Empowering Women through Construction
In honoring Women in Construction (WIC) Week, 84 Lumber proudly shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions made by women in the construction industry. As a leading name in the building materials sector, 84 Lumber emphasizes its commitment to empowering women and creating an environment where they can thrive. During this celebratory week, taking place from March 2-8, 84 Lumber recognizes the tireless effort and dedication that women bring to this traditionally male-dominated field.
Celebrating Diverse Paths in Construction
84 Lumber, a certified national women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy, is dedicated to highlighting the inspirational stories of women who have forged successful careers in various roles within the construction sector. This year, the company focuses on three exceptional women: Wendy Odom, Jessica Ryan, and Malori Raison. Each of their journeys emphasizes the diverse opportunities available to women in construction.
Wendy Odom: Resilience and Growth
Wendy Odom serves as a Sales Coordinator with 84 Lumber and has dedicated 35 years to the construction field, spending 22 of those years with the company. Driven by a desire to support her family as a single mother, she entered the industry and has since carved out a career rich in personal and professional development.
With her extensive experience, Odom has embraced opportunities at 84 Lumber and made it a priority to mentor others. "The tools I received from 84 Lumber enabled me to grow and, in turn, I could help others find confidence to improve their prospects," Odom reflects.
A strong believer in the unique abilities women offer the industry, Odom highlights skills such as problem-solving, multitasking, and teamwork as essential to successful leadership. She encourages aspiring women in the field to remain open-minded and proactive in creating advantageous learning environments.
Jessica Ryan: Building a Business from the Ground Up
As the owner of Thermally Yours Inc. and having entered the construction trades at a young age, Jessica Ryan has spent 25 years honing her skills. Specializing in insulation for the past 11 years, she has made a name for herself while leading a skilled installation team.
"Starting from nothing, I had to work diligently to establish myself, and I take immense pride in my dedicated team," Ryan shares. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and recognizes the responsibility she carries as an employer, noting, "I am deeply motivated by the success of my crew—seeing them grow each day is a tremendous source of pride."
While Jessica acknowledges existing biases in the construction world, she believes ongoing knowledge acquisition is crucial for overcoming these challenges. "By continuously expanding your understanding of your trade, you can effectively counter any preconceived notions about women in construction," she advises.
Malori Raison: Innovating in Customer Service
Entering the construction industry just eight years ago with little experience, Malori Raison quickly made a name for herself as the Customer Service Manager at 84 Lumber Franklin Components. Driven by curiosity and determination, she found herself deeply engaged in enhancing customer service while developing operational efficiency within her plant.
"Customer service is the front line in our industry. I wanted to be the sole point of contact during urgent situations," Raison emphasizes. Her commitment to collaboration drives her to work closely with her team, ensuring every aspect of their operations runs smoothly and efficiently.
Raison’s journey in construction has allowed her to observe and challenge the lingering stereotypes about women. She encourages other women to join the field, prepared with a can-do attitude and determination. "Construction offers exciting challenges daily, and the rewards can be substantial for those willing to work hard and learn," she states.
Supporting Women in the Construction Industry
As the construction industry grapples with workforce shortages, consciously recruiting and retaining women becomes vital. 84 Lumber’s commitment to this cause is evident, with numerous initiatives aimed at attracting female talent, including mentorship programs and leadership development workshops.
According to Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber, "Women bring incredible value to our industry. By sharing their experiences and encouraging exploration of career opportunities, we aim to inspire more women to pursue paths in this exciting field." The goal is to create an inclusive environment that recognizes and values the contributions of women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Women in Construction Week?
Women in Construction Week is an annual event aimed at highlighting the role of women in the construction industry and promoting opportunities for female professionals.
Who is 84 Lumber?
84 Lumber is a leading provider of building materials and services, established in 1956, and is owned by Maggie Hardy. The company is dedicated to supporting women's initiatives in the construction industry.
What roles are available for women in construction?
Women can take on diverse roles within construction, from sales and project management to technical positions and leadership roles.
Why is it important to empower women in construction?
Empowering women helps to diversify the workforce, bring new perspectives to the industry, and address the growing workforce shortage.
How can women get involved in the construction industry?
Women looking to enter the construction industry can seek mentorship opportunities, pursue education in trade skills, and connect with organizations dedicated to supporting women in this field.
