Women in the Construction Industry

Close your eyes and envision a construction site. Maybe you see a half-built structure surrounded by large bulldozers and excavators with workers in hardhats and bright vests. Maybe you see the inside of a store, with hammers and power tools for sale and a smiling face at the counter helping you find the equipment you’re seeking. Or maybe you’re picturing the work that happens behind the scenes and picture people on their phones and at their desks.

Did you see any women in your imaginary picture? Admittedly, when I first tried this exercise I pictured mostly males until I became involved in the recruiting business at United Rentals.

At United Rentals, the company holds no discrimination based on gender and provides equal opportunity for everyone. This opportunity is founded on skills and merit. I asked three women at United Rentals why they wanted to work for a company in an industry that is traditionally male-dominated, and what this looked like for them in their different day-to-day roles. You might be surprised to hear about their experience.?

Operations Manager Amy Holler has been with United Rentals for the past 5 years and currently leads one of our Reliable Onsite Services branches in Phoenix, Arizona. Concerning the construction business, she believes that United Rentals champions diversity of thought and action, which encourages positive employee dynamics and pushes the boundaries of the construction industry as a whole.?

Beginning with community, Amy Highlighted the admirable leadership of UR’s CEO, Matt Flannery, who worked his way up in the company by working a variety of roles. She praises how he treats everyone equally and believes that because of personable guidance from him and other company leaders, the safety culture of United Rentals shines. Amy sees leadership and safety working hand and hand and says, “The leadership team cares about every employee, and we all care about our teammates.”?

This compassion extends beyond Amy’s community in Arizona, and she praises United Rentals' efforts in supporting both internal and external charity efforts. She says, “Our compassion fund, [an internal and voluntary charity fund for UR employees], and compassion for our fellow teammates is 2nd to none!” United Rentals is one of the leading companies for both employing military veterans and partnering with veteran organizations such as Fisher House Foundation. Regardless of gender and background, the United Rentals community is welcoming to every person.

Concluding Amy’s experience with United Rentals as it relates to the diversity of thought and action, she says, “It is absolutely amazing to work in a male-dominated field! Women are up and coming as well as thriving in all lines of business, here at UR.” Amy sees that the future is wide open for women to thrive and succeed at United Rentals in any role. She says, “Here at United Rentals, if one of us wins, we all win!”

Across the United States, Operations Manager Brisha Askew holds a similar experience while working for United Rentals' Flooring and Solutions Division in Atlanta, GA. About United Rentals culture, she says, “Being a successful woman in a traditionally male-dominant field is the most invigorating experience.”?

Opportunities for women are always growing and like Matt Flannery, Brisha’s resume reflects this advancement. She has held 4 titles with the company in 4 years, receiving a promotion each year, and believes that the opportunities are truly limitless for anyone willing to put in the work to attain them. She says, “UR trains and develops fantastic leaders but makes a targeted effort to advocate for minorities within the organization, defying the odds, breaking the tradition, and better reflecting the communities and customers that we support!”

My colleague, Region Recruiter Lisa Boysen shares several success stories of women advancing into new leadership roles with United Rentals, herself included. Regarding her own initial interest to work for United Rentals, Lisa was impressed with everything she learned—UR’s leadership as a world player, the growth potential that the company had to offer, and most notably the interview process.?

Lisa says that her interview process was the aspect that sold her on working for United Rentals because she felt at ease during the interview and saw herself growing with the team. To date, Lisa has been with the company for eight years in several roles including inside sales, operations, and national account coordination, and now as a recruiter.

As a recruiter, Lisa encourages everyone to continue their education in all aspects of life by staying curious. She encourages both women and men to research new career opportunities and take action by asking questions about interesting and inspiring opportunities.???

To anyone interested in a new career, the construction industry will be booming just as long as the Earth is spinning. Looking to the future, women will continue to empower and maximize their potential within the business.?

United Rentals is always looking to hire motivated new talent. So, if you are in a position to consider joining an organization that will catapult you to your highest potential, or you know someone who is, visit our career page https://jobs.unitedrentals.com/ apply today.

Thank you to Amy H. , Brisha Askew , and Lisa Boysen for the insightful interview.