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Women in Construction Week – Working in the Field

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Women in Construction Week highlights the history of women in construction, their challenges, and the ways they’ve been able to overcome them. This week is intended to appreciate the women who have entered the construction industry and to encourage those willing to make similar commitments.

More women are taking on roles in different departments within construction, but one of the most front-facing areas still sees a lack of women. Less than 10% of the construction industry is made up of women, and only about 1% of the industry’s workforce are craftswomen in the field (Arnholz).

To highlight our women working solely on job sites, we asked them to participate in an interview to share their experiences of working in the construction industry. Emma Moore, participating in our Apprenticeship Program at Warfel, and Carpenter Emily Schnettler share a glimpse into the start of their careers and why they chose construction as a career path:

 

What led you to pursue a career in construction?

Jordan: One of the main reasons that I joined construction was because one of my family members had their own business, so I started working with them when I started high school. I always liked working with my hands, so I knew that this would be a good fit for myself

Emily: A big factor that played a part in my decision to pursue construction is that I always had a hard time with textbooks in school. Once I had a hands-on opportunity, everything made sense. My counselors from middle to high school persuaded me to consider a hands-on job such as construction and here I am.

 

What do you love about working in construction?

Jordan: I love the ability to do so many different things while being on-site. One day it can be doing layout then the next hanging drywall. The greatest thing, I think, is having so many people on the job that are willing to help teach and/or guide you how to complete all these tasks, which can be intriguing.

Emily: I love working in construction because it challenges me to daily tasks that I may or may not have done already. Also, it makes me more confident knowing I learn something new every day.

 

Is there something you are excited about tackling in your career or in the industry?

Jordan: I’m excited to be able to set standards for women in the field. By showing everyone else that we can all do the same things and be treated the exact same way.

 

Do you have any career goals you’d like to share?

Jordan: My career goal is to someday become a Foreman and possibly continue working my way up in the company.

Emily: My goal is to become a Foreman in the near future, and then possibly a Superintendant.

 

What personal qualities help you succeed in your job?

Emily: Personal qualities that help me succeed in my job is working hard, having some jokes, never giving up, and keeping a positive attitude.

 

What’s a perk about working in the construction industry that most people don’t know about?

Jordan: Some perks about constructions that most don’t know about is the ability to create many different things with your own creativity. One of the best feelings is then being able to show off what you created to so many people. Seeing reactions from family members and friends can be exciting.

 

What is a fun fact that most people do not know about you?

Jordan: One fun fact about myself is that I’m a big heavy metal fan!

Emily: I taught myself how to play guitar and can play many songs!

 

Learn more about Warfel: https://www.warfelcc.com/clients-for-life/

Learn more about the National Association of Women in Construction: https://nawic.org/

 

Resources

Arnholz, J. (n.d.). WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: IN THE OFFICE AND THE FIELD. Build Your Future. https://www.byf.org/women-in-construction-in-the-office-and-the-field/

Introducing RISE at Warfel

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We are thrilled to introduce RISE (Redefining Industry Standards for Equality) – formerly known as our Women in construction group. RISE aims to support those who consider themselves minorities in the construction industry by offering support, tools, and encouragement as our team members navigate challenges both professionally and personally.

Amber Schnader, co-leader of RISE, shares the story behind RISE and how it promotes equality and support for Warfel team members:

History

Forming an employee resource group for the women at our company was at the back of my mind for a few years. In 2022, we made that a reality. Our women’s group rebranded to RISE in early 2024. RISE stands for Redefining Industry Standards for Equality, a name selected to promote parity between everyone working in the industry. For me personally, the catalyst for developing resources and support for women was the birth of my first child, nine years into my career. The challenging transition to becoming a working parent was unexpected for me. I don’t want other women to struggle with that transition as much as I did. My counterpart, Casi Babinchak, our Facilities Manager, joined me in facilitating our RISE group this year. We are looking forward to a fantastic year of collaboration, skill-building, motivation, and mentoring for the group members.

