I Build America – Kentucky is dedicated to celebrating the women of construction. Women are a vital part of our industry, and there are female leaders at all levels of construction work. From foreman to company owners and executives, construction wouldn’t be the industry it is without its female employees. Join us and our partners in celebrating the success of women within your own company and across the nation during National Women in Construction Week 2023.
Name: Lindsey T.
Company: Next Generation in Trucking Association
Title/Position: President & Co-Founder
Years in Construction: 11 Years
What was your path to a career in construction?
I graduated Purdue University with a degree in Selling and Sales Management then moved to Chicago and was in outside sales for Southern Wine & Spirits. I loved that job, but moved to Louisville to get a master’s in divinity and then worked at a church. I decided I wanted to get back into sales and got a job working for a driver staffing company. Every day we talked about the workforce shortages, young people not getting into trucking, and the aging workforce. LITERALLY I HAD THIS CONVERSATION EVERY SINGLE DAY. When I started working for Ryder someone introduced me to a high school truck driving teacher at Patterson High School in Patterson, CA. His name is Dave Dein and we started talking and dreaming up this idea to create Next Generation in Trucking Association. We work within 3 verticals in education—supply chain/logistics, diesel mechanics, and CDL driver training. We are focused on awareness and education. So after 4 years of working at Ryder I was able to go full time with NGT and have been doing this for a year. The nonprofit world is challenging, but I love what I am doing every single day.
What do you like most about working in construction?
The people and purpose. First of all, the people are salt of the earth types who care about their communities and making the world a better place. I also love that we are making a difference as an industry with what we do day in and day out. Construction and the trucks that bring the goods are a vital part of the United States.
Have you seen changes for women in construction over the course of your career?
Absolutely! I think there is more of an intentional focus on targeting women to be in skilled trades. These are great jobs with great potential for future growth.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
There are so many opportunities and women can be very successful in construction. There are field jobs, technician jobs, driving jobs, and office jobs. The sky is the limit in terms of growth potential. Work hard, be passionate, and know that if you get in construction—you are making a difference in the world!
