“Being a woman should not stop you from doing anything you want to do in life. If you are given an opportunity to progress forward in your career take it and run.”

How long have you been with Cell-Crete?

I started in October 2017 in the accounting department and switched to my current position as a Project Assistant for Cell-Crete Fireproofing in February of last year 2020.

How did you get started in this industry?

I first started in this industry on the administrative side with the accounting team. Then an opportunity came up to work more on the project side with Randy Tyrell, Fireproofing Estimator. I was interested in the position, so I applied and got it.

What made you make the switch from the Accounting team to the Project team?

I enjoyed Accounting and my team at the time a lot, but I realized there’s greater opportunity for growth with the project team. As a Project Assistant I have the opportunity to explore more of what our company does as a whole. I love to learn and explore new topics, and being on the project team, I am able to get away from being at a desk all day and go out on-site to see current and future projects we are working on.

What future career goals do you have for yourself?

As a Project Assistant there is so much to learn, and I am learning every day. My short-term goals are to familiarize myself more on our products, the construction lingo, and shop drawings. Conquering these goals will hopefully give me the opportunity to seek a position as a Project Manager. With the experience I plan to gain I have an interest in project Estimating.

Has Cell-Crete helped you in advancing your career, if so how?

I’ve met really great mentors while at Cell-Crete. Randy has made it a point to get me in touch with other women in construction, especially estimators. He also goes over drawings and plans with me, teaching me how to read the architects plans. While on project sites, Steve Gould, Fireproofing Superintendent, always helps me understand the work we do from start to finish. Both Randy and Steve have helped me learn a lot about the industry. Also, if it wasn’t for Cell-Crete I never would have had these new career aspirations.

What is it like being in this industry as a woman?

I experienced a big learning curve when I entered this industry. I am currently working hard to educate myself on the terminology and lingo used. Although I don’t see too many women, I still feel very respected in my position when I am out there with the boys. I am always inspired when seeing other women on the field especially the ones working on job-sites. I recently met a female Superintendent running a decent sized project, a drywaller/framer, and Iron Worker.

Have you had any role models or inspirations in the industry?

One of our current employees who started just a few months before me, Savannah Demoss, has definitely been an inspiration. Like myself, she started in an Admin Position in our contracts department and has progressed to a lead position as a Coordinator for our Sales team, and is currently managing a team -all men. She is a strong force to reckon with and has worked hard to be where she is at and continues to progress forward.

What has surprised you the most about being a woman in construction?

The opportunities that are given to woman today in the construction industry that I am sure were not available or even thought of in the previous year’s/decades in construction.

Are there any common myths or misconceptions about women working in construction that you’d like to address?

The false idea that women are not accepted into the industry and are not respected the same as men regardless the position they are in. So far, I have not felt that, I have been to meetings run by women in a room full of men and they are given the same respect as if it were a man. I have seen no biased feelings towards women from men in this industry.

How has the industry changed since you joined?

I can’t say I have been in the industry working closely on the projects side long enough to see much of a shift, it is all still very new to me. The largest one of course are the adjustments we have had to make recently due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Why should construction companies hire more women?

I think in any industry women bring different insights and perspectives to the workplace/team that will contribute to success.

Is there anything you think the industry can do to welcome more women?

One way is to bring women together through conferences and workshops. Unfortunately, we can’t get together right now, but I look forward to when we can all support each other through in-person events. I think it’s also important to let women know that the opportunity to enter this industry is there if they want it.

What is a typical day like for you on the job?

I start my days early by getting in the office at 6:30am. The first thing I do is check and respond to emails. There is always paperwork I need to review/submit for future or existing projects. Once I’m done with that, we head out for job walks around 8-9am. We usually head back to the office in the afternoon to close out the day and prepare for the following. I might have a zoom meeting or proposal that needs to go out. I end the day by going over any questions I may have with Randy and Steve, they have been so helpful in mentoring me.

What’s one of the best things about working here?

Besides working amongst wonderful people every single day, I love working for a family-owned business. I feel like part of the family and am treated as so.

Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on here at Cell-Crete?

My favorite project so far has been Home Depot in Pasadena because I was able to see the project from start to finish. When we first visited the site, it was just a dirt lot. The next time we visited, the walls were going up. Then it was time for our work, and we fireproofed the building. Now the place is being stocked and is almost ready to open.

Do you have any advice or tips for other women in this industry?

Being a woman should not stop you from doing anything you want to do in life. If you are given any opportunity to progress forward in your career take it and run.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time outside of work?

I live the wife and mom life. My husband and I enjoy taking rides on his Harley. Whether it be for the day, or the weekend to various destinations to get away, relax, and enjoy some time together. I have son and daughter. I am huge on family and spend as much time as I can with them and take interest in their activities. My son is an EMT, so he has many stories I love to hear, and my daughter is really into painting and anything that is art, so we spend a lot of time supporting their interests & hobbies.