Throughout the month of August, I Build America – Ohio is celebrating the role of family in the construction industry. In the world of construction, “family” means a lot of things. In some cases, there are multiple family members working together: mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, uncles and nephews working side by side. In other crews, the impact of family comes from working for a family-owned company. And, in other cases, a new family is formed through the bonds of working with a great team. One of the biggest drivers of new individuals to the construction industry is influence from a respected family member or friend, and we’re here to help share the stories of what family looks like in construction.
Name: Brandi
Company: George J. Igel Co., Inc.
Title/Position: Grade Checker Foreman
Years Working in Construction: 5 years
What is the role that family played in your decision to join the construction industry?
I joined the construction industry because my brother saw potential in me within the field. He was wanting me to better myself and give me an outlet he believed I could grow in, and thrive in. He supported me, and cheered me on through my journey to this point.
How have you incorporated family into your job/work/passion?
Stories, pictures, memories and moments shared is the purest way family has been incorporated into construction. My children hear about my day just as much as my crew hears about my children. My own son has told me just recently that he considers working construction when he gets older because he was “raised in it.” Our company social app keeps us connected when we are disconnected on our own working groups all across the state.
In what ways do you see “family” show up in construction?
I work with people I consider family. Spending days in, and days out, with the same core people allows you to build bonds with others that are usually unbreakable. We tell stories and talk about our loved ones on our down time, we laugh together, we go through the hard times together, ultimately those people become your home away from home. We share food and occasionally a shoulder when the other is in need. We show up for each other on days it’s hard to show up for ourselves.
Why do you believe family plays an important role in building the future of construction?
Growth and building is generational in all aspects of life. Family is suppose to be someone that looks out for you, just like our role in construction. Ultimately we are trying to do better for the next, build better for the next, just like we do for our own blood. If core values can be build on, and bettered, for the next generation of construction, the growth you see will become something amazing.
