Women Breaking Ground in the Man’s World (Construction)
I do a lot of networking because I really enjoy meeting new people, whether they're in the same industry or not; I do a lot of networking within the construction industry and whenever people meet me they always assume that I am a designer. It's not offensive and I don't mind but it is funny that there are so few female general contractors, that no one ever expect us to be general contractors.
I don't advertise myself or try to rub it in people's faces that I am a female general contractor, mostly because most people don't even think to look for one because we are so few and far between. I also had a friend tell me that she would be nervous to hire me for any construction project because I'm not a big, strong man. It was frustrating hearing out from a friend, but at the same time it's understandable. Each industry has its stereotype, I guess. What I've seen is that women are amazing project managers because they communicate effectively, clearly, quickly. They are clean, more organized, more respectful. Just think of all the women that are the project managers for their families. They organize and run everyone's schedules, they make sure all the little details are taken care of, and they handle all the enter communication between all the family friends and extended family. Those skills are directly applicable to construction! Everyone needs to be on the same page, there are little details that can slip through the cracks and someone needs to make sure that they're taken care of, and that every step of the process is done (and done well).
As for the male general contractors, and in my experience, one that was busy flying all over the country and his superintendent was really the one performing the general contractor duties. Another one was explaining the scope of the job and he was flirting with the young lady homeowner and it was so uncomfortable to watch him think he's so cool and slick and she is so awkward and shy and clearly not enjoying that kind of attention during a professional appointment. There are others who I have not met but I have seen their work - to put it simply, it was really bad. Not only has there been multiple occasions where the work is left unfinished but it was done so badly! Those are the guys that embarrass me for being in construction, and they are also the reason that I do not worry about competition or oversaturation in the construction industry because there are too many people that do not have the heart that I do for their clients and their craft.
It's crazy to me that ‘breaking ground in the construction world’ and standing out as a good contractor is literally just doing a good job, communicating, and finishing on time. That's so basic and obvious and there are still so many contractors that fail to do that! No need to worry though, I'm here now.
