IRON ELK

We had a full house last night to hear Shannon Sports of Upstate Warrior Solution speak about the programs they offer to veterans and first responders in the Upstate. Thank you Shannon and everyone at Upstate Warrior Solution for your commitment to our local Upstate community.
Rotary Club of Greer is proud to support this awesome organization doing life-saving work.
Rotary District 7750 Rotary International

Hope you will join us Tuesday, May 21!

Rotary Club of Greer Rotary District 7750 Rotary International Dennis Slusser Brantlee Slusser Becky Moreno

https://hello-chaos.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-98-laura-biggerstaff

Ep. 98 Laura Biggerstaff | Hello Chaos In this week’s episode of Hello, Chaos, we had the pleasure of hosting Laura Biggerstaff, the founder of Iron Elk, a company specializing in safety apparel tailored for women in the trades. Laura shared her inspiring journey from facing personal upheaval to launching and growing her business, embo...

Entrepreneurship can be painfully lonely -- rewarding, exhilarating, and amazing, too!

At times, it may feel like you're the only passenger on a rollercoaster that dips and soars, twists and turns, but plenty of people have been where you are. We're sharing Stories from the Trenches for this month's Huddle.

We hope you'll join us this Thursday from 5:30-7pm at the Greer City Hall Events Center to hear from three very different founders in three different industries. You might be surprised to find how much you have in common.

Our storytellers include:
Laura Biggerstaff, owner of Greer-based IRON ELK
David Stefanich, founder and CEO of Rymedi
Jennifer Sutton, founder of Bright Marketing and OrangeWip

https://www.facebook.com/share/62ZXV4V6zVyy3nuP/?mibextid=xfxF2i

The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for entrepreneurship, and it doesn't work for safety gear. Just ask one of the female founders featured at our next Huddle event.

Laura Biggerstaff owns ELK which sources safety apparel, branded uniforms, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees of all shapes, sizes, and genders. Iron Elk is a nationally certified woman-owned business and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) for the SC Department of Transportation.

Biggerstaff is among three featured founders who will share Stories from the Trenches at this month's Huddle.

🎤 Stories from the Trenches
📆 Thursday, April 4 from 5:30-7pm
📍Greer City Hall Events Center

It really says a lot when Rotary members get together on a non-meeting night just to hang out and enjoy the friendships! What a fantastic time we had - 14 of us plus 3 dogs! Rotary Club of Greer is family!
Rotary District 7750 Rotary International The Southern Growl

We'd love to have you visit our club the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Cartwright Food Hall upstairs at 5.30 pm in Greer, SC.

Oh, what a day we had at the Greer Christmas Parade representing Rotary Club of Greer Rotary District 7750 Rotary International! Great turnout from our club members! For more information how you can join Rotary, email me at [email protected]. We welcome all!

IRON ELK is a proud distributor for Seraphina! See the line at www.ironelk.com

Not just safe... Seraphina Safe!
Ultimate protection! Superior Fit! Unmatched comfort! Proven performance!
Designed by women for women. Proudly made in the USA.
We make it easy for you to be safe!

IRON ELK & Hi-Vis Vests...

A hi-vis (high-visibility) vest, also known as a reflective safety vest or fluorescent vest, is a garment designed to enhance the visibility of the wearer in various environments, especially in low-light conditions or situations where visibility is compromised. These vests are typically worn by workers, emergency responders, cyclists, and anyone who needs to be easily seen to prevent accidents.

The primary purpose of a hi-vis vest is to reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring that individuals are easily spotted by others, such as drivers, machinery operators, or co-workers.

One of the things that sets IRON ELK apart from the others is the capability to customize vests with company logos, names, or other marketing to provide identification while maintaining visibility.

We want to earn your business and become your trusted source for PPE!

www.ironelk.com Laura Biggerstaff SCDOT
Certified Woman-Owned - WBENC, SC DBE, SMBCC

https://www.ironelk.com/mens-high-visibility
https://www.ironelk.com/womens-hi-vis

A Strong Safety Culture Takes Time and Consistent Effort.

Employee Involvement: Involve employees in safety discussions and decisions. Encourage them to provide input on safety protocols and identify potential hazards.

