As the Director of Health, Safety and Risk Management with ReArch, COVID-19 has been Holly LeClair’s responsibility. She took the position only three weeks before the stay at home orders in VT were issued. She says this has been the most rewarding, yet challenging aspect in my 25+ years in health and safety. “I have learned to pivot in a way I never dreamed I would.”

Heather Leahey, Office Manager with Fulcrum Associates, says she enjoys construction because there's still so much to learn. "Home improvement has always been of interest to me so it made sense. I have done roof repair, electrical, plumbing, painting, drywall and floor installation since owning my house 20 years ago. And, I love using power tools any opportunity I can get."

Darlene Cassidy, Construction Technology Manager with Fulcrum Associates, chose to pursue a professional career in the construction industry because she would like to see the country’s infrastructure grow. 

Haley Frazier started out as a project coordinator with a company who focused on renovating and developing large apartment complexes throughout the south. She says, "I loved the work and found it very rewarding and challenging. From there I knew I wanted to pursue a career in construction management."

I was working for a CPA in New Hampshire that had a niche in construction accounting and I had to work with all kinds of construction companies. When I decided to leave public accounting and go into the private sector, construction seemed like a good fit for me. Also, growing up in Connecticut, my dad owned a ceiling and drywall construction company, so he's very proud that I am at Denron now.

Construction offers a tangible outcome that will exist for years, decades, in some cases centuries. When you work in construction you have an opportunity to leave your mark on the world. Additionally, the work is always interesting with endless opportunities for growth and development. As a military spouse I moved often so I am thankful the skills I have developed in construction are transferable.

Coryn Brosnan has been in the staffing industry for 22 years and says that skilled trades staffing is the most rewarding field she been a part of. "Peopleready Skilled Trades is a company that treats their employees amazing. Opportunity for growth and professional development are always available. We take pride in partnering with construction companies to help them grow".

To women considering a career in construction, Majken Poley, Project Manager with ReArch Company, would say, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. "It can sometimes feel pretty male dominant, but don't let that hold you back. I have found so much support and respect in my role, regardless of my gender. More and more women are popping up in the industry, paving the way for the future of women in construction."

A career in the construction industry has always come natural to Michelle Trodella, Director of Operations Administration with Methuen Construction Co., Inc. "Growing up in a family of skilled mechanics and trade workers instilled an interest from a young age to not only love the visual and measurable accomplishments at the completion of a project, but also to embrace each step along the process as individual small achievements. Like many who have held the flashlight for their fathers while they worked on a project, that contribution albeit small was essential. Each individual role plays a part within the progression of the project progression and successful completion."

Kristen Peik with Alpine Environmental, Inc. appreciated the more tangible work that goes into the construction industry. "Even though I'm not working in a hands-on position, it's rewarding to see the end result of the work our company as a whole provides our clients."