Women in Construction: The Next Generation

As the father of three young daughters and the owner of Thompson Exterior, I live with daily reminders of the importance of empowering young women to see themselves as leaders in traditionally male-dominated fields. Building upon our commitment to recognizing the outstanding women in our organization, I am want to turn my focus to the critical role parents and mentors play in shaping the aspirations and ambitions of future generations.

Even with the undeniable shift in society's acceptance of "gender," there are places in business where the old stereotypes still persist. We need to challenge these old stereotypes and redefine what it means to be a leader. By encouraging my girls to see women in leadership roles within our company and beyond, I want to broaden their perspective and instill the belief that being women should never limit their leadership potential.

I recognize the profound impact of leading by example. Even at their young ages, I am actively involving the girls in activities supported by my company. We took them with us on a #TeamThompson beach cleanup a few months ago- peep all the pink! When they're older, I'll involve them in conversations about our operations, showcasing women in our company, and highlighting trailblazing female leaders in the construction industry. In doing so, I want to inspire confidence and ambition in my daughters.

Navigating a male-dominated industry can be challenging, which is why we have to equip young women with the resilience and strength to overcome obstacles. By fostering a growth mindset and emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, I hope to instill in my daughters the determination to pursue their dreams and defy expectations.

In addition to parental guidance, mentorship and advocacy are invaluable in empowering young women to succeed in male-dominated industries. By fostering connections with female mentors and providing opportunities for networking and professional development, I hope to create a supportive environment where my daughters, and my female employees, feel bold enough to pursue leadership roles and make their mark in the construction industry, or any other industry they set their sites on.

As I raise my daughters to see themselves as leaders who chase their own dreams, I am filled with hope for the future. As a father and business owner, I am committed to providing them with the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive and lead with confidence. By nurturing their ambitions, fostering their talents, and instilling in them the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, I am confident that my daughters will continue to blaze trails and inspire positive change in the construction industry or beyond. Together, let's continue to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and create a brighter future for the next generation of female leaders.