Karen Massone, Director of Human Resources, WIC Week Profile

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.  Karen Massone

Why construction?
I love the idea of working to build something that a client will rely on for years to come. When we work on a school or hospital, we can look back and know we played a role in ensuring access to education and healthcare for our community.

What is your education/training background?
AS with a concentration in Finance
BSBA with a concentration in Business
Graduated with Highest Honors

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
A long time ago.... I applied for an accounting job here at Fulcrum. I was the AP Manager for almost 7 years and then moved out of state. I had worked for a tech company, an Optical Engineering company, and a multinational computer software technology company, and I always missed the environment at Fulcrum. I missed the team, the clients, and mostly the camaraderie. After 14+ years, I had the opportunity in 2017 to re-join the team and I jumped at it.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
Witnessing the growth & success. Whether it be an individual who has been promoted, a client who has entrusted us with a multifaceted project, or the team congratulating each other on another job well done. There is nothing better in my position than being able to contribute, on any level, to others' success.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Don't ever forget your work boots. Wear them to walk confidently on your path, wear them to stand up for yourself, wear them to lead, and help create a path down the road for others. Don't forget to keep them firmly on the ground, and use those work boots to kick a little butt when you need to.

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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.