Celebrating Women in Construction

This week marks the 64th anniversary of Women in Construction Week and CCG is celebrating all the women in this critical and essential industry.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , in 2023 over 161 million people over the age of 16 were employed in the United States, and 46.8% of them were women. However, of the nearly 11.8 million people employed in the construction industry, only 10.8% (approximately 1,284,768) were women. And while that percentage is low, especially compared to other industries, it is up slightly from 2010 when that number was just 8.9%, but unfortunately, it hasn't changed since 2020.

Here at CCG we are proud to have extremely talented and enthusiastic women on our sales staff dedicated to financing equipment for the construction industry . To showcase them and to encourage other women to consider a career in construction, we’ve asked them a few questions about their experiences and asked them to provide some advice for women looking to join the industry.

CARRIE STEPHENS - VICE PRESIDENT - NATIONAL ACCOUNTS?

• How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?? I started in the construction and transportation segment in 1986. So now over 30 years of experience.
• What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry?? This is nothing like selling cars, it's never a repetitive situation. Every customer and business is different, with different goals. It brings a new challenge every day and I enjoy that. I have a passion for being creative and solving problems a customer may not even realize they have.?
• If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment what would it be?? I've had the opportunity to operate a few pieces of equipment since my husband is in this industry. My favorite would have to be an excavator! There's something about digging a hole that's just fun.?
• Can you share a particularly rewarding or memorable experience you've had while working in construction?? I remember collaborating with a client who had an eye on a specific piece of equipment but was facing financial constraints. Together, we devised a strategy to trade in two pieces of equipment that were underutilized to acquire the piece of equipment they truly needed. Solving a problem like that gave me the opportunity to do business with him again.?
• Can you share any experiences where being a woman in construction has provided a unique perspective? More and more women are playing a key piece in a business, whether it be running or owning a company. You are always trying to build connections with your customers, and this is just one other way to build a partnership. We can work with each other and learn from each other as well.?
• What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in the construction industry? ?I like the way I was trained in the beginning. It's important to learn all phases of the company and have multi-faceted training. To learn about the insurance, the operations, etc. This can make all the difference in your career. I love what I do, and I'm thrilled about how many more opportunities there are now for women in the construction industry. It's inspiring to witness the positive changes that have taken place over time, and it fills me with hope for further progress.?

LINDA BROWN – ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT – WEST COAST

• How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?31 years.
• What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry??I like everything about the Construction Industry but first and foremost are the people – hard working, hard driving, good people.? They build our bridges, our roads, our schools, our homes.? Construction creates communities.?? How can you not have massive respect for the workers who get up at 4 am to pave our roads and build our bridges??
• What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?It’s never dull. Construction is in constant motion and typically moves at a fast pace.? If you are comfortable in jeans, and boots and don’t mind getting dusty go for it?- If you like wearing high heels and lack a sense of humor, probably not the best career choice.
• If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?A crane.?
• Do you own a hard hat??Yes, I’ve had one for years – hard hat and steel-toe boots.

TARA CARDELLA – REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – SOUTHEAST

• How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?11 years. But I actually grew up in construction because my father worked in the industry. I’d go on job sites with him during summer break and dig trenches to lay pipe.
• What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry??The People, the dedication they have to the industry, and the passion they have for it. Construction takes true grit and hard work. You’ll see crews working from sun up to sun down. Construction is part of everyone’s day-to-day life even if they don’t work in the industry. From the roads we drive on to the homes we live in, without construction we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere or do anything.?
• What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry? Never take no for an answer and don’t be afraid to get your boots dirty. (This was advice a President of a Large Construction Company told me years ago. It is something that I carry with me every day.)
• If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?A front loader.?
• Do you own a hard hat??Yes.

