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Women in Construction
Paige Wilbur loves construction and the different learning opportunities it has presented. She says, "Being able to go out into the field and see how different structures are built has made me a better engineer. It helps to be able to talk to the different Trades and understand the little things I can do in the design process that makes all the difference for them during the construction process. Construction is a team industry and I appreciate the role I get to play in it."
One of the most interesting, yet challenging projects to date for Sarah Snow was a new construction building for which Alliance Mechanical was contracted to do the HVAC and plumbing. "Inside of this building was a subzero climate cold chamber that needed to be able to remain at -65 degrees F at all times to be able to test the functionality of certain machinery and vehicles in it at extreme temperatures. This project utilized heat tracing in the underground plumbing and a Vehicle Exhaust System that was rated for up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. A wide range of knowledge was used on this project but collaboratively we made it a success."
Growing up around the construction industry, Amanda Sargent found it really interesting at a young age. "I like that each project you do has different challenges, and your days are not always the same. There are many moving parts to a project and I like being able to be involved in all of those different pieces coming together for the final product."
The opportunity to work at Denron Plumbing just happened to fall into Kim Sabean's lap. "I was brought in to help organize the tool room and 6 months later I am running it."
Paula Balcius grew up in a construction family. Her dad was a self-employed mechanical contractor. Her youth was centered around the business. "It's just always been the industry I've had the most knowledge about. My brothers joined dad's business and it was always the topic of family dinners. Actually, it still is the topic most discussed at family dinners."
One of the most critical components to this industry is learning on the job, so find yourself a mentor who can genuinely help you pursue your ambitions. And as you move up and learn more each day, reach back and bring the next young, ambitious lady along with you.
When I was little, I spent many hours playing with a wonderful set of Legos®. I've had a fascination for the built environment since then. My career path, although far from construction, has developed in the built environment over the past 20 years and I've found a home in it. I may not swing a hammer or an excavator, but I enjoy showcasing the people, places, and projects that do and telling their story.
I love making meaningful connections with people. I try to lead with an honest approach to things. I connect with people and those connections have proven to be the best part of my job.
Cindy Cassavaugh enjoys participating in the building process. She says, "It is like watching the future unfold with every completed project."
I realized at a young age that traditional school was not how I learned. I needed my studies to be tangible in order for it to make sense. I did construction trades at the vocational school within my high school and after a 5 year break decided to go to college for construction management.