Women Who Build

Turning Jobsite Pain Points Into Innovation

After careers in real estate and construction management, Sheila Cross created drywall finishing solutions that improve strength, consistency and jobsite efficiency.

By John Wyatt, Editor, Tanja Kern, Strategic Content Editor

Sheila Cross
Innovator and Founder, Muddskip LLC

Sheila Cross founded Muddskip after careers in real estate, mortgage, and property management, overseeing residential and commercial projects including hospitals. She identified drywall finishing pain points (dust, rework, strain) and developed patented technologies improving strength, flexibility, and consistency while reducing sanding and labor issues.

Sheila prides herself as someone who commercializes innovations, national distribution, and a mission reinvesting in workforce development via “It’s the Little Things That Matter” Foundation for second-chance training.

Sheila foresees faster cycles, fewer bottlenecks, safer sites, dust control, sustainability, and automation compatibility. Cultural shifts include more professionalism, merit-focus, women in leadership and openness to change.

Opportunities for women have surged, especially in leadership and innovation. She values the industry's people-focused potential and calls for elevating tradespeople’s dignity, addressing health strains, and supporting sustainable careers.

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John Wyatt is editor of Walls & Ceilings magazine, bringing more than two decades of experience with BNP Media. He joined the company in 2000 as an associate editor, contributing to both Walls & Ceilings and Roofing Contractor before assuming the role of editor in 2008. In addition to his work with the brand, Wyatt collaborates across BNP’s architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) portfolio, supporting related publications and initiatives. He can be reached at 248-205-6659 or wyattj@bnpmedia.com.

Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Walls & Ceilings, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects construction professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She can be reached at kernt@bnpmedia.com.