Lead by Example: Demonstrating a commitment to safety through your own actions and decisions sets a strong precedent for your team.

Effective Communication: Clearly communicate safety expectations, guidelines, and procedures to all employees. Ensure that information is easily accessible and understandable.

Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and reward employees who prioritize safety. This reinforces the importance of safety-conscious behavior.

IRON ELK your partner in Safety! www.ironelk.com

Laura Biggerstaff, Owner of IRON ELK

IRON ELK | Safety Apparel Iron Elk is a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business that focuses on safety products to protect your most valuable asset - your employees.

Inclusivity and Diversity Awareness: Promote a culture of inclusivity and diversity within your organization. Emphasize the importance of providing equipment that caters to all employees equally, regardless of their body type.

Such an important topic - so rarely implemented!

IRON ELK offers safety apparel and personal protective equipment (PPE) to fit all body types! Over the past few years, we have partnered with manufacturers that understand that one size does not fit all.

We are prepared, established and ready to meet your unique needs!

www.ironelk.com

Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC South Carolina Department of Transportation University of South Carolina - Columbia Laura Biggerstaff

Game Changing Protection from Fire & Heat!

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! IRON ELK is proud to announce that we have become an official distributor of Seraphina Safety Apparel FR Base Layers. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to offering you the highest quality safety gear and clothing.

About Seraphina Safety: Seraphina Safety is a renowned name in the industry, synonymous with innovation and excellence in producing flame-resistant (FR) protective wear. Their FR Base Layers are designed to provide optimal comfort and unparalleled protection, making them an essential addition to any work environment where safety is paramount.

Why Choose Seraphina Safety FR Base Layers:
Cutting-Edge Technology: Seraphina Safety's FR Base Layers are crafted using advanced materials and technology, ensuring superior flame resistance and durability.
Unmatched Comfort: Engineered with wearer comfort in mind, these base layers offer moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and a non-restrictive fit.
Versatile Application: Whether you're in the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, construction, or any other field where fire hazards exist, Seraphina Safety FR Base Layers are designed to keep you safe without compromising on mobility.

Why Choose Iron Elk: Iron Elk has earned a reputation as a trusted supplier of top-notch safety gear and equipment. With our dedication to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, we are the perfect partner to bring Seraphina Safety FR Base Layers to your doorstep.

At Iron Elk, safety is more than a priority—it's a promise. We're excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and are eager to provide you with top-of-the-line Seraphina Safety FR Base Layers.

Stay protected, stay comfortable—choose Iron Elk for your safety needs.

For inquiries, orders, and more information, please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated customer service team at 864-770-3323 or visit our store at https://www.ironelk.com/

Laura Biggerstaff , Owner - Iron Elk

Keeping and nurturing networking contacts is essential for building and maintaining a strong professional network. Here are some effective ways to do so:

Regular Communication: Stay in touch with your contacts through emails, social media platforms, or even occasional phone calls. Share relevant updates, news, and interesting articles to keep the connection alive.

Provide Value: Offer assistance, share your expertise, or introduce them to other contacts who might be beneficial to them. Providing value shows that you're invested in the relationship beyond just your own interests.

Attend Events: Participate in industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking events. These gatherings offer opportunities to meet your contacts in person and strengthen your relationships.

Follow Up: After meeting someone new, send a follow-up email or message to express gratitude for the interaction and to reinforce the connection. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were attentive.

Remember Important Dates: Make note of birthdays, work anniversaries, and other significant milestones. Sending a brief message or a thoughtful gesture on these occasions can help maintain a warm connection.

Social Media Engagement: Interact with your contacts on social media platforms by liking, sharing, and commenting on their posts. This demonstrates your ongoing interest in their professional journey.

Offer Help: Be ready to assist when your contacts need advice, resources, or connections. Offering your help strengthens your relationship and reinforces the idea that networking is a two-way street.

Send Relevant Information: Share articles, reports, or news items that align with your contact's interests or industry. This demonstrates that you're attuned to their needs and willing to contribute valuable information.

Set Up Coffee or Lunch Meetings: Whenever possible, arrange face-to-face meetings over coffee or lunch. In-person interactions often lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.

Update Your Contacts: Keep your contacts informed about your own professional developments. Let them know about your achievements, new projects, or changes in your career journey.

