PIRTEK’s President Leads the Way for Women in the Hydraulics Industry

Women in the Hydraulics Industry

Kim Gubera, PIRTEK’S female President & CEO, leads PIRTEK’s focus on strengthening franchisees and the overall U.S. brand. She began her career in accounting and went on to earn an MBA and become a certified public accountant working her way up to the position of director of finance. Ms. Gubera started her PIRTEK journey in 2016 as a corporate controller before becoming Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President in 2018.

In January 2019, PIRTEK promoted Kim Gubera to CEO. In August 2020, she became President & CEO. This achievement is a significant advancement for women in the hydraulics field and a dream come true for all young women and girls who enjoy STEM activities and aspire to the same.

These types of opportunities haven’t always been the case in the hydraulics industry (Source: Hydraulics & Pneumatics). Women in many fields have experienced harsh inequalities, as women are not regarded as having the same standing as their male counterparts. In the STEM category of employment, women are still met with resistance, and despite having the same pay and positions as their male counterparts, they have had to work much harder to reach the same goals.

A 2016 study concluded that women were leaving the engineering industry (Source: Growth Business.co.uk). The cause? The male-dominated industry revolves around a culture where female engineers are not taken seriously, are given unchallenging projects, are subject to harassment, and experience greater isolation from support networks.

Looking Beyond Bias

Gender bias is nothing new. Qualified women in many different fields are often sidelined due to stereotyping and sexism. In part of the 2016 study mentioned previously, there was a secondary reason why gender difference has impacted the hydraulics industry. For women in the study, they pursued a career in this field because they viewed engineers as having the potential to improve society.

The 2016 study may not be the most encouraging news for women, but thanks to women like Ms. Gubera, we see the tides changing in the industry. She is leading the path toward a more balanced gender culture. One can only hope that Ms. Gubera’s example and leadership continue to draw more women to the hydraulics industry and engineering.

PIRTEK: A Unique Leader in the Hydraulics Industry

With more than 30 years of experience and more than 400 locations globally, PIRTEK has become an industry leader in the hydraulics industry. Powered by an innovative approach to sales and service, we’re proud to be backed by a corporate team that cares about their franchisees and customers. We offer unmatched service and logistics, and we’re often recognized as a premier franchise in the hydraulics industry.

PIRTEK is one of the few industrial franchises in the world, and our global network consists of locally owned businesses. Our structure is designed, so everyone is driven to succeed; we’re there to support our franchisees every step of the way, sharing an incredible database of knowledge across our network.

We’re a unique company in the hydraulics industry that strives to make everyone feel like family. PIRTEK takes the initiative to treat everyone as equals to make sure they are given the opportunity to present new ideas.

PIRTEK’s hydraulics industry opportunities have been thriving in recent years. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer!