Shaw's Brenda Knowles, senior vice president of customer experience, has been selected for induction into the 2026 Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame, one of the manufacturing industry's highest honors recognizing leaders who have made significant contributions to manufacturing while supporting and inspiring women in the field.
Knowles will be formally recognized at the Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT and Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Las Vegas this October, joining a distinguished group of leaders whose work has helped shape manufacturing’s future.
Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Knowles has played a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of Shaw's commercial business while earning a reputation as a respected leader across the flooring and manufacturing industries. Throughout her career, she has championed innovation and elevated opportunities for women both within Shaw and across the broader industry.
"Brenda has made a lasting mark on Shaw, the flooring industry, and the people fortunate enough to work alongside her," says Susan Farris, executive vice president of enterprise experiences. “She has a unique ability to see potential in others and give them the opportunities and confidence to grow. Throughout her career, she has led with a combination of vision and belief in people that has shaped countless careers, including my own.”
Knowles' influence extends well beyond her formal leadership roles. During her tenure, she spent nearly two decades leading marketing and product development efforts that produced more than 500 award-winning designs for commercial brands, Shaw Contract and Patcraft, and helped strengthen Shaw's position as a global leader in commercial interiors. She also helped establish the vision for Shaw's Create Centre, an innovation hub designed to bring design, manufacturing and customer experience together in a single collaborative environment.
Equally significant is the impact she has had on people. As a founding leader of Shaw's Women's Innovation Network (WiN) and a founding board member and current treasurer of Women in the Flooring Industry (WIFI), Knowles has consistently forged a path for leaders to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact.
Beyond the industry, Knowles has dedicated significant time and energy to community leadership, serving organizations including United Way of Northwest Georgia, the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation and Leadership Dalton-Whitfield. Her commitment to service reflects her belief that strong businesses and strong communities grow together.
This recognition comes during a milestone year for Knowles, who plans to retire at the end of 2026 after more than four decades with Shaw. While her professional accomplishments have left an undeniable mark on the business, colleagues and industry peers often point to her greatest legacy: the many leaders, advocates and innovators who continue to extend her influence throughout manufacturing and beyond.