IWD Balance the Scales: Leadership, Family and Finding Strength in the Frame and Truss Industry
06th March 2026
By Kat Welsh
With Jacqui Taylor, Executive Director of Redland Bay Roof Trusses
For Jacqui Taylor, leadership in the frame and truss industry was never something she consciously set out to pursue. Yet nearly three decades later, she stands at the helm of a successful family business, helping to shape the future of Redland Bay Roof Trusses while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, leadership and industry change.
Her story reflects not only the evolving role of women in construction, but also a broader understanding of what it truly means to Balance the Scales - the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day 2026 (UN Women Australia).
Rather than viewing gender equality simply as a matter of men and women sharing space in the workplace, Jacqui believes the real balance is often found somewhere more complex. “We’re not just talking about balancing between females and males,” said Jacqui. “… for me I think it’s balancing being female, being a mother. If you’re a mother as well as trying to have a career. And balancing that… it is not easy at all. It’s a tough gig.”
Redland Bay Roof Trusses began as a family business founded by her parents. Over time, Jacqui and her brother (Drew Parker) stepped into leadership roles, eventually purchasing the business from their parents nearly a decade ago. “I guess for me it’s a unique situation. That most women in the industry might not have, or ever get the opportunity to, because it’s a family business originally,” said Jacqui. “My brother and I took over and bought our parents out about ten years ago now.”
Growing up surrounded by strong role models shaped her outlook from a young age. Jacqui describes a family environment where gender was never treated as a limitation. “I grew up with a lot of strong women around me… My mum, my sister, my aunt, my cousin, even my grandma who was on her own for more than 50 years and never batted an eyelid.” That environment and family culture helped shape Jacqui into who she is.
Her father also played an influential role, particularly when it came to developing her knowledge of the business. From early on, Jacqui began working in the operational side, whilst completing a Bachelor of Information Technology. “[Dad] taught me a lot about the accounting and the financial side of the business, as well as the timber, and also detailing as well.” This broad experience would later prove invaluable when she moved into a leadership position.
Jacqui has spent nearly 30 years working in the frame and truss sector and has seen significant changes during that time - particularly when it comes to women in the workforce.
“We used to have probably only three to five women in our office,” said Jacqui. “Now we have a third of our office staff are women, which is fantastic.” Jacqui reflected though that the difficulty was in attracting women into the factory side of operations. While progress is clear, Jacqui acknowledges there is still work to be done - especially in manufacturing and factory environments where female representation remains low. Currently they employee four women in their factory. Jacqui described this as being “hamstrung” to who is applying for the factory roles.
Last year, RBRT was involved in the She Builds the Future project, with their Timber Systems Designer, Amy Wood, being featured in a campaign to promote women working in construction. Projects like this will assist in more women considering roles in the industry as we highlight the opportunities available, and the successes of women currently here.
In terms of industry culture, Jacqui believes it is steadily moving in the right direction as generational attitudes shift. “I think there’s a lot of those old-school ways, and old-school people, who are now moving into retirement and moving out of the industry.” The result is a once male-concentrated sector, gradually reshaping itself into a more inclusive and balanced workplace. “I love the people that we work with, the staff, the builders, supplies… everyone in the industry.”
For Jacqui, one of the biggest challenges she has faced over the years has not been gender bias, but the reality of balancing business leadership with motherhood. Like many women in the workforce, she has navigated the constant juggling act of raising children while building a career. “I can be going through a $20 million deal, and I can still know exactly where my son’s sock is,” joked Jacqui. “It’s just the way we are built… we are just great at multitasking and organising.” Jacqui believes this ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously is one of the strengths women, and particularly ‘mums’, bring to the workplace. “She is working her arse off to get food on the table for her kids, to give her kids the best life, and she will turn up every day because she needs to.”
