Women in the construction industry, can it work?

It can be hard for women in a male-dominated world of construction.
Female owners of construction companies are often the only women at job-site meetings. Not yet used to women running the show, construction workers at sites sometimes mistake them for building owner representatives or inspectors.

It can be uncomfortable to be the only woman on a job site where it is all men. There are times that you look around, and you stick out like a sore thumb. The woman-owned construction firm is a rare breed. Just 12 percent of those working nationally in the construction industry are women and only 6 percent are managers, according to the National Association of Women in Construction in Fort Worth, Texas.

Running a company in this male-dominated industry takes perseverance -- and a thick skin.
Our firm has been involved for years on new construction, renovation and tenant improvement, still, men don't assume we know what we're talking about when it comes to construction. In this business it is important to know the trade because you are dealing with a lot of men and a male-dominated profession.

When women first started in their roles as company executives, plenty of men challenged their authority. I have had men come in the office demanding to speak to my boss.
Female construction firm owners deal with these attitudes by demonstrating their knowledge of construction. A friendly golf game or social outing with a client doesn't hurt either. Golf playing being a goal I have not yet achieved.

Despite the gender imbalance in the industry, some progress has been made in acceptance of women in construction. Sexist workers are unlikely to sign up for a female-owned construction company's job. It almost makes women a natural filter for “jerks” in the construction business.
Although working in a male-dominated field is a challenge, female owners of construction firms also see advantages. Home owners are happy to know there is a person that can relate to the construction from a woman’s perspective, who understands and has valuable input on the flow and design of a home. Also, women often have a different perspective and are usually more adept at communicating, these women owners said. Women will pick up the phone more often than men, who tend to communicate better via email.

They also benefit from Women Business Enterprise certifications. Governments and other entities are often required to contract a certain percentage of their projects to woman- or minority-owned firms.
Although we hope to be accepted by the old boys' club, women construction company owners aren't necessarily vying for membership.

"I still wear my high heels to the job site."