It’s Women in Construction Week! Each year, I Build America Ohio takes the opportunity during Women in Construction Week to share the stories of the women across the state who make up our great industry. The stories of these women show the diverse backgrounds, interests, skills, and talents that are part of the work we do–and we encourage more women of all ages and interests to consider careers in construction.
You can follow along as the nation celebrates its female construction workforce. Check out the hashtag #WICWeek2022 and #IBuildAmericaOhio!
The Women of Ohio’s Workforce: Meet Kandy
Name: Kandy Buhl-Raney
Position: Rental Store Manager
Company: Ohio CAT
How many years have you been working in construction?
I have been in the construction industry about 30 years. I started back when women were never heard of being in this field!
How did you get started in the construction industry?
I had been working with Northern Michigan golf resorts booking large groups of men’s outings (GM etc.) to include lodging, food and numerous golf tee times. When I married my husband Jack and moved downstate Michigan, I wanted to find a job where I would be off early afternoons so we could go golfing. The job I found that allowed me to do this was receptionist position at an aerial equipment business. After a couple months, the owner fired the manager and asked me if I could handle the job, and of course I said I yes. However, going into it, I knew nothing about the equipment besides the fact that they were blue and some were orange in color and went up and down.
In your experience, what do women bring to the construction industry?
Being a woman in the construction field was not heard of many years ago, but having three daughters, I wanted to show them with hard work and determination, you can accomplish numerous obstacles.
I feel that women bring compassion and empathy into workplaces.
In what ways does your company support women joining the industry?
At Ohio CAT, women and men are given equal opportunities for whatever positions they are applying for, and with this company comes tools, training and many helpful employees to assist anyone interested.
If you were to give young women (high school students) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
My best advice for young women thinking about a career in construction is, GO FOR IT!!! However, make sure you love what you are doing and consider it not only a job, but a passion. The sky is the limit for opportunities at Ohio CAT.
