Built from Within: Ashley McNabb

Welcome to the next People Spotlight, where we dive into the talent behind the CS oval. For this installment, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ashley McNabb from our Kennesaw, GA office. Ashley serves as the Director of Sales, Inventory Operations, and Planning, overseeing a team of three.

We’re pleased to introduce you to this seven-year CS veteran.

Tell us about some of the experience you’ve gathered over the course of your career.

Prior to joining CS, I held a consulting role and was lucky enough to meet both Mike Danylyshyn and Mike Hanlin from our Kennesaw office through a local Vistage leadership program. It wasn’t long before they recruited me to join CS as the Customer Care Manager for our National Accounts team. Just four months later, I added estimating and, before long, absorbed a portion of the Kennesaw accounting team. I gained experience in project management, eventually leading all customer-facing groups.

Wow, that’s quite a journey!

And it doesn’t stop there. Eventually, I began building a demand-planning function to forecast sales and inventory demand. I took every opportunity to undertake broader projects, which ultimately led to Sales Operations & Inventory Planning (SIOP), my current role, which I’ve held since June 2023. It keeps me busy.

When you think about your CS journey, do you have a favorite role? 

My current role! I love learning about different parts of the business and diving into strategy. I have a passion for optimizing processes, for figuring out puzzle pieces, and for seeing how they all come together. I enjoy identifying competing initiatives and helping to push them forward, building collaborations and relationships.

Sounds like you thrive on efficiency.

Absolutely!

During summer, McNabb puts her green thumb to use in the garden.

What does a typical week in SIOP look like?

Lots of meetings. For example, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and designing what’s going to support us in the future, forecasting and manipulating demand in ways that are easier and better than we’ve ever done. The challenge is how we’ll bring it all together and how the data we receive will change our strategy.

I’m involved in building SIOP as a global function, spending time with different product families and getting them prepared to join the cadence; delegating and guiding the team, educating stakeholders, and discussing their roles in SIOP on down. I might also communicate with teams, follow up, and develop a process map for the future state of SIOP, including managing inventory levels, working capital, negotiating with peers, and alignment conversions. Each day—each week—is different, and I enjoy that.

How would you describe your piece within the bigger picture?

As the organization moves forward, I’m facilitating communication, being responsive, and being a facilitator and connector.

What drew you to the construction industry in particular?

I’m particularly drawn to people. Joined CS because of the talent existing here. Mike Hanlin was a really inspirational person. I enjoy the people I work with, am drawn to the opportunity and the role, and am inspired by others.

Beach lovers! McNabb and her family enjoying Punta Cana.  

What about this industry was surprising to you?

The creative aspect. I love design and find the new product delivery strategy extremely interesting.

What’s something about your job that the average person might be surprised by? 

It’s not just inventory. We don’t just look at minimums—it’s a strategy that goes much deeper, like uncovering the opportunity to use that working capital for something else. When new initiatives are introduced, not everyone always understands their impact across all branches of the company. So, my role ties to promotion, sales, inventory, vendor orders, and communication. Any sort of change in a part of the business that might affect inventory can be a challenge if the connection isn’t made. It’s all about connection.

Tell us something about you that your co-workers don’t know.

I was vice president at a small company in a previous role before I joined CS. In that role, I met some really cool and well-known people. I love Diet Coke. I love college football. Go UGA! And I have been skydiving. I signed up and went by myself just to prove that I don’t need to be afraid.

McNabb challenged herself to a skydive and happily faced it.  

What is one thing that stands out to you above all others in your tenure here at CS?

Mike Danylyshyn, our Senior Manager of Operations in Kennesaw, allowed me to lead a project called Pinnacle, which included shipping expansion. I selected the top five selling Acrovyn® sheet colors and began balancing the shipping load from Kennesaw and Hughesville. It was launched unsuccessfully before, so there wasn’t much trust. Mike allowed me to restart the program. I basically set the pace and made sure it was done correctly. This helped me learn more about how material flows. It was a great opportunity and helped prepare me for future projects. I really appreciate him taking a chance on me.

What’s something you would go back and tell your younger self?

Don’t overthink it. I can be my own worst critic, and I would say to myself, “When you have an opportunity to do something different, you might be scared, but do it anyway. Go with your gut. Chase the experience.”

That’s great advice. Do you have any final comments?

I hope I can be encouraging to people who might be facing a challenge, and I hope I can help some people overcome chaos or manage it. People at CS are generous with their time and are always available to listen. There is no shortage of people at CS who are willing to listen and help.