4 Key Takeaways Our Team Uses to Drive Success
Only about 11% of the construction workforce is made up of women today, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
That number is growing – and that’s something worth celebrating.
Because stepping into a traditionally male-dominated industry isn’t easy. It takes commitment to learn the craft, build confidence, and earn your seat at the table.
And more women are doing exactly that.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we asked three women on our team to share advice for others thinking about entering industries like construction or restoration. Their message is simple: there’s room here – and opportunity – for women ready to jump in.
Just Go For It
First piece of advice? Don’t wait for someone to invite you.
If you’re interested in something – speak up and go after it.
The women on our team didn’t wait for permission. They stepped forward, took opportunities, and trusted their ability to solve problems and figure things out along the way.
As RestoreCore estimator Julie Cespedes puts it:
“My advice to women is to be confident, ask questions, and not be intimidated.”
Confidence doesn’t mean having every answer on day one. It simply means believing you belong in the room – and being willing to participate in the conversation.
Learn the Work
Here’s the truth about industries like construction and restoration: the more you learn, the more confident you become.
Confidence comes from understanding how the work actually gets done – how projects move, how teams coordinate, and how problems get solved.
Sometimes that means stepping into the roles that help you build experience and learn the inner workings of the job. Every position becomes part of the foundation.
Inside Project Coordinator Brandi Harley says experience is exactly what helped her build confidence in her role over time.
Learning the work – and continuing to grow your knowledge – is what helps professionals become leaders.
Find Your People
No one builds a career alone.
Mentors, teammates, and professional networks make a huge difference – especially when entering a field that might feel unfamiliar at first.
Finding the right people means surrounding yourself with professionals willing to share knowledge, offer guidance, and open doors to new opportunities.
It’s all about building relationships with people who want to see you succeed.
And in industries like construction and restoration, those connections often become some of the most valuable learning opportunities you’ll find.
There’s More Than One Path
Women can enter male-dominated industries from completely different backgrounds – and those experiences often become a strength.
Director of Operations Rhonda Farrell says her background in property management helped shape how she approaches restoration today.
“Coming from a property management background, I understand both the customer and perspective and the importance of execution.”
And as Cespedes explains:
“There are many opportunities to learn and grow if you are willing to get hands-on experience.”
Different strengths, backgrounds, and skill sets all contribute to successful teams.
And that variety is exactly what helps these industries continue to evolve.
A Final Thought
Seeing more women across construction and restoration sites today – and in other male-dominated industries – is something worth celebrating all year long.
So here’s a genuine thank you – and round of applause – to the women rolling up their sleeves and digging into the work every day.
These industries are changing.
And we’re excited to see where they go next. 💪