Networking Groups: Join online or local networking groups related to your industry. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with new contacts and maintain existing ones.

Send Personal Notes: Sending handwritten thank-you notes, holiday cards, or congratulatory messages can make a lasting impression and show that you value the relationship.

Ask for Advice: Seeking advice from your contacts on relevant matters can not only help you professionally but also foster a sense of connection and collaboration.

Share Opportunities: If you come across job openings, speaking engagements, or other opportunities that might benefit your contacts, share them. It's a great way to show your willingness to support their growth.

Be Genuine: Authenticity is crucial in networking. Be yourself and build connections based on shared interests and values.

Remember, the key to successful networking is building genuine relationships. Focus on cultivating meaningful connections rather than just accumulating contacts. Quality always trumps quantity in the networking world.

Laura Biggerstaff Rotary Club of Greer Rotary International

Episode 61: Uplifting Construction with Hayden Abrevaya — Women Talk Construction About Hayden: When I was in high school I didn't know what I wanted to do during college, until right when I was applying to colleges I found out about construction management as a career track. I went to school for construction management, but found when I was interning at construction companies w

Thank you for the post This One's for the Gals! They look great! Laura www.ironelk.com

Women Confidence Builders Women Talk ConstructionWomen's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC

Happy Monday!!

Today we’d like to thank IRON ELK for their contribution to the 2023 Coastal Bend Women in Industry Conference fashion show!!

We are just over two weeks away from showtime!! This has turned out to be an amazing for the young women in our community!

Are you interested in bringing a similar initiative to the young women in yours? We’d love to show you how!!

Email [email protected] !! 🤘🏼

Celebrating diversity in construction with IRON ELK

Celebrating diversity in construction can take many forms.

One way is to ensure that organizations have policies and protocols in place to support and welcome people from all backgrounds. This includes having a clear anti-discrimination policy, providing equal opportunities and access to resources, and creating a safe and inclusive workplace environment.

Additionally, organizations can host events and initiatives to celebrate the diversity of their workforce, such as cultural celebrations, diversity training, and mentorship programs.

Finally, organizations should strive to promote diversity in their recruitment and hiring practices, such as actively seeking out candidates from underrepresented groups and providing targeted outreach and support.

IRON ELK believes in the power of diversity - make it intentional in your company!

www.ironelk.com [email protected]

Black Steel-Toe Boots - up to size 12!

SAFETY:
ASTM Certified (F2413-18) & OSHA Compliant
Electrical Hazard Certification (EH Rated)
Impact & Compression Resistant (I/75 C/75)
Lightweight Steel Toe Cap (Steel-Toed Protection)
Oil & Chemical Resistant Outsole (D471)
Low-Conductivity Zipper (Auto-Lock Tech)
Dual-Density Slip Resisting Outsole (Dry & Wet Surfaces)*

Visit our website to receive 10% off of your Xena Boots! https://www.ironelk.com/womens-safety-boots

IRON ELK [email protected]

Certified Woman-Owned Small Business - Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC -owned small business Women Confidence Builders Women Talk Construction Laura Biggerstaff

So excited to share IRON ELK's new Online Safety Store for Women & Men!

Check it out... https://www.ironelk.com/

Laura Biggerstaff Women Confidence Builders Women Talk Construction National Association of Home Builders National Association of Women in Construction ABC National

Soak It Up with IRON ELK

How to write your story on your website

1. Introduce Yourself: Give an overview of who you are and why you are writing your story.

2. State Your Story: Share the details of your story, including any challenges you faced and the successes you’ve achieved.

3. Discuss Your Goals: Explain your future plans, including any specific goals you’re striving for.

4. Describe Your Process: How did you get to where you are today? What strategies did you use?

5. Share Your Perspective: What makes your story unique? What lessons have you learned along the way?

6. Invite Your Audience: Invite your readers to connect with you and share their own stories.

7. Include a Call to Action: Give your readers an opportunity to take the next step and learn more.

We have just launched our new online store....please visit and let us know what you think! https://www.ironelk.com/

Laura Biggerstaff Women Confidence Builders Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC Women Talk Construction

Women Moving the Trades Forward!

