Name and Company: Britt Tegeler; Tegeler Construction & Supply
Title: CEO
Years in the industry: 7 years
What made you want to join the construction industry?
My father has always been exceptional in the way of construction. I have very fond memories of him building things with his bare hands, whether it was a new addition, a deck, a gazebo, a shed, an interior renovation , you name it. I found it fascinating. Years later, my uncle encouraged me to work with him in the lumber industry. At that time, I knew little to nothing about construction, but I knew I trusted my uncle’s foresight. Not so surprisingly, I instantly fell in love with the industry.
What made me want to stay in the industry?
The lack of females represented in the industry. I never viewed this as a disadvantage; in fact, personally, it meant quite the opposite- a glowing field of opportunity!
What does being a woman in construction mean to you?
It means challenging gender norms. It means breaking societal barriers. It means embracing the philosophy of “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” It means shifting stereotypes and preconceptions. It means bringing new, different, unique, and refreshing ideas and perspectives to, at times, a one-way thinking industry. It means blazing a new path for young females that they may have otherwise not had. It means exciting opportunity for growth and innovation. It means opportunity for success.
How can you help educate young women that may be considering entering the industry or that don’t know about opportunities in the industry?
The most powerful way of teaching is by doing. Young women need to see, first-hand, women IN ACTION. Talking is great, but showing is better. Every day I take massive action in the industry and that is what I want young women to see. If they can understand, quite literally, the work that the industry requires and the results and accomplishments that can be achieved per that work, then we’ve given them a true education.
Additionally, it’s important to get involved in community organizations that have are powerful and far-reaching to ensure that this education is accessible to as many young people as possible. A great example of one of these organizations in the community is Junior Achievement whom we have just started a partnership with. These types of partnerships will allow us, together, to impact more young lives than we could ever possibly achieve in our individual silos.