I’m Barbara Robinson, a marketing manager at WeatherSolve Structures, specializing in niche markets where targeted strategies make all the difference. I handle everything from developing marketing plans to managing SEO, Google Analytics, and Google Ads, ensuring our brand stays visible and competitive. Keeping up with social media trends is a big part of what I do, finding ways to apply them effectively to our business. Data-driven decision-making is at the core of my approach, using analytics to fine-tune campaigns and maximize reach.
Company: WeatherSolve Structures
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Barbara Robinson: I’m Barbara Robinson, a marketing manager at WeatherSolve Structures, specializing in niche markets where targeted strategies make all the difference. I handle everything from developing marketing plans to managing SEO, Google Analytics, and Google Ads, ensuring our brand stays visible and competitive. At Weathersolve, we specialize in custom-designed environmental control structures — everything from wind fences for mining and agriculture to shade systems for recreation and commercial use. Our focus is on tailoring each project to the unique needs of our clients, whether that’s reducing dust emissions, improving worker safety, or creating sustainable environments. We take pride in being innovative problem solvers, blending engineering expertise with a commitment to sustainability and long-term value.
Can you take us back to the beginning – what inspired your startup, and what were those early days like?
Barbara Robinson: When WeatherSolve first started, the inspiration came from a very practical challenge. The founders were asking themselves how to create environments where people, industries, and agriculture could function without being at the mercy of extreme weather. Traditional buildings were either too heavy and costly or too weak to handle the real challenges of wind, dust, and snow. That gap sparked the idea of designing structures that were lighter, more adaptable, and still strong enough to stand up to the toughest conditions.
In those early days, everything was about proving the concept. The team took bold steps by putting our designs to the test in some of the harshest environments on earth. Structures were exposed to hurricanes in Florida, cyclones in the South Pacific, and even the thin air and high winds of the Andes at sixteen thousand feet. Each success gave us more confidence and more credibility, but it was a very hands-on period where everyone had to pitch in and make things work.
What set the company apart right from the start was that we were not just building covers or shelters. We were solving problems that farmers, industries, and communities were struggling with every day. Dust control, wind protection, crop preservation, recreational comfort — those were the drivers. That mission built the foundation for WeatherSolve, and it is why today you can find our designs on every continent, including Antarctica.
What was the biggest turning point or breakthrough that helped you scale from a small operation to a growing business?
Barbara Robinson: The real turning point came when our structures proved themselves in extreme, highly visible situations. One of the earliest breakthroughs was after Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992. Many conventional buildings were destroyed, but our structures held. That moment opened doors because people saw that what we were offering was not just an alternative, it was a solution that could handle the worst conditions.
From there, large industrial and agricultural clients started to take notice. We went from small custom projects to being trusted with bigger, more complex installations. Each successful project became its own case study, showing the range of environments we could handle from cyclone-prone regions in the South Pacific to high-altitude mining operations in the Andes. Those challenges pushed us to refine our designs and expand our capabilities, and with that growth came a stronger reputation.
Scaling was not about chasing every opportunity, but about building credibility step by step. Once people saw that our structures could deliver reliability and cost savings in real-world conditions, it created a momentum that carried us from being a niche operation into a growing business with a global footprint.
How did you handle the toughest challenges during your growth phase – whether financial, operational, or personal?
Barbara Robinson: The growth phase tested us on every front. Financially, the challenge was always balancing innovation with sustainability. We were investing heavily in research, testing, and custom projects, which meant being disciplined with resources while still pushing boundaries. There were times when it would have been easier to cut back, but holding to the vision and proving the designs was what carried us through.
Operationally, scaling from a small, hands-on team to handling larger and more complex projects required a major shift. We had to build systems, strengthen processes, and bring in the right expertise without losing the ingenuity and creativity that defined us in the early years. That balance was difficult, but it was essential to keep delivering at the standard our clients expected.
On a personal level, the challenge was endurance. Growth is exciting, but it comes with long days, tough decisions, and the weight of responsibility. What kept me steady was staying grounded in purpose — knowing that every fence, every structure we built was solving a problem for someone and proving the value of what WeatherSolve stood for. That mindset made even the hardest challenges feel worthwhile.
As your company grew, how did your leadership style evolve to meet the demands of scaling?
Barbara Robinson: As the company grew, my leadership style had to evolve from being very hands-on to becoming more strategic and people-centered. In the early days, I was involved in almost every detail of marketing, from writing copy to managing campaigns. But as we scaled, I realized that my role was less about doing everything myself and more about building and guiding a strong team.
I shifted toward empowering others, giving them ownership of projects, and encouraging creativity. That meant trusting the team with responsibility while making sure they had the tools and support they needed to succeed. Communication became even more important being transparent about challenges and opportunities so that everyone understood the bigger picture and felt connected to the mission.
At the same time, I made it a priority to keep our culture grounded in integrity and optimism. Growth brings pressure, but I wanted to make sure our team stayed inspired and connected to why we do what we do. That balance of strategy, trust, and purpose has been central to how I lead today.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs currently in the “garage” stage, dreaming of going global?
Barbara Robinson: My advice would be to stay committed to your vision but remain flexible in how you get there. In the early days, it is easy to be pulled in a hundred different directions, but you need to know what problem you are solving and why it matters. That clarity will keep you steady when challenges come.
Be prepared for growth to take longer than you expect. Success is often built one project at a time, through persistence and credibility. Each win lays the foundation for the next opportunity, so do not overlook the importance of small steps and steady progress.
Finally, surround yourself with people who share your passion and who bring different strengths to the table. No one builds something global alone. The team you build and the relationships you nurture will carry you further than you can imagine.
