How a Former Model Became a Trades Trailblazer and Reinvented Workwear for Women

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to carve your path in a world that wasn’t built with you in mind, Brenda “Maxx” Cumby McGee’s story will move you. Featured on the Living Ageless and Bold podcast, Brenda takes listeners on a candid, laughter-filled, and deeply human journey through hard work, self-discovery, and entrepreneurship — all sparked by a ladder, a pair of ill-fitting overalls, and a fierce determination to make things better for women in the trades.

This episode isn’t just about career reinvention. It’s about courage — the kind that comes from stepping into unfamiliar spaces, learning on the fly, and turning struggles into something meaningful. Brenda’s journey reminds us that sometimes, the greatest opportunities reveal themselves in the moments of greatest discomfort.

From Modeling to Manual Labor – A Surprising Turn

When Brenda first entered the world of trade shows, she never imagined she’d end up covered in sawdust, holding power tools, and climbing sixteen-foot ladders. At the time, she was thriving as a model, traveling the country representing big-name brands like Anheuser-Busch. Life was glitzy and exciting — until a chance opportunity took her behind the scenes, into the world of booth construction and setup.

It started when a man named Larry, who built trade show booths, offered her a job. Brenda admits she showed up dressed as if she were heading to a modeling gig — polished, stylish, and totally unprepared for the physical labor ahead. What she didn’t realize was that she wasn’t just about to build a booth; she was about to build her future.

Walking into that job site, Brenda quickly discovered she was the only woman in a sea of men. “Ninety-nine point nine percent men and then me,” she recalls with humor. But instead of backing down, she embraced the challenge. “I liked hard work,” she says. “It was just my thing. I had a work ethic, and I got that from my mom and dad.”

It didn’t take long for her presence to make waves. When Brenda showed up to work, the booth suddenly became the most visited spot at the entire show. Men gathered just to catch a glimpse of the “pretty woman carpenter,” turning her workspace into an unintended attraction. The scene got so out of hand that Larry had to shut down the booth for fifteen minutes just to reestablish order — explaining who she was, why she was there, and what behavior wouldn’t be tolerated.

It was a bold move, and for Brenda, it was also a lesson. Larry’s decision to protect her wasn’t just about professionalism — it set the tone for how she would learn to demand respect in every space she entered thereafter.

Earning Respect in a Man’s World

Brenda learned fast that being the only woman in a male-dominated environment came with challenges that went far beyond heavy lifting. There were comments, assumptions, and the ever-present need to prove herself.

“I had to figure out how to present myself to these guys,” she shares. “The flirtiness doesn’t work — they take it out of context. But you can’t be the mean woman either, snapping at everybody. You have to find that balance.”

Her solution was simple but powerful: show up, work hard, and earn respect through results. She didn’t use her femininity to get out of work; she leaned into her work ethic instead. And it paid off.

Soon, she wasn’t just another crew member — she was running sections of booths, learning the rhythms of construction, managing details, and proving that she belonged there.

But as much as she loved the camaraderie and the adrenaline of building elaborate displays that looked like small mansions in a matter of days, Brenda also noticed something deeper — something that would spark her next big idea.

The Wardrobe Wake-Up Call

It all started with a ladder.

Brenda tells the story with a laugh, but it was a serious turning point. One day, while climbing down a sixteen-foot ladder in her oversized men’s coveralls, she stepped on the extra fabric pooling under her foot. In a split second, she started to fall backwards, grabbing the ladder and fighting to steady it before both went crashing down.

“I’m sure I looked like a cat trying to hold on to that ladder,” she says. “That’s when it dawned on me — there are no clothes for women in this field.”

That realization opened her eyes. Every day, she was wearing ill-fitting men’s boots and baggy coveralls with the crotch hanging near her knees. The boots were too wide for her narrow feet, forcing her to wear two pairs of thick socks that slipped and twisted throughout the day. The result? Blisters, exhaustion, and frustration.

And it wasn’t just her. Other women who worked with their hands — in construction, maintenance, or trades — faced the same issue. No one was making workwear designed for women’s bodies.

So Brenda asked herself the question that would change everything: What if I could make clothes for women that actually fit?

