Name: Dorrie
Company: Ohio CAT
Title/Position: General Manager, Cat Rental Store
Years working in construction: 20
What was your path to a career in construction? I have always enjoyed talking to and meeting new people even while I was in school, I tended to gravitate towards jobs that had a focus in customer service. After officially joining the industry in 2004 as a Customer Service Specialist then pivoting into rental thereafter, I knew I had found my niche! I very much enjoyed the fast pace of the rental industry while getting the opportunity to build relationships with customers and provide them with exceptional customer service.
What do you like most about working in construction? The people! Even though by having a career in construction you may have a very large customer base, it really is business built on relationships. I feel it’s a wholesome partnership in helping to further improve our communities.
This year’s theme is “Keys to the Future.” What is the key to the future of construction in Ohio? Technology and digitalization. Whether it be technology on equipment that reduces costs and increases project accuracy or offering digital solutions to our customers as another form of communication and interaction, keeping up with these trends is key to profitable growth for both our business and our customers.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say? Find someone that works in this industry and ask questions! You will be surprised at all the opportunities there are for women in the construction industry. At times there is the misconception that you have to either be able to operate or repair equipment to work in the industry and for some that may deter them from considering it. Don’t limit yourself! You can absolutely have a career doing either of those things if it’s what you want to do!
