Women in Construction Week

The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities. visit: www.nawic.org to see more. #womeninconstruction2021 #wicweek2021 #nawicwicweek2021

Local Women in Construction:

Puhlmann Lumber

Kayla Puhlmann and Tanya Hoffmann

Years in construction: Kayla – 20 Tanya – 20 Are there many women in your field: Drafting, yes. Physical labor, not as many. Advice to other women interested in a construction job: Go for it, you won’t regret it!  

Jessi Havemeier

What is your job title?: Automotive Paint Representative How long have you been in the trade? 8yrs Are there many women in your field? 20% or less What advice would you give to women who are interested in learning what you do? Go for it! Women accel in the refinishing field due to their attention to detail and ability to physically see colors better than men. Women are an asset to any refinishing shop.

Sierra Dolly

Ericksen Construction What is your job title?: I don’t know that I have a defined job title but I would consider myself as a general laborer How long have you been in the trade? I’ve been working in the construction field for about 8 months Are there many women in your field? I haven’t seen very many women in the field but out of everyone in the construction field, women make up about 10%. What advice would you give to women who are interested in learning what you do? I would say to women going into the field that if that’s what your passionate about go for it. It’s a good feeling to see the job done and see what you just did. I will say, you have to be fine with working with all guys.  

Janney Rieke

Design Home Center What is your job title?: My job is a draftsperson, which means I prepare technical architectural drawings for construction of new buildings (mainly residential), additions and remodels. To do this I use a CAD (computer-aided drafting) software program where I can draw floor plans, elevations and wall sections needed to build and complete projects. I am also able to create 3-D renderings and do virtual walkthroughs of projects before they are done. How long have you been in the trade? I’ve been working at Design Home Center for almost three years now. My degree is in Interior Design, while there I had many classes where I learned how to draft. Are there many women in your field? To my knowledge, there are not a lot of women in my field. When I looked it up it’s between 16-25%. What advice would you give to women who are interested in learning what you do? As for advice, if you’re interested get into the field as soon as you can to get some experience and see if it’s something for you.

Paula Kral

What is your job title?: Owner and painter of That’s How We Roll LLC  How long have you been in the trade? 19 years Are there many women in your field? Not exactly sure but I know there was at least one other female painting company for a couple of years a few years back in New Ulm. I personally have worked with four other females in the painting trade over the past 19 years. What advice would you give to women who are interested in learning what you do? Learn and fine-tune your skill. Be reliable, on time, and do a good job. take pride in what you do.