Brett Connolly, Project Manager, Shook Construction
This week, I Build America Ohio is celebrating all of the men and women who make up Ohio’s construction workforce during the first-ever Construction Inclusion Week. The modern construction industry doesn’t look like the construction industry of previous generations. It’s made up of men and women of different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, orientations, and interests. The diversity of our workforce makes us stronger, and understanding the biases we all bring to our daily work is essential for creating an even better future for Ohio’s workforce. All week, I Build America – Ohio will be sharing the stories of various people in our state’s workforce who are working together to build Ohio.
Name: Brett Connolly
Company: Shook Construction
Position: Project Manager
Years Working in Construction: 12 years
Why does workplace diversity and inclusion matter to you?
- Workplace diversity and inclusion matter to me because I feel that it ensures a broader group of individuals to work together. Having this allows for a better ability to problem solve and work together to get the projects done. If we all came from the same background or even geographical area, we might all be thinking the same way. In this industry, thinking outside of the box is what makes companies not only successful but fun to work for.
How can construction benefit from a more diverse workforce?
- Construction is an ever-changing field. From daily tasks changing every day, to how we build much differently from a decade ago. Making sure we are surrounding ourselves with a diverse workforce is a great way to ensure we are not limiting our growth potential as well as surrounding others with new and bright ideas.
How do you advocate for others? How can others advocate for you?
- I have always advocated for individuals with a positive mindset and hard work. Regardless of race, gender, etc. If you are someone who shows up to work every day and wants to build a better world. I want you to be on my team and I want to spread the positivity on to others. I would ask nothing more of myself in that regard. I do not personally like the recognition; I like it to go to my team. Whether you are an owner, architect, or subcontractor. Hearing that my team provided an exceptional experience in the work we provided is enough to know that we are doing something right everyday that we show up.
Think about the future workforce of construction. Who do you think will be involved in it?
- It is my hope that the future workforce is those that I advocate for. Strong/Intelligent/Humble individuals that want to build a better tomorrow for the communities that they serve.
