12 minute read
WOMEN CONSTRUCTION LEADERS SHARE COMMON
WOMEN CONSTRUCTION LEADERS
Share Common Ground
By Carol Rich
It’s a trend that’s ticked steadily upward since 2012: more women are choosing construction as a career — and they’re increasingly making their mark as company owners and policy-making executives.
Although their share in our male-dominated industry might be on the rise, women make up just 11 percent of the construction workforce today. Outnumbered by men at both the job site and the corporate office, they can face tough challenges in their work lives. Those who successfully advance their homebuilding careers often credit the support they get from other women in the industry. process more efficient, less physically demanding — and a more attractive career option for female workers.
“There are not enough women leaders in development and/or construction,” says Jane Arthur Roslovic CEO, co-founder, Treplus Communities. “There are many dynamic women in engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape planning… We really need to cultivate more women in development and construction. It is an industry that is difficult for women to really get traction in and we need to make room for them to feel welcome and see the opportunity to contribute and grow.”
ground.” – Tracy Flanagan
On the rise
Female homebuilding executives were once a rarity in central Ohio. But today more women are moving up the ranks to become managers.
“I started my career in homebuilding in 1982 and with the exception of one woman I can think of, there were not women in positions of leadership,” says Nanette Pfister, vice president of sales for Epcon Communities. “At that time in the industry, most of the positions of leadership were held by men who began their career in the trades and then took positions in management with homebuilders.”
“There’s a ton of camaraderie among the women who can hold their own in the construction industry,” says Tracy Flanagan, president of the BIA’s Professional Tracy Flanagan, CEO of Cambridge Women in Building Exteriors Council (PWB) and CEO of Cambridge Exteriors. “We have common ground.” Ann Misiolek, building product specialist, Parksite, points out that there are more women in leadership positions today, but what’s even more important is the types of jobs they hold.
Flanagan points out that women working in a construction-related field have probably found they’re one of the few females— or even the only one — in their company. “So, we stick together.” “Women are now a bigger part of the actual construction process,” Misiolek observes. “There are more women in mechanical trades and on job sites, so as they progress through their companies, they earn the same type of respect as their male counterparts. They have actually done the job they are now managing.”
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2012 to 2021 women’s numbers in construction increased from 802,000 to 1,241,000. Use of construction technology, such as autonomous heavy equipment, mobile apps and artificial intelligence, has made the building Flanagan says that in the past, men were not used to women leaders — but especially over the last three years that attitude has been changing. “Women can hold their own and they get a ton of respect.”
As more women become decisionmakers in their companies, their effect can be felt throughout the industry. “The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made,’ so of course I believe women have an important place at the table in construction and, in particular, Jennifer Gorsuch Walters, president and CEO of Fairfield Homes housing and community development,” observes Jennifer Gorsuch Walters, president and CEO of Fairfield Homes.
– Jennifer Gorsuch Walters
Joining the pipeline
For the past several years, the labor shortage has created a daunting challenge for construction businesses. Homebuilders know first-hand that the need to grow our pipeline of workers is a top concern. They have stepped up their efforts to add more skilled workers to the construction workforce, and women are among the groups they are now targeting to join the industry. Builders, school counselors and local programs like Franklinton Rising and IMPACT Community Action are spreading the word to both women and men that construction careers offer good jobs, with benefits, that don’t require a college degree. But another good way to attract women to your company is to have other women on board, especially in leadership positions, they can view as role models.
“I think sometimes it is hard for anyone to see themselves in a job, a career, an industry if they do not already see others who look like them in those spaces. That is one of the things that motivates me to seek out and be mentored by and, in exchange, mentor other women in this industry,” says Walters. “My hope is that it is encouraging for women who are thinking about working in the construction industry to see other women leading and succeeding. I also think with that leadership and success comes a strong sense of responsibility to bring a fresh perspective and leave the industry better than I found it.”
Advice from the top
The women who’ve made it in homebuilding have some solid advice for those on their way up.
“Always be learning!” counsels Misiolek. “Know and understand your industry, but if you don’t know, ask the questions. I can guarantee 80-90% of the time the guy standing next to you has the same question! Don’t ever pretend to have all the answers, unless of course you do (just kidding)! You will gain way more respect with honesty and way more confidence when learning.”
Misiolek says she learned very early on in her construction industry career to ‘dress for success.’ “In other words, consider your surroundings,” she recommends. “If you are going to be on a job site, dress like you belong there, if you will be in a
business meeting, dress like a business professional. I love this industry because most of the people I encounter are ‘real,’ they are not trying to be someone else, make sure you give that same impression to others, it will go a long way to build a good reputation.”
Joining the BIA is a smart move for women who want to get ahead in our industry. At the BIA, you can network and deepen your industry knowledge, while connecting with people who work in a wide range of homebuilding fields. Women can find both personal and professional support by getting involved in the BIA’s PWB. This Council gives you an opportunity to pick up valuable advice and make new contacts.
The PWB regularly sponsors BIA events. Additionally, the Council recently created a video based on the children’s book, The House That She Built, that is being distributed in local schools and community centers. The book highlights the roles of women in female-owned construction businesses and the skilled trades.
“The PWB grew stronger and more tight-knit during the pandemic,” Flanagan says. “It brought us closer together. We have great people that are excited about what they’re doing and want to share what they’re doing. It’s a very supportive group, because we genuinely all want to be there for the right reasons.”