ROSEMARIE CHAMBLESS – REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – SOUTHEAST

• How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?I have been financing construction equipment for 36 years.
• What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry??A career in construction provides an opportunity to make a difference in your community as well as form lifelong friendships and relationships with knowledgeable professionals who are happy to share their industry insights.? The construction industry is important to our economy and our communities.? Construction projects provide jobs, inject both funds and new life into communities, and create infrastructure to keep our community and our country moving.? Whether it is building a road, clearing land for development, or building a bridge the things you build matter to the people in your community.?
• What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?The beauty of a career in the construction industry is that your career aspirations can be sky high, the only limit to what you are able to achieve falls upon you!
• If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?A bulldozer.? I’ve heard it said that the bulldozer’s main claim to fame is its sheer strength and bulldozers go where no other normal tractor would risk.?
• Do you own a hard hat??Yes, and it is pink!
• What is one suggestion you have for attracting more women into the construction industry??Start early with role modeling women in construction to encourage young women to seek and pursue construction career opportunities. Recruit women into trade schools and leverage technology to improve access, accountability, and attendance - all of which promote behaviors that lead to improved graduation rates. Help place women into construction roles through targeted recruitment efforts, modern technology and education, and professional support networks.

HAYLEE ELLRICH – REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – WEST

• How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?Over 8 years. I started underwriting in our construction division in 2016. Over the next 4 years, I worked with the construction team serving the Midwest to the West Coast interviewing and learning about a huge variety of customers from every segment of the industry. In 2020 I transitioned into the field as a regional sales manager.
• What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry??The people, of course. The industry is full of hardworking, innovative, and down-to-earth people that are a blast to speak and spend time with. I am constantly in awe of my customers who juggle so much but always make time for me. I am also fascinated with how dynamic this industry is. Techniques and equipment evolve for efficiency and safety, the variety of work that can be accomplished using one piece of equipment, navigating the highs and lows of each segment, navigating different terrains and climates, and coordinating all the pieces of a project. I’m never bored working in this industry and critical thinking is a must!
• What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?Be confident, the industry needs us! Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t currently know; there are amazing men and women in this industry eager to help you learn and succeed.
• If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?An excavator with a mulching head! If you haven’t seen what those bad boys can do, please look it up on YouTube.?
• Do you own a hard hat??Of course. It’s still a little too clean though.
• What is one suggestion you have for attracting more women into the construction industry??Highlight the diverse roles available in the industry. There are many opportunities, even if operating a machine or building a road isn't what you aspire to do. We need accountants, lawyers, managers, insurance specialists, bankers, equipment manufacturers, etc. to keep the wheels turning. and support the "boots on the ground". The more you can understand the specific needs of the construction market, the more successful you'll be.

CAROLINE ROBINSON – REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – NORTHEAST

• How long have you worked in, or with, the construction industry?I began my career in construction in 1998 as a Women Minority Business Owner of MTS Trucking and Paving and Phoenix Supply Company, a stone and gravel yard. In 1999, my company was awarded a contract to haul and remove the dirt from what is now known as the Brick Reservoir, owned by Brick Township Municipal Authorities in Brick, NJ.
• What do you like, or enjoy the most about the industry??I love making a positive impact on my community.
• What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in the construction industry?Develop confidence, build trust, ask questions, and set boundaries.
• If you could drive or operate ANY piece of construction equipment, what would it be?A BIG wheel loader.?
• Do you own a hard hat??Of course! If I ever get a chance to drive one of the wheel loaders I’m going to need it!
• What is one suggestion you have for attracting more women into the construction industry??Create more custom-fit roles. The construction industry offers numerous jobs, especially for women who have financial skills. Roles in sectors such as fleet management will welcome any applicant who is great with numbers. Including women in these roles will help propel them to leadership positions.

As you can tell, the CCG women who work with our construction clients are passionate about the industry and about helping their customers. We thank these ladies and all women in construction working to provide opportunities and careers in this extremely vital industry.

You can learn more about the leading association promoting women in the construction industry by visiting The National Association of Women in Construction .

Interested in joining the CCG team and working with this great group of women? Visit our Careers page to see all the available positions.