Women Who Build

Building on Family Foundations

After stepping into leadership of the Nathan Kimmel Company, Carol Schary expanded its reach while honoring the values that shaped its legacy.

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

Carol Schary
President & Owner, Nathan Kimmel Company LLC

No stranger to W&C or the industry, Carol Kimmel Schary is a trailblazer, blending decades of hands-on experience with visionary leadership. Her journey began in the family business, where she immersed herself in every aspect of operations: from sales and inventory control to finance and shipping. These early experiences laid the foundation for a deep understanding and respect for the people and processes that drive the industry.

Following the passing of her father, Carol and her mother continued to lead Nathan Kimmel Company, expanding its product lines while remaining true to the company’s core principles of integrity, innovation, and steady growth. Today, the company is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, helping contractors meet diversity requirements while demonstrating the power of women-led businesses in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Throughout her career, Carol has earned recognition for her leadership and service. She has served as President of the Foundation of AWCI, co-developed the CARES program providing financial assistance to industry members and their families, and served on the AWCI Board of Directors. Under her guidance, CARES has awarded over $320,000 in grants to those in need. Her contributions have been recognized with the AWCI Distinguished Service Award, accolades from the National Fireproofing Contractors Association, and nominations for the Los Angeles Times “Inspirational Women” Award and the WWCCA “Women in Construction” Award.

Carol envisions an industry that is increasingly innovative, inclusive and respected, particularly for women. She notes a significant cultural shift in construction: from proving one’s place to actively valuing diverse talent. Over the past decade, the number of women in U.S. construction has grown nearly 45 percent, reflecting a wider acceptance and celebration of leadership and craftsmanship among women.

Passionate about the lasting impact of her work, Carol says, “I love seeing buildings where our products were used and knowing I played a part in their construction. Being part of this process is meaningful and humbling.” She advises women entering the field to embrace their unique perspective, cultivate deep knowledge, and speak with confidence, principles that have guided her career and mentorship.

With a legacy built on dedication, innovation, and empowerment, Carol Schary continues to shape the future of the wall and ceiling industry, one project and one leader at a time.

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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.