A few weeks ago, I wrote a LinkedIn post encouraging greater participation by women in the construction industry, particularly in roles where attention to detail, communication, organization, and technical skills are often more important than physical strength.
Shortly afterward, I received the June 4 newsletter from Pro Remodeler, which highlighted several women who are making a significant impact in residential construction.
One story featured Susi Strothman and Tamatha Miller, co-founders of Elea Healy, a design-build firm in Minneapolis. Their backgrounds in architecture, education, and design helped them create a company focused on making clients feel heard, understood, and comfortable throughout the construction process.
Another featured Gena Hoyt, co-owner of Big Dog Construction in New Brunswick, Canada, whose experience in agriculture and business administration helped shape her approach to leadership, project management, and construction education.
The newsletter also highlighted several successful mentoring relationships through Women in Residential Construction (WIRC), demonstrating how experienced professionals are helping the next generation develop careers in the industry.
After more than 45 years in construction, I continue to believe our industry benefits when we attract talented people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Construction today requires problem solving, communication, technical knowledge, organization, and leadership just as much as it requires traditional trade skills.
Many of the most important lessons in construction are learned from experienced professionals willing to share their knowledge, and mentorship remains one of the best ways to strengthen our industry.
The future of our industry will be stronger if we continue creating opportunities for skilled and motivated people to enter the profession and build rewarding careers.
I was encouraged to see these examples and optimistic about the direction the industry is moving.