Nathan Zucker
There’s no shortage of success stories in Nashville, and behind many of them are the incredible women who are paving their own way and opening doors for generations to come.
Whether they’re building an idea from the ground up, crunching numbers, creating content, or working to make dreams a reality, meet one of the trailblazing women of Music City.
Penny Austermiller
CEO, Austermiller Roofing
THE DAILY HUSTLE
I am always juggling multiple responsibilities. Most days, it feels like I am everywhere all at once, so it can get pretty hectic! But my primary role is to lead, inspire, motivate, and be a visionary for the future of our company. I need to know where we are now, where we’re headed, and how we’ll get there. My personal goal is to foster a culture of leadership within Austermiller. I am deeply passionate about this aspect of my role. Professionally, my goal is to establish Austermiller as a trusted and reliable company that our customers can always count on.
CHALLENGES FACED
In the early stages of my career, I was often labeled and dismissed as just the “CEO’s wife,” so my husband would sometimes get credit for my work. Initially, I chose to remain silent. However, I soon realized that I needed to assert myself as the true CEO and break free from being overshadowed by my husband. This was a pivotal moment for me. It taught me the importance of self-assertion and breaking free from stereotypes, empowering me to take charge of my career. I had to work twice as hard to prove my capabilities and earn the respect I deserved. Today, as a woman in the construction industry, I still encounter challenges. Many people assume that the men working for me are the CEOs and the ones in charge. I refuse to let these biases and discriminations define me. I choose to focus on my role as CEO and ignore others’ opinions. I am here to lead, and that’s exactly what I do.
DEFINING SUCCESS
Success is a journey of constant improvement, not a destination of perfection. I often tell my children that it’s not about being perfect but about being just two percent better than yesterday. I tell my staff the same thing. I strongly emphasize to my team the power of a strong mindset, and I always try to motivate and uplift them to do their best and learn from any mistakes made along the way, reminding them that mistakes are not failures; they are opportunities for growth. I am also passionate about giving back. I always look for ways our team can contribute to our community through charitable support or empowerment programs. This not only benefits those we serve but also enriches our own sense of success.