She was responsible for shutting down roadways for our operations— intersections, interstates, inner-city thoroughfares— you name it. And she was the best of the best at that too.
Eventually, the company gave her a shot as a project superintendent, and she absolutely crushed it.
Days, nights, multiple projects at once— she handled it all. And not only handled it, she thrived on it.
" I like running multiple projects. I like being busy," she’ d say.
Dana retired a couple of years ago, and our entire area( one of four) felt the loss. She could handle anything.
I remember a particularly difficult project— one that required full-time supervision; no bouncing between jobs. It needed a project superintendent’ s undivided attention.
" Curt’ s leaving for another position, Dana, and I need you to run this job," I told her.
" Ugh … please, no. I’ ll be stuck there all day."
" You’ re not wrong, but we don’ t have anyone else that we can trust to run it. It’ s a logistical nightmare, and we need someone solid. You’ re the person for the job."
And to no surprise, she absolutely nailed that project too. Finished it out in fine fashion
like the absolute boss she was.
I saw very few women in this industry 25 years ago. In the office? Sure. But in the field? They were rare. Not anymore. Now, I work with women in all sorts of roles— project superintendents, forewomen, inspectors, laborers, operators … and they don’ t just fill these roles, they dominate them.
Heck, my girlfriend was a construction manager for 13 years, running operations for one of the most successful pool companies in Florida.
If you didn’ t already know it, let me be the one to tell you: women are bringing immense value to this industry— far beyond what some old-timers might recognize— and I couldn’ t be happier about it.
Here’ s to the women putting in solid work on the front lines and showing the boys how it’ s done.
I see you, and I have mad respect for what you’ re doing. We all do.
Matt Ohley is a construction professional with over 27 years in the industry, currently serving as founder of Bluecollar Mindfulness. Matt started in the industry as a general laborer, eventually working into the roles of foreman, superintendent, project manager and general superintendent. He is passionate about the industry and refers to the people in the field as his " tribe." In his time outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors and with his children, as well as visiting local springs and kayaking.
www. contractorshotline. com February 21, 2025 15