1. Maria Ford joins Forbes Business Development Council to share industry insights. 2. Ford advocates for the skilled trades and empowering future workers. 3. DEWALT, under Ford, leads a $2 billion U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales division. 4. Ford's experience and achievements recognized by the Forbes Council committee. 5. DEWALT has been innovating in construction solutions for over 100 years.
Ford's position can enhance DEWALT's visibility and industry influence, likely boosting sales. Historical trends show leadership roles can positively impact stock performance.
The news elevates DEWALT's leadership profile, potentially attracting investor interest. Long-term focus on workforce development aligns with industry growth trends.
Ford's participation may lead to strategic initiatives that benefit DEWALT over time. Past examples include leadership changes aligning with improved company performance.
TOWSON, Md., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, today announced Maria Ford, President of U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales, has joined the Forbes Business Development Council, a prestigious community of senior-level sales and business development executives. The Council convenes leaders across all industries to collaborate and share insight into the latest trends, challenges, solutions and predictions for the future of business.
Ford was selected by a review committee based on her industry experience and track record of successfully impacting business growth, coupled with her personal and professional achievements. As a member of the Council, Ford will regularly connect with other respected executives to offer her thoughts and perspectives on a range of topics on Forbes.com.
Ford has been a vocal advocate for the skilled trades, using her platform to inspire the next generation of workers. From delivering a keynote speech at NABTU's Tradeswomen Build Nations – the world's largest gathering of tradeswomen – to penning op-eds and participating in media interviews, she has consistently supported the enablement of individuals to pursue careers in the trades.
Ford's career began in 1998 when she joined Stanley Black & Decker as an intern. She steadily climbed the ranks, taking on roles of increasing responsibility in sales, product marketing, and channel marketing. Over the years, she became a trusted leader, guiding some of the company's largest brands and customer accounts.
Today, Ford is a steward of DEWALT's $2 billion U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales division. Ford champions the organization's end-users and largest trade associations, contractors and distribution partners throughout the country to empower pros through cutting edge tools and technology solutions.
"It is an honor to be a part of the Forbes Business Development Council and join forces with an accomplished community of visionaries to tackle the challenges facing businesses of every size, across every industry, such as the future workforce," said Maria Ford, President of U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales, DEWALT. "My aim is to learn from my peers and spotlight issues and solutions to support the construction industry and the trades with the goal of driving impactful change."
To learn more about DEWALT, visit www.dewalt.com.
Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit https://councils.forbes.com.
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total jobsite solutions. For more than 100 years, DEWALT has been powering the future of construction with tools and technologies that have been designed, built and tested to help deliver safety and productivity on every jobsite. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
SOURCE DEWALT