In a recent episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum sat down with Gretchen Gagel, a seasoned construction industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities for women in construction. The conversation shed light on the industry's potential, its marketing struggles, and the importance of diversity and inclusion.
The Construction Industry: More Than Just Labor
Challenging Misconceptions
One of the most significant barriers to entry in construction is the widespread misconception that the industry is solely about manual labor. Gretchen Gagel emphasizes
that construction offers diverse career opportunities, including:
Accounting
Marketing
Technology
Strategic planning
Executive leadership
A Career for Everyone
The industry desperately needs talent across multiple disciplines. With massive workforce shortages in the United States and Australia (estimated at 750,000 to 290,000 respectively), construction is actively seeking professionals from various backgrounds.
Women in Construction: Breaking Barriers
Current Landscape
The statistics are stark:
4-3% women in trades
11-12% women overall in the industry
Limited representation in leadership roles
The Importance of Male Allyship
Gretchen highlights the critical role of male allies in creating an inclusive environment. She shared a powerful example from her own career where her boss, Lou Bainbridge, stood up for her presence in strategic planning meetings.
Solving the Talent Shortage
Creative Solutions
The discussion explored innovative approaches to attracting and retaining talent:
Flexible Work Arrangements
On-site Childcare
Supporting Work-Life Balance
Recruiting from Diverse Backgrounds
Military Transition: An Untapped Resource
Ron Nussbaum passionately advocated for recruiting military veterans, noting the similar skill sets and the desire to maintain a sense of camaraderie and purpose.
Marketing the Construction Industry
The Need for Better Representation
Both Gretchen and Ron agree that construction has a significant marketing problem. They propose:
Creating a hit TV show about construction
Changing industry narratives
Highlighting the meaningful impact of construction work
Gretchen's Book: Building Women Leaders
Gretchen's upcoming book, "Building Women Leaders," aims to:
Provide leadership insights
Share strategies for success
Inspire women in construction
Key Takeaways
Construction offers diverse and fulfilling career paths
Diversity and inclusion are crucial for industry growth
Creative solutions can address talent shortages
Marketing and perception need significant improvement
Connect
Gretchen
Ron
BuilderComs builds custom communication software and systems that work for your construction business, not against it
Want a CRM that is built for the construction industry https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Leave your new homeowners with the resources they need
Facebook group
Website
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report FREE Pre-Order! https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
Watch the interview
Conclusion
The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment. By embracing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and implementing innovative recruitment strategies, the sector can transform its image and attract top talent from all backgrounds.
Disclaimer: This article is inspired by the Construction Champions podcast episode featuring Gretchen Gagel.
Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Way in Construction
Comments