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.
Overview: Cheryl, Kim, and Rhonda are part of the Elizabethtown, KY Boyd CAT rental team. Together, they are a three-woman team working to serve the customers who come to Boyd CAT to rent equipment. Though all are within their first few years with Boyd, they were quick to learn the industry and have been supporting one another along the way.
Name: Cheryl, Kim, and Rhonda
Company: Boyd CAT
How did you begin your career in construction?
Cheryl: I came to Boyd from a factory that builds bucket trucks. My father in law owned a construction business, and they are full-time farmers. So, I’ve been around this equipment and knew a bit about the industry. When this opportunity came up, I decided to go for it.
Kim: I’ve been here with Boyd for over 2 years. I have been on the construction side for about 17 years. I started at a local building supply company, and we actually had a small rental division in that company, and I took that job. From then on out, I stayed on the rental side of equipment.
Rhonda: I’m only 8 months into this role. I was working in the propane industry, and I was the general manager for the area I covered. I’m still
Have you seen changes for women in construction over the course of your career?
Kim: Especially at Boyd, I see women in higher roles and what used to be mainly men’s jobs. We run into women equipment operators, project managers, and it’s really come a long way over what I’ve seen the past 20 years.
Rhonda: You see more women on road crews when you’re driving down the road. More and more women are taking these positions than several years ago. My nephew’s friend is 23 years old and working in construction driving a 745 Haul Truck, and I’m so proud to see her doing that. She didn’t let any preconceived notions stop her.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
Cheryl: A lot of people lack the right information to let them know that construction is an option for them, too. It would be really great to start those conversations started early. Our high schools have a lot of great opportunities for education: there’s diesel mechanic classes, welding classes, and other great starts to the types of jobs we have in construction.
Rhonda: Attend job fairs! Schools set them up and our companies are working on engaging with young women more often. We want to give them the right information and entice them.
What do you hope to see in the future for women in construction?
Rhonda: I want to see women being the normal, where we don’t feel surprised running into women. It’s good for the whole industry: more employment more thought processes, more personalities.
Cheryl, Kim: We agree!
