Labor data shows women now make up approximately 14% of registered apprentices, up from just 9.4% in 2014. In Canada, programs such as the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women are accelerating similar momentum.

Companies like Door Gurus are demonstrating that trades-based businesses can be both profitable and accessible, providing a viable entry point for women seeking sustainable, long-term wealth creation outside traditional career paths.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Entrepreneurs

As more women build successful businesses in non-traditional industries, the impact extends well beyond individual achievement. Women business owners are more likely to hire and mentor other women, creating a ripple effect of opportunity. In the United States alone, women-owned businesses employ nearly 11 million people, many of them women.

Organizations such as Women Building Futures, alongside government-backed apprenticeship and mentorship programs, are helping women gain the training and support needed to succeed in industries where representation has historically been low.

As Kimberley’s journey illustrates, building wealth doesn’t stop at personal success, it extends to lifting others along the way. Whether through hiring women or creating businesses that prioritize their values, women entrepreneurs are laying the foundation for future generations to follow. The key is to build a business that serves your community and empowers those around you to achieve success, too.

Realizing the Potential of Women in Business

The future of women in business is expansive. Stories like Kimberley’s show that women do not need to limit themselves to traditional industries or predefined paths. By entering unexpected spaces and embracing scalable models, women are building wealth while reshaping entire industries with their mentorship.

Whether you’re already an entrepreneur or just beginning to explore what’s possible, the opportunity is clear: there is room to build financial success in places you may not have previously considered. The doors are open, and women are walking through them.