Women in Construction Week™ 2023: Celebrating 25 Years of WIC

The 25th anniversary of Women in Construction Week™ (WIC Week™) has a clear theme: Many paths, one mission. The purpose is to recognize the different journeys women have taken to strengthen and amplify the success of all women in the construction industry. We're fortunate enough to feature some of those women, working at Brennan, who have agreed to share their thoughts on starting out in construction, and give advice to women considering joining the industry.

Did you know that more than 800,000 women in America are employed in the construction industry? Please help us honor them by showing support for women in the trades, especially those within the Brennan organization.

Let's meet some of the talented women of Brennan! 

BRIDGET ZUK   

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Bridget:     I grew up in a family of construction workers.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Bridget:     3 years

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Bridget:     Being involved overall in such a unique industry.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Bridget:     The culture, the people, and the work that we do.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Bridget:     Traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with the fam.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Bridget:     Go for it, don't let anything stand in your way!           

DANIELLE MAY

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Danielle:    Construction has always been a very big interest in my life, I've always been very hands-on and enjoyed watching something come from nothing. As far back as I can remember building RC airplanes from scratch with my grandfather and father was always a rewarding thing. To see something come from a bunch of wood, paper, and glue turning into an actual flying airplane was fascinating. I enjoyed working with my father, shaping the earth to either grow crops or create different foundations for building structures. My grandmother always encouraged me to be what I wanted to be and never take no for an answer. I guess just knowing that you're shaping the earth today for a better tomorrow and knowing that you had a hand in it is rewarding

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Danielle:    27 years

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Danielle:    Enjoying watching something develop from nothing -- from the skills of our teammates and knowing you're helping our future environment for generations to come.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Danielle:    The communication and fellowship within the organization.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Danielle:    Surfing, reading, hiking, and playing guitar.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?            
Danielle:    Never doubt yourself no matter how hard it gets.

JANE LYNCH

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Jane:         Knowing that I could be a part of something that would truly make a difference.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Jane:         1-2 years

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Jane:         Finding workflow efficiencies.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Jane:         You are a person and not a number. They are transparent and open.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Jane:         Fishing, being outdoors with my dog and family.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?            
Jane:         Go for it! You can make a difference!

JANELLE POGODZINSKI

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Janelle:     It's interesting work.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Janelle:     6 years

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Janelle:     The people of Brennan.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Janelle:     The camaraderie.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Janelle:     Crocheting, walking, and boating.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Janelle:     It is a great career choice with a lot of opportunities!     

JESSICA JAEGER WINN

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Jessica:     I was intrigued by the unique nature of the work. It is a challenging and exciting industry to be a part of.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Jessica:     Less than 2 months.

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Jessica:     The variety in my days and the people I get to work with.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Jessica:     The nature of the work is unique and exciting. Brennan employees are smart, innovative, and very welcoming.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Jessica:     I enjoy spending time outdoors, primarily hunting, fishing, and camping. I also enjoy exercising and hanging out with my family! 

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Jessica:     Pursue opportunities with boldness and confidence. Always keep learning.   

KAYLA SUNDAY

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Kayla:         My husband.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Kayla:         6 months.

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Kayla:         Helping people.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Kayla:         The culture.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Kayla:         Crafting, hiking, cooking, and baking.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Kayla:         Girls can do it too. Don't be afraid to try.   

KELLEY BLANK

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Kelley:        I wanted to work for Brennan.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Kelley:       1 year.

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Kelley:        I love the people I work with.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Kelley:        I love the people I work with! 😀

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Kelley:       Watching basketball games and walking my dog.

MADDIE MORGAN

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Maddie:     It was an opportunity to learn something new.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Maddie:     2 years.

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Maddie:     It's always something new, every day.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Maddie:     The people are amazing!

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Maddie:    Hunting, reading, and being outdoors. 

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Maddie:     Go for it!

SHANNON ELY

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Shannon:   The variety of jobs available.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Shannon:   9 years.

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Shannon:   The people and atmosphere are very welcoming.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Shannon:   Someone is always available to help when needed.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Shannon:   Hiking, boating, and snowmobiling.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Shannon:   It's an interesting, fun job. Every day is different. 

TAMMY DANIELS

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Tammy:     My dad.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Tammy:     Close to 20 years.

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Tammy:     The great variety of work.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Tammy:     I have great co-workers.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Tammy:     Scrapbooking and crocheting.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Tammy:     Try it out! It's never boring.

TINA SKAU

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Tina:          The work performed by Brennan.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Tina:          10 years.

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Tina:          The people.

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Tina:          The learning opportunities and the people.

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Tina:          Spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Tina:          There are plenty of growth opportunities for women in construction!    

TORI WEISSENBERGER

Question:  What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
Tori:           The variety of work and unique accounting aspects.

Question:  How long have you worked in the construction industry?
Tori:           20 years

Question:  What is your favorite thing about your job?       
Tori:           The constant innovation and challenges. I love helping others solve business problems. 

Question:  What do you enjoy about working at Brennan? 
Tori:           The people and culture. I feel respected and that I provide value to the company. 

Question:  What are your preferred hobbies?         
Tori:           Camping, cooking, reading, restoring vintage finds, and gardening. 

Question:  What advice would you give to women interested in construction?
Tori:           Find a company that supports women in the industry and is open to diverse people and ideas.

Brennan is grateful and humbled by the dedication of women within our organization.

We are fortunate to have these women and so many more on our team. We will continue to support women in the trades, creating a work environment that encourages transparency, communication, accountability, and professionalism to ensure all team members are treated with respect.

Looking for more opportunities to get involved?

Consider supporting your local Boys & Girls Club. Here's a look into our Girls in Construction Day last year, in partnership with The Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse, Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse, Wieser Brothers General Contractor, and Mathy Construction. 

Watch directly on YouTube™ here: Girls in Construction - Exploring the Trades

Sources

• https://www.osha.gov/women-in-construction
• https://wicweek.org/
• https://www.jfbrennan.com/blog/women-trades-girls-in-construction-2022 
  
  

Career information is available here: https://www.jfbrennan.com/careers 

J.F. Brennan Company locations and contact information are available at jfbrennan.com/contact-us. For more detailed information, please email news@jfbrennan.com with requests.