This week marks the 63rd anniversary of Women in Construction Week and CCG is celebrating all the women in this critical and essential industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022 over 158 million people over the age of 15 were employed in the United States, and 46.8% of them were women. However, of the nearly 11.8 million people employed in the construction industry, only 10.9% (approximately 1,285,000) were women. And while that percentage is low, especially compared to other industries, it is up slightly from 2010 when that number was just 8.9%, but unfortunately it hasn’t changed since 2020. Here at CCG we are proud to have extremely talented and enthusiastic women on our sales staff dedicated to financing equipment for the construction industry. To showcase them and to encourage other women to consider a career in construction, we’ve asked them a few questions about their experiences and for some advice they would give to women looking to join the industry.
Linda Brown – Assistant Vice President – West Coast
How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?
30 years.
What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry?
I like everything about the Construction Industry but first and foremost are the people – hard working, hard driving, good people. They build our bridges, our roads, our school, our homes. Construction creates communities. How can you not have massive respect for the workers that get up at 4am to pave our roads and build our bridges?
What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?
It’s never dull. Construction is in constant motion and typically moves at a fast pace. If you are comfortable in jeans, boots and don’t mind getting dusty go for it – If you like wearing high heels and lack a sense of humor, probably not the best career choice.
If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?
A crane. Yes, I’ve had one for years – hard hat and steel toe boots.
Tara Cardella – Regional Sales Manager – Southeast
How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?
10 years.
What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry?
The People, the dedication they have to the industry and the passion they have for it. Construction takes true grit and hard work. You’ll see crews working from sun up to sun down. Construction is part of everyone’s day to day life even if they don’t work in the industry. From the roads we drive on to the homes we live in, without construction we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere or do anything.
What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?
Never take no for an answer and don’t be afraid to get your boots dirty. (This was advice a President of a Large Construction Company told me years ago. It is something that I carry with me every day.)
If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?
A front loader. Yes.
Rosemarie Chambless – Regional Sales Manager – Southeast
How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?
I have been financing construction equipment for 35 years.
What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry?
A career in construction provides opportunity to make a difference in your community as well as form lifelong friendships and relationships with knowledgeable professionals who are happy to share their industry insights. The construction industry is important to our economy and our communities. Construction projects provide jobs, inject both funds and new life into communities, and create infrastructure to keep our community and our country moving. Whether it is building a road, clearing land for development, or building a bridge the things you build matter to the people in your community.
What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?
The beauty of a career in the construction industry is that your career aspirations can be sky high, the only limit to what you are able to achieve falls upon you!
If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?
A bulldozer. I’ve heard it said that the bulldozer’s main claim to fame is its sheer strength and bulldozers go where no other normal tractor would risk. Yes, and it is pink!
What is one suggestion you have for attracting more women into the construction industry?
Start early with role modeling women in construction to encourage young women to seek and pursue construction career opportunities. Recruit women into trade schools and leverage technology to improve access, accountability, and attendance – all of which promote behaviors that lead to improved graduation rates. Help place women into construction roles through targeted recruitment efforts, modern technology and education, and professional support networks.
Haylee Ellrich – Regional Sales Manager – West
How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?
Over 7 years.
What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry?
The people, of course. The industry is full of hardworking, innovative, and down to earth people that are a blast to speak and spend time with. I am constantly in awe of my customers who juggle so much but always make time for me. I am also fascinated with how dynamic this industry is. Techniques and equipment evolve for efficiency and safety, the variety of work that can be accomplished using one piece of equipment, navigating the highs and lows of each segment, navigating different terrains and climates, and coordinating all the pieces of a project.
What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?
Be confident, the industry needs us! Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t currently know; there are amazing men and women in this industry eager to help you learn and succeed.
If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?
An excavator with a mulching head!
What is one suggestion you have for attracting more women into the construction industry?
Highlight the diverse roles available in the industry. There are many opportunities, even if operating a machine or building a road isn’t what you aspire to do. We need accountants, lawyers, managers, insurance specialists, bankers, equipment manufacturers, etc. to keep the wheels turning. and support the “boots on the ground”. The more you can understand the specific needs of the construction market, the more successful you’ll be.
Caroline Robinson – Regional Sales Manager – Northeast
How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?
I began my career in construction in 1998 as a Women Minority Business Owner of MTS Trucking and Paving and Phoenix Supply Company, a stone and gravel yard. In 1999, my company was awarded a contract to haul and remove the dirt from what is now known as the Brick Reservoir, owned by Brick Township Municipal Authorities in Brick, NJ.
What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry?
I love making a positive impact on my community.
What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?
Develop confidence, build trust, ask questions, and set boundaries.
If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?
A BIG wheel loader. Of course! If I ever get a chance to drive one of wheel loaders I’m going to need it!
What is one suggestion you have for attracting more women into the construction industry?
Highlight the opportunities available in construction and showcase successful women in the industry. Provide mentorship and support networks for women starting their careers in construction.
