This week we celebrate Women in Construction Week (WIC) and the many women who work in and make important contributions to our industry every day! We are pleased to share the stories from many of the women who work and live in NH and VT. The project was created in partnership with I Build NH and NAWIC Granite State Chapter.  

Why construction?
I have been in the staffing industry for 22 years and I can say that skilled trades staffing is the most rewarding field I have 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. 

Our Field Staff are the cornerstone of our business and it is so rewarding to see a tradesman find a position with a customer who treats them so well.  I have watched tradesmen buy first time vehicles, first homes, start families and most importantly gain stability in their life. That is why construction is for me.

What is your education/training background?
Salem State University, 2004
BA – Management, concentration Marketing, minor English
OSHA trained

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
I was recruited by our former VP.  I did not have any knowledge of construction, but I had a strong staffing background. He saw excellent potential in me and quickly promoted me to Account Management for our client portfolio and new business development. I was able to learn the industry by listening to clients and understanding their needs. I have great mentors who have strong construction backgrounds and great success with our company.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
I enjoy the staff and team I work with each and every day. We are dedicated, motivated and invested in the business. It is so rewarding to help companies meet their goals by providing stellar service. Our dedication to our field tradesmen is what keeps me motivated everyday. Believe it or not, we change lives and grow people.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
I have worked on many great projects, but some of the high end residential projects have been the most interesting. We have partnerships with some of the most prestigious design build companies in Boston which has allowed us to provide high end craftsmen at some exclusive projects for celebrities and multi-millionaires. The work has been extremely detailed and complicated and the opportunity to be a part of such amazing craftsmanship is an honor.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
My advice to any woman entering the construction industry would be to have confidence to be a part of such a male dominated industry. Utilize your feminine qualities in these environments because that allows the ability to be taken seriously.  Listen in order to learn, never try and know what you do not know. Allow the experts to guide and mentor because that builds credibility in the industry.

###

ABC NH/VT
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 21,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.

I Build New Hampshire
I Build NH represents the construction sector of the state through the Sector Partnerships Initiative (SPI). I Build NH represents companies involved in heavy construction like municipal water treatment systems and road building, electric and telecommunication infrastructure, civil engineering, heating/ventilation/air conditioning businesses and more.

National Association of Women in Construction
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has over 115 chapters throughout the United States, including the NAWIC Granite State Chapter. NAWIC provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC advocates for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.