Ann Misiolek, building product specialist, Parksite
same question!” – Ann Misiolek
Flanagan advises that women can also benefit by joining a networking organization geared toward a specific line
– Jane Arthur Roslovic
of construction work, like National Women in Roofing. Attending trade shows and conferences, such as the annual Women in Residential Construction conference, additionally helps women pick up ideas about how to move their careers forward. “There are a lot of resources for women,” Flanagan says.
A common denominator for the women who become leaders in homebuilding: their enthusiasm for the industry.
“This is a very special industry,” sums up Pfister. “We have the blessing of being in an industry whose role is to create places where memories are made. Many women have paved the way for you. There is no ceiling on what you can accomplish if you are willing to put in the work.”
Nanette Pfister, vice president of sales for Epcon Communities
are made.” – Nanette Pfister
2022 Parade Brings Homes Directly to Consumers
Held in Neighborhoods Across Central Ohio September 15 - October 2
The BIA Parade of Homes, our association’s signature event, continues its long and successful run this year with a format that’s ultraaccessible.
“The BIA and our partners are thrilled to once again bring the Parade of Homes to central Ohio,” says the BIA’s Manager of Events & Home Tours, Margaret McGuire-Schoeff. “It is a phenomenal opportunity for new homebuyers to see a variety of home styles, price points and locations.”
The Parade has been wowing the crowds since its launch in 1952. As changes have come to home buying — for example, more consumers shopping online, our association has revamped its approach to meet them.
The 2022 Parade, held Sept. 15 - Oct. 2, gives people in the Columbus area and beyond the chance to check out the latest and greatest that our local industry offers. They can tour a variety of homes, in different styles and price points, on display throughout central Ohio. This approach brings the Parade directly to prospective homebuyers.
By expanding our event’s reach, we’re also expanding builders’ opportunities. They can now showcase homes in the neighborhoods where they’re building instead of limiting their participation to a single Parade site. The 2022 Parade’s core component is newly-constructed, for-sale homes available for touring in Columbus area communities within the BIA’s territory. The Parade additionally features a Dream Home category for homes priced $1 million and up.
Beulah Park in Grove City is the 2022 Parade’s Featured Community. This master-planned 220 acre New Urbanism community was developed by Falco, Smith, and Kelley. A mixeduse development built on the grounds that were formerly Ohio’s first thoroughbred racetrack, Beulah Park has close proximity to Grove City’s historic town center. When complete, it will feature 972 residential units including townhomes, apartments and custom homes.
Virtual touring
Consumers can also experience the Parade from the comfort of their own couch, by logging into biaparade.com to read descriptions, see floor plans and photos, and take virtual tours. They can search the site by builder, city, square footage and school district to find exactly the homes they want to visit. Homes will be available for viewing before, during and after the Parade.
Builders have an option to enter homes into the Parade that can be toured online but are not available for in-person tours. This gives builders an added way to participate in the Parade.
New in '22
Scan to Win a Cambria Prize Package with Midwest Quartz and Worly Plumbing Supply Inc. is the newest addition to the Parade of Homes. The contest utilizes QR codes, unique to each home in the Parade, for visitors to scan for a chance to win the prize package.
Thanks to our sponsors
Thanks to the generous support of James Hardie Building Products (presenting sponsor), Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Pella of Columbus and Sherwin Williams, this event is free to the public. These companies are trusted leaders in our industry, and their support reinforces the quality of the homes in the Parade.
Join us for the year’s best street party! Mark your calendar now to attend the Parade Excellence Party, held this year at Beulah Park in Grove City, Wednesday, Sept. 21.
Want more information about the 2022 Parade of Homes?
Get Parade news as it happens! Visit biaparade.com to learn more about participating builders, homes and communities. And follow the BIA Parade on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
NEW THIS YEAR
GLADSTONETM
The winning package includes up to $5,000 in value of fabricated installed Cambria product to one (1) winner. The $5,000 value may be used for any one or more of the following: fabricated and installed square footage, linear footage backsplash and up to one (1) polished sink cut out and sink mounting. Sink and faucet to be provided by Worly Plumbing Supply, see additional rules for details. The winning package does not include removal of old countertops. Installation must be complete on or before September 30, 2023. The winning package is non-transferable, and must be procured from Midwest Quartz in Hilliard, OH . Cambria reserves the right to substitute any prize (or portions thereof) of equal or greater value if any of the prizes (or portions thereof) cannot be awarded as described. The awarding of any prize is contingent upon full compliance with these official rules. The winning entry receives from Worly Plumbing Supply, an American Standard Delancey® Single-Handle Pull-Down Dual Spray Function Kitchen Stainless Faucet with an American Standard Portsmouth® 30 x 18-Inch Stainless Steel Undermount 18 gauge Single-Bowl Kitchen Sink. The Package also includes an Insinkerator disposal. Worly Plumbing Supply will supply these materials only. The labor on this material or any additional plumbing supplies needed for install are not included with the winning entry.
SCAN TO WIN CAMBRIA PRIZE PACKAGE!
with Midwest Quartz & Worly Plumbing Supply Inc.
New to the Parade this year: A unique QR code is positioned in each Parade home. Scan the QR code, fill out the online form to enter for a chance to win a Cambria Prize Package.
1 Visit a home in the BIA Parade.
2 Scan the QR code in the entry of the home.
3 Enter your name and contact info for a chance to WIN!
Each QR code is unique - so the more homes you visit (and SCAN) is another entry in the contest! Whether you are building your dream home or updating your existing kitchen—Cambria, Midwest Quartz and Worley can make your dreams come true. Every home you visit, every QR code you scan, is another opportunity for a chance to WIN!
No purchase necessary. Complete rules and regulations: www.CItySceneColumbus.com/contests
