About Mikki

Everyone loves an inspirational leader who has created their own unique path toward success. Some are
real… Some are fictional… All are heroic.

In North Carolina’s Research Triangle, you will find Mikki Paradis, founder, CEO and president of PDI Drywall, Inc. Mikki is like a real life Captain Marvel. While Mikki may not fly or have super powers, she created PDI before graduating from NC State University in 2005. She also developed her own proprietary computer software and, at 35, she broke the elusive $1 million sales barrier. The cherry on top is that she did this in the construction industry—which has a long history of machismo and male domination.
One scene in Captain Marvel offers what seems like insight into Mikki’s business acumen, prowess and take no prisoner attitude. (Spoiler alert.) In the movie, Captain Marvel recalls memories from her youth… when she crashes a go-cart, fails to hit a home run and falls off a rope climb during basic training. She is then harshly ridiculed for trying to do “boy stuff.” What is finally revealed is that, despite repeatedly being knocked down, Captain Marvel refuses to be defeated. She persists. Mikki faced similar challenges throughout her career. About starting out in the construction industry, she says: “It never occurred to me that I would fail… but the most difficult challenges in my career were my gender and my age. Early on, people didn’t want to give me a chance. Oh, maybe they would let me do one house— but a whole apartment complex? They didn’t think a ‘girl’ could do that… And I loved nothing more than proving them wrong.” And prove them wrong she has.

Since 2010, Mikki has increased PDI’s revenue from $100,000 to over $1 million. Today she is considered an industry leader and innovator in drywall recycling by constantly searching for ways to reduce her company’s carbon footprint. Growing PDI wasn’t without challenges and failures. “My mentor helped me realize that my failures ultimately give me the strength I need to move forward,” Mikki says. “Now my failures have become my best learning opportunities.”

Mikki is not all drywall and nail guns. She has served as a keynote speaker for the Morrisville Chamber of
Commerce, the Queens Foundation and The Women’s Advantage, and she represented small business
owners on tax reform at the White House. She is involved in non-profit, volunteering and philanthropic
endeavors—locally and internationally, most notably working with organizations that support youth
initiatives. Mikki has volunteered for The Miracle League of the Triangle and traveled to Turks and Caicos to assist with post-hurricane rebuilding efforts. In her own words, “It’s just the right thing to do.”
Mikki would welcome the opportunity to be a featured speaker at your event, conference or meeting. She
speaks on a variety of topics and to a wide array of audiences. Below are some specific speaking points:

WOMEN IN NON-TRADITIONAL CAREERS
There are no more rules or traditional gender roles in the business world. There are still careers traditionally dominated by men, but women are taking the initiative to cross these barriers. Women are taking more leadership roles than ever before and crossing into a male dominated industries. This is not easy and the resistance is real. We all need keys to open the closed doors in our paths. Know when to use a key, break down the door, go around it or simply walk away. Mikki encourages women to pursue non-traditional careers.

STARTING AND GROWING YOUR FIRST BUSINESS
Mikki began laying the foundation for PDI before graduating college and she’s grown her business to a
million-dollar success story. Her success did not come overnight. In an industry that did not welcome women, she worked hard, failed, sought mentors and continued to believed in herself. Failing and learning are just part of the keys to success. Anyone can start a business… Mikki inspires people to achieve their dreams. IF IT DOESN’T EXIST… INVENT IT! USING TECHNOLOGY IN DIFFERENT WAYS
When Mikki started PDI, she was shocked that people still sent faxes and used paper invoices. Instead of just going with the flow, Mikki develop a proprietary estimating software system that provided real-time, “dead-on balls accurate” estimates for her prospective customers. From going paperless to creating a socially and environmentally responsible company, Mikki continues to push for change and motivates others to think outside the box.

TURNING OBSTACLES INTO OPPORTUNITIES
At 37, Mikki has been through a lot, both professionally and personally, but she is everything you’d expect from a woman who grew up in the “Girl Power” era. She speaks authentically and compellingly about her upbringing, professional development and the obstacles she encountered. What about when there is no path? Mikki says, “Make one yourself.” Self doubt has no place in anyone’s life… Mikki shares how to successfully use failures as a source of inspiration and advancement.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Women still earn 20% less than men and they are also the victims of workplace violence, harassment and
abuse. As a business owner in a male dominated industry, Mikki has insight that few people have and
she has even faced hostile work environments. Her stories of workplace harassment and blatant gender
stereotyping will shock and invigorate audiences of all types. Mikki is ready to arm every woman with
techniques to survive, thrive and ultimately change these toxic workplace environments.