Quebec master electrician breaks barriers in male-dominated industry

Marisa Timmler is helping challenge stereotypes in Quebec’s electrical industry, where she says she is the only woman in the province to hold a Master Electrician’s license.

As the owner of Big G Electric, Timmler is not only running a business but also creating opportunities for other women and members of minority communities to enter a traditionally male-dominated trade.

“The syndicate reps tell me that I have to be tougher and I shouldn’t baby them. And my employees say that it’s nice to work for a woman because I’m nicer. But I lead with a gentle, strong hand,” Timmler said.

Her leadership style has made an impression on her employees, including Carina Danis, who says Timmler is an example of what women can achieve in the industry. Davis began as a receptionist at Big G Electric; she is now about to complete her electrician’s license and intends to work full-time with Timmler.

“She really shows that women can do anything and I always knew that but she really proves it to the next level and she’s a boss lady and it’s very inspiring,” Danis said.

Timmler says she hopes to encourage more women to consider careers in the trades, offering them opportunities to learn on the job and develop their skills.

“I can hire any woman I want tomorrow with a CSST class, of course, for safety and teach them as they work. And every time I see a woman doing a young beginner job, I tell them, you know, come and see me. I give them my number. I want to show them what else there is out there,” she said.

For employee Yifei Zhang, one of the things that sets Timmler apart is her hands-on approach to management.

“Marisa, she mostly doesn’t look like a boss. She always works with us together on the site or even in the box in the warehouse. So yeah, she’s just like one of the members of the team,” Zhang said.

Timmler says her hiring philosophy is rooted in giving people a chance, regardless of their background or experience.

“We’re getting stronger and fighting for our place as women. And as ethnic minorities, you know, I hire the United Nations. I hire anybody that comes to my door and I give them a chance. And then I judge by their personality, the integrity, you know, and if they’re not that good, I teach them,” she said.

Zhang says Timmler’s patience and willingness to encourage employees have helped create a positive workplace.

“She says more patience. That’s the biggest thing I feel. More patience than other bosses. Yeah. And she encourages you,” Zhang said.

Despite progress toward greater inclusion in the trades, Timmler says women continue to face assumptions about their physical abilities and their place in traditionally male-dominated workplaces.

Women are often judged differently, she says, particularly when their emotions are perceived as a weakness.

“Women are taught from birth not to do physical work or that they’re less physically, you know, I don’t think that we’re telling our women that they’re not intelligent as men. But now it’s still, well, you’re a woman. You know, you’re not as strong. You’re not as capable. How many times do I get told you’re emotional? But I say, and you’re maybe not emotional enough, you know, because I’m emotional, I do treat my customers differently, my employees differently. But I think it’s a it’s a plus to be emotional. Emotional is an excuse when you say something they don’t know what to answer to,” Timmler said.

For Zhang, working alongside Timmler has been a positive experience.

“I think I’m lucky. Yeah, and I’m happy to work for her. And we have a good team,” Zhang said.