Jacqui is also realistic about the pressures this balancing act can create. Burnout, she says, is very real. “I think we’re faced with that, the most, because we’re trying to balance all these things at once… make sure there is time for you,” said Jacqui. That’s why Jacqui believes support networks are essential. For her, that support comes from family and close friendships. “I have a great group of girlfriends. I think that really helps… they’re the ones that keep me sane!” said Jacqui. “My girlfriends have been the best thing for me to debrief, and be a bit of an outlet.” Jacqui also talked about the flexible working arrangements that RBRT offer staff, making sure that anyone that needs to consider the school drop off or pick up is able to prioritise parenting duties – regardless of parent gender.
Throughout her career, Jacqui has developed a leadership philosophy built on authenticity.
Rather than trying to imitate the traditionally male leadership style that has historically dominated construction industries, she encourages women to remain true to themselves.
“I don’t try to be one of the boys,” she says. “I just try and be who I am. And be true to myself.” You don’t have to change your personality to get ahead. For Jacqui, confidence comes from knowledge. Knowing the numbers, understanding the technical details of the work and being prepared, allows women to stand their ground in conversations and decision-making.
Jacqui explains, “just be yourself. Know what you’re talking about, do your research, know your information. Just be confident in who you are as a person as well as a woman.”
This approach also reflects a broader shift happening across the industry, where leadership is becoming less about hierarchy and more about collaboration.
At RBRT, Jacqui and her brother share responsibility for the strategic direction of the company while bringing diverse perspectives to leadership. “We both bring different qualities. Some employees will prefer to come and talk to me about something, and some will go to Drew,” said Jacqui. “At the end of the day we have the same vision, so we’re always heading in the same direction… it works for us as business leaders.” That variety of leadership styles, she believes, ultimately strengthens the organisation.
Now a mother of two adult children, Jacqui is also thinking about the next generation entering the workforce. Interestingly, her approach has been to avoid pushing her children directly into the family business. Instead, she encouraged them to explore their own pathways first. “I wanted my kids to go off and discover life and career pathways before they would work for me,” said Jacqui. Her son has just completed a mechanic apprenticeship, while her daughter recently joined the business after several years working in retail - but she never wanted them to feel pressured to come on board. Jacqui says. “I wanted to give both of them choices, and when the time is right there’s a job, if they ever need it.” It’s an approach that mirrors her broader philosophy about careers and life decisions. Choice, she believes, is one of the most powerful things people can have.
And for women who know their stuff, and don’t feel recognised, there is also always a choice.
“You’ve got to be happy,” said Jacqui. “There are so many industries and so many businesses out there that you can work for, so why waste that negative energy on people who obviously can’t see your value in the first place... that’s on them. Their loss.”
For women considering a career in the frame and truss sector - or construction more broadly - Jacqui’s advice is simple but powerful.
Stay true to yourself.
Know your value.
Trust your intuition.
She also encourages women to recognise the strengths they already bring to the workplace.
From organisation and communication skills to the ability to manage multiple priorities, these qualities can be powerful assets in an industry that thrives on problem solving and teamwork.
As the frame and truss industry continues to evolve, Jacqui believes the role of women will only become more prominent. Cultural shifts, generational change, and increased awareness of diversity are all helping to reshape the sector. But perhaps the most important change is happening in everyday workplaces - where women are simply showing up, contributing their expertise, and proving their value.
For Jacqui, the future of the industry lies in recognising and embracing those contributions.
And as she reflects on her own journey - from helping out in the family business as a child, to leading it today - she remains grateful for the opportunities she has had.
More importantly, she hopes those opportunities continue to expand for the women who follow.
Because in the end, balancing the scales isn’t about competition between genders. It’s about ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed.
And that, Jacqui believes, is where the real strength of the industry lies.
Jacqui, thank you for taking the time to catch up and talk about your journey, the sector, and this year’s International Women’s Day theme. It was truly wonderful to hear your thoughts, beliefs, and insights - and being able to share that with FTMA News readers.