From Problem to Purpose – The Birth of an Idea

Brenda’s background gave her the perfect foundation to bring her idea to life. Long before she ever picked up a hammer, she had worked at the apparel center under Margo Nussbaum, a woman who taught her about the fashion and manufacturing business. Brenda had modeled for her, helped sell garments, and even learned the ropes of fabric selection and production from a close friend who was a designer.

So when the idea hit her — to create workwear for women — she wasn’t starting from scratch. She began sketching designs in late 1994 and early 1995, using her firsthand experience as both a tradeswoman and a fashion insider to fill a glaring gap in the market.

Her motivation wasn’t just about clothes; it was about empowerment. Brenda wanted women to feel confident, safe, and respected in environments where they were often overlooked.

And just like that, what started as an accident on a ladder became the blueprint for a business — one rooted in authenticity, necessity, and lived experience.

Building Her Brand One Stitch at a Time

Brenda’s next steps were anything but easy. Designing for women in trades meant thinking differently about function, fit, and durability. These weren’t clothes for photo shoots — they were for women hauling equipment, climbing scaffolding, and working long hours in environments that demanded strength and flexibility.

Her vision was clear: make workwear that fits like it’s made for women, not adjusted from men’s designs.

But like many great innovators, she faced her share of challenges. There were manufacturing hurdles, cost barriers, and the constant task of proving that her concept wasn’t just about fashion — it was about safety and equality.

Still, Brenda persisted. Her work ethic — the same one that helped her survive those early days in a male-dominated construction crew — kept her moving forward. Every obstacle became a lesson, every doubt a new reason to prove herself right.

The Mindset That Built It All

Through every chapter of Brenda’s journey, one theme stands out: she never let circumstances define her.

She didn’t have an easy entry into modeling — but she made it. She didn’t know how to build booths — but she learned. She didn’t see clothes for women like her — so she designed them.

Brenda’s story is a masterclass in adaptability and resilience. It’s about showing up with curiosity instead of fear and recognizing that sometimes the most meaningful opportunities are disguised as inconveniences.

Even her reflections on gender dynamics are refreshingly honest. She laughs when she recalls how, once male models started appearing at her modeling jobs, the women weren’t exactly saints either. “We were nothing nice,” she admits. “We gave those guys absolute hell. We were no better than the men on the construction site.”

Her point? Inclusion goes both ways — and empathy grows when we experience the roles reversed. That awareness would later shape how Brenda approached leadership and collaboration in every space she entered.

Finding Balance, Purpose, and Inner Peace

Looking back, Brenda’s story isn’t just about work — it’s about finding balance.

She learned early on how to blend toughness with grace, professionalism with humor, and ambition with humility. Whether she was managing a booth crew, modeling for a major brand, or sketching her first clothing designs, she always brought her full self to the table.

That authenticity is what made her stand out — not just as a woman in a man’s world, but as a person who refused to conform to anyone else’s idea of success.

And in the end, that’s what her journey teaches us: success isn’t about fitting in. It’s about finding where you don’t — and then making space anyway.

A Legacy of Strength and Inspiration

Today, Brenda “Maxx” Cumby McGee’s story continues to inspire anyone facing the uphill battle of breaking into spaces that weren’t designed for them. Her courage to step outside the expected, her honesty about the good and the bad, and her relentless drive to create something meaningful — all remind us that progress often starts with one bold idea.

From catwalking in heels to climbing sixteen-foot ladders, Brenda’s journey is proof that reinvention is possible at any stage — if you’re willing to show up, work hard, and see potential where others only see problems.

Her story is a love letter to resilience, a celebration of grit, and a challenge to every dreamer out there: if the world doesn’t make room for you, build your own ladder — and make sure your coveralls fit when you do.

This episode goes beyond inspiration — it’s a blueprint for how perseverance, creativity, and self-awareness can turn any career detour into destiny. Brenda “Maxx” Cumby McGee embodies what it means to take risks, learn from experience, and use every setback as fuel for something greater.

Her message is clear: no matter where you start, your path is yours to build. And if you build it with heart, there’s no limit to how high you can climb.

Watch the full episode here: