Name: Kelly S.
Company: Ohio CAT
Title/Position: Rental Service Supervisor
Years working in construction: 20+
What was your path to a career in construction? I grew up knowing a lot of people in the construction industry, including my dad. He worked for the Hamilton County Engineers in Ohio for nearly 30 years until his retirement. In the past, I worked for a concrete company and my husband owned an aerial cable company and I would work as a road flagger for his company whenever needed. I knew I wanted a career with challenges and a fast paced environment. Who wants to sit and stare at a clock?
What do you like most about working in construction? Being a small part of helping to build America! Seriously, there is stability in construction work. No two days are alike, and it’s never boring. I can drive around my city and neighborhood and name every piece of construction equipment and what they do. It’s impressive at times when you’re the only female in the group who can do that. I love watching the process of roads being built and buildings go up! It makes me proud of what I do, and it makes me proud to work for Ohio CAT.
This year’s theme is “Keys to the Future.” What is the key to the future of construction in Ohio? I think the key to the future of construction in Ohio will be targeting the younger generations. The need to stand out in the competitive construction industry and attract and retain the younger workers. Doing everything you can to showcase your company as an attractive employer – whether through better benefits, perks, flexible work options, or simply being a company that people want to be a part of.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say? I would tell young women that I wish I had started my career in construction right out of high school. You can get paid training, a good salary, good benefits, and the ability to be independent. There is always room for advancement if you work hard and you get to be a part of helping build America. It’s a super rewarding job!
