Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Women in Construction Week
The construction industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but women are making significant strides, shaping skylines and paving the way for future generations. Women in Construction Week is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the resilience, expertise and leadership of the women who build, design and innovate in the home building industry.
From the job site to the boardroom, women in construction are proving that skill and determination know no gender. They are project managers, engineers, tradeswomen and business owners—each with a unique journey and a shared passion for building the future. Join us as we highlight the voices of these trailblazing women, celebrate their contributions and explore how they are inspiring the next generation of women to pick up their tools and take their place in construction.
Women can absolutely have a career in construction! It may be intimidating, but if you set goals for yourself and are willing to put in the work you will succeed. Get involved with organizations right away and HBAL is a great starting point. They provide you with education and tools to connect with industry professionals. On top of that, it’s free networking, surrounding yourself with other professionals to help motivate, educate and familiarize yourself.
– Kelli Fleek, True North Custom Homes, Inc.
While being a woman in construction has presented its challenges, I’ve found my ability to connect with clients, especially wives who are often key decision-makers, has been a significant advantage. Building relationships and maintaining open communication throughout the building process are essential to my approach.
– Maria Semerad, Synergy Homes, Inc.
Go after whatever you are passionate about in life regardless of industry standards. This is not the 1930’s! Women do everything these days and gender shouldn’t be a factor that holds anyone back from anything, or equally something that creates victim mentality or limitations. I was a tomboy growing up, and I liked to build things, create things, dig in the dirt, build forts, play with cars, etc. I didn’t have any intention of getting into the landscaping industry, but it presented itself and I just jumped. When you follow your passions in life, you will be fulfilled and successful!
I feel it is most rewarding to have grown my business from literally nothing to the top of the local male-dominated industry. I have the highest respect of our vendors and have the best client return rate around for nearly three decades. This shows me that the knowledge, experience and values I have in my business, and have instilled in my employees of both male and female gender, have positively impacted our community. The trust, loyalty, repeat business and referrals that our clients give to us each year is based on the quality of work and customer service that we consistently provide. I do also enjoy the looks I get when hopping out of a 45 ft long truck and trailer after backing or parallel parking it on the first try, ha ha.
– Kristin Hain, Land Escapes, Inc.
Construction is no longer a gender defined field. There are a lot of opportunities in the construction field for women to succeed. A career in the construction industry can be very rewarding as you develop relationships and knowledge to be successful. The construction field is ever-changing, which allows for personal growth as well as professional growth. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can see the rewards as you complete projects and learn new ways of completing a task.
There were three very important people in my senior year of high school that I believe played a major role in my decision to pursue a career in construction. The first was my high school drafting teacher, Jon Heithold, who challenged me during my senior year and initially put me in contact with the building industry. The second was Joette Kapke, who was my mentor during my senior year of high school. She took time to introduce me to the “behind the scenes” part of the building industry. Finally, and most importantly, Herb Reese, who has been my greatest mentor. Herb took a chance on a high school senior, took time to teach me through job site visits, hands-on experience, and a lot of patience, how the remodeling process works. Herb’s support and encouragement has helped me develop the skills I need to succeed in the construction industry.
– Erin Magnussen, Reese Construction
There are several skills and qualities that are important to success in a career in construction. Some of the most important to me are listening, creativity and communication. Note that none of those skills/qualities are specific to construction! Listening is important if you want to be able to understand what your clients need and want even if they don’t know how to verbalize it. The more you listen the more information you will discover to help you to do your job. Creativity looks a lot like problem solving and thinking outside the box. Figuring out solutions to my clients’ problems is extremely gratifying. Sometimes people don’t even realize they have a “problem” until you solve it for them. Creativity also comes in handy when jobsite conditions change or things don’t go as planned. On the spot solutions need to be determined in a timely manner.
Being able to solve those problems quickly saves time and money for everyone. Communication is not only key when working with clients but also other professionals. Being able to explain intricate details to a carpenter is just as important as being able to explain things to help clients understand something they aren’t familiar with. The trade skills you learn are important, but these skills will enhance your ability to work with everyone you encounter during the day.
– Pam Magner, Reynolds Design & Remodeling
With a background in land development and now a career in construction, I get to drive my kids down streets I named after them and show them the homes Queenpin has built there.
– Christina Melgoza, Queenpin Builders
The most report rewarding thing I have had in building for over 40 years is I love doing the plans and seeing them come to life. I also love working with my customers. I have had some great ones!
– Donna Youngquist, R&D Custom Homes
If possible, get involved in different areas of construction early on. You’ll quickly figure out what interests you the most and what aligns with your strengths. Having a strong network of people who are willing to offer guidance and support can make all the difference. There are so many people who want to help you succeed in this industry. Growing up, I was always around construction because my dad, Mike, is a homebuilder and I had a chance to help in different aspects of the business. After college I tried a different path I thought I wanted to go into. It didn’t take long for me to realize it wasn’t what I wanted to pursue, and I was back working with my dad. I haven’t looked back.
– Hayley Lane, Rezac Construction
You have to love what you do. Once you find a career you are passionate about, nothing should stand in your way. Stereotypes shouldn’t even be considered. And while “proving yourself” is inevitably part of the process, it should never be a driving force.
– Sara Olson, Olson Drafting & Design
On more than one occasion I’ve heard men say they’ve worked with women that were better workers than the other guys on a site. Don’t think you have to out-perform physically, there are other ways to bring value to a team. Show up, be teachable, work hard and don’t expect special treatment. Don’t get offended every time a man wants to do the heavy lifting or can’t find the right words – women on job sites is a relatively unconventional thing. Always carry your own toilet paper and get used to porta potties.
– Megan McKay, Mod Wattage Electric
The most rewarding part of my career has been helping bring people’s dreams and ideas to life! It’s very rewarding to stand back and look at something you helped create!
– Heidi Polacek, Lincoln Cabinet
Finding creative solutions to make spaces more efficient and beautiful to serve clients and their families has always been rewarding. I still get “pinch me” moments when I see where a project started and how it is transformed. I also find a lot of joy from the people I work with every day. I enjoy the camaraderie with my sub-contractors and am fortunate to call some of them close friends. Have the humility to listen and learn from those around you! I have been fortunate to be surrounded by great mentors and am continually learning, from subcontractors, fellow contractors and designers. I had two uncles who were always encouraging the gifts they saw in me, and then I fell into the opportunity to work for Connie Strohmyer, who was a wonderful and kind mentor to me.
– Megan Dreyer, Personal Touch Designs
Have confidence in yourself and be prepared for obstacles. Historically, the construction industry is seen as a “man’s world” and a woman entering the industry may face additional challenges establishing equality. Anyone can learn the skills; however, the qualities to be successful in any industry are the same: Integrity and commitment.
– Crystal Collins, Oak Electric
The biggest reward of this career is being able to tangibly see the things I’ve been a part of over the last 28 years in this field. From land development, commercial offices and retail spaces, to apartment complexes and residential homes. I’ve never viewed this field of work as something only men can do and have enjoyed the dynamic of seeing what we can all do together. I appreciate the constant challenges, the daily problem solving and seeing the progress of thoughts and ideas, translated onto paper and then physically formed. Don’t be intimidated to enter a male dominated field. It takes all of us to make the world go around and it can be very enjoyable. Be your own best advocate and let opportunity in.
– Marlene Stroup, Schwinn Homes