Photo courtesy of David Junker - Muse 10 Photography

IRON ELK Women Talk Construction Women Confidence Builders Greenville Chamber

My 27 year-old daughter called me yesterday - she was excited - I could tell - she said, "Mom, I drove past a construction site today and there were more women on the site than men."

We wouldn't have had this conversation a few years ago - she wouldn't have noticed years ago - it wouldn't have been true a few years ago.

This really charged me up! I was proud!

Need more of this! Curious, young minds need exposure to what is possible. How do we interest students in construction and ultimately pursue a career in construction? One way is to give them hands-on experience in the classroom - at a young age. Are there projects at their schools the students can help with? Can they safely tour a construction site? Can we bring in successful construction men and women into the classroom to speak?

IRON ELK is a proud partner of Women Confidence Builders in the Upstate of South Carolina. Women Confidence Builders (WCB) is a non-profit whose mission is to educate, mentor, disciple and empower women and girls while encouraging their growth and building confidence. Having high school students attend our quarterly luncheons is a highlight of WCB. When these students walk into the room, they have an entire fan base waiting on them with open arms. You never know, you might even sit directly beside the Lt. Governor - it's happened. Pamela Evette

To find out more information on how you can get involved, visit https://womentalkconstruction.com/ . OR contact me via our website at IRON ELK . https://www.ironelk.com/

Women Talk Construction Women Confidence Builders Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC

What is your company doing to show value, respect, acceptance and impact for your employees? Inclusion takes commitment and accountability - these are shared responsibilities.

All of us being leaders, modeling the behavior we want to see in others and influencing others towards the goal of a more inclusive society; and holding ourselves and others accountable to actions that help inspire and achieve that vision.

It's Construction Inclusion Week 2022 - Everyone deserves to feel like they can be themselves at work and that they can do so safety, both mentally and physically.

At IRON ELK, our commitment to inclusion goes far beyond offering safety apparel and PPE for men AND women. Being a woman-owned business, we know the importance of inclusivity and accountability. It takes all different types of people to make a good company and to have good relationships with our clients - that is why we believe that we are .

Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC Women Talk Construction Women Confidence Builders Construction Inclusion Week

Men and women come in all different shapes and sizes. So does personal protective equipment (PPE), yet too often, workers find themselves wearing ill-fitting protective gear that may be, at best, uncomfortable and at worst, dangerous.

Find the right fit at IRON ELK

Visit our website at https://www.ironelk.com/

Are you making an IMPACT❓

Are you doing something that fills your heart with JOY❓

We ARE ~ lifting others up, and watching them succeed is what brings us tremendous joy❗❕❗❕

Christi Powell 🎙 and Angela Gardner 🎙 were at the Women's Executive Luncheon in South Carolina by Women Confidence Builders. Christi and Laura Biggerstaff Founded the nonprofit in 2021.

Mission: Educate, Mentor, Disciple, and Empower Women and GIRLS while encouraging their growth and building their confidence! 🌱

Big thanks to the main speaker:
Rebecca Heiss, PhD (she/her) 👊🏻knocked it out of the park with her presentation about "FEAR"! "Don't exist your life away!" We got a few tips on how not to let fear creep into our minds & body.🤍💜

"Women need to support each other and lift each other up; not tear each other down." 🤍 another great takeaway from several speakers

We had five female students from a local career center studying Construction, Engineering, & Agriculture attend. 👷🏻‍♀️🛠🦺 ACTC

There were so many that helped behind the scene to make it a SMASHING SUCCESS: 👏🏻👏🏻
Louise Connell, Tina Christiano, Cindy Dorn, Amy Albert
JoAnne LaBounty, Elisabeth Markley, Meghan Smith, Tammie Greene, AND so many more....... 🙏🏻

Thank you to the supporters & sponsors & speakers: 👏🏻👏🏻
BMW, Oshkosh Defense, Don Bent, MAU Workforce Solutions,
Ebony Sullivan, Brandy Amidon, Lt Governor of SC ~ Pamela Evette

The Galleria was full of women and minority-owned businesses, with several non-profits sprinkled in the mix. 💚

Special thanks for the pictures that captured these wonderful moments:
📷 Brian Knox
📷 Muse 10 Photography

Iron Elk Hill Electric