Purpose & Vision

The purpose of RISE is to provide support to those who consider themselves to be a minority in the construction industry. We want to foster a sense of community for people who may feel singled out in most of their day-to-day interactions. As of the latest industry data, women make up only 11% of the construction industry, despite the female gender making up 47% of the workforce (1). This means women are faced with more obstacles as they climb in their careers than their male counterparts because the situations they encounter due to gender can be different.

The vision for RISE is to:

  • Encourage, advocate, educate, and support individuals who consider themselves to be minorities.
  • Guide one another as they navigate professional and personal challenges, and pave the way for those who will follow.
  • Break barriers to equality in the industry.

What’s To Come

For 2024, Casi and I are very excited about the outlook for RISE. In January, we did a skills workshop on Developing Trust on Teams. In Q2, we have a speaker joining us to discuss resilience and overcoming fears. Later in the year, we are going to have a team building event and a volunteer event. One other opportunity we are pursuing for the year, is scheduling a company event to be sponsored by RISE, that will provide an opportunity for the men in the company to learn about being allies and sponsors for their female coworkers.

 

Amber Schnader, Senior Cost Manager at Warfel Construction

Amber Schnader, Senior Cost Manager

 

Learn more about Warfel: https://www.warfelcc.com/clients-for-life/

 

 

Sources: https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm

Women in Construction Week 2019

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Happy Women in Construction Week! At Warfel, women are a valuable part of our workforce, key members of our collaborative teams, and are dedicated to fulfilling our mission of creating Clients For Life. This week, we’re pleased to introduce you to some of the women who joined our team within the last year. Scroll down to learn more about what highlighted team members love about their jobs and working in the construction industry.

Joyce McMullen, Laborer

“I like the feeling of independence. Someone tells me what I can do to help and I do it. I really enjoy the hands on work, the fact that we are not in the same place all the time and the variety of work.”

 

Maxine Williams, Senior Project Manager

“You will never get bored as no two days are alike. At the end of every day at work, you’ll be able to see the progress you and your team have made. Watching that progress turn into a completed project, day by day, is one of the most rewarding parts of a construction job. How many professionals in other industries can point at the brand-new building in town and say, ‘I helped build that’?”

 

Julie Bernat, Accounting Administrator

“I enjoy seeing the finished product of ongoing projects. It is rewarding to know that we all worked together in our different roles to achieve the same goal.”

 

Lindsey Lundgren, Apprentice in the Carpentry Program

“I can’t stand sitting at a desk for hours, or doing a job that is repetitive. Every day is different and every task is different. To work with each other toward the goal of completing a project is very worthwhile when you see the end results.”

 

Amanda Adams, Director of Human Resources

“One of my favorite things about working at Warfel is the variety – no two days are alike and I’m always meeting new people and gaining new experiences. My move to Warfel was definitely a whirlwind of learning and activity, but still one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. The projects we are working on and the Clients we partner with have such amazing messages of support, growth, and education – it’s hard not to be excited about our future!”

 

Liz Cabrera, Laborer

“Being in construction gives me the satisfaction of being a part of building a legacy and something that will be around for generations. Working at Warfel is like being part of a family. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

 

Meghan Tressler, Office Assistant

“I never imagined myself working in construction but now that I’m here, I love it. There is always something new to learn and improve upon which makes each day unique and interesting. I am really enjoying learning the intricacies of the process that goes on behind the scenes of the construction projects you observe as you drive through the county. There is so much more to these projects than I ever could have imagined prior to working at Warfel and I’m looking forward to soaking up all of the information I can from the wealth of knowledgeable people here.”

 

Michele Renn, Project Administrator

“I started my construction career following a decades long career in the legal profession. I decided to switch careers after relocating to Pennsylvania. Since the construction industry has become such a fast-growing and vital part of Central Pennsylvania’s economy, and given my construction law background, I chose to pursue a construction career with Warfel Construction as a Project Administrator. I never realized how much extensive planning, thought, and work went into a construction project. I now appreciate all aspects and phases of creating and building something from scratch based upon someone’s vision and imagination. What I most enjoy about working in construction is the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment in seeing an undeveloped piece of land turn into a beautiful building because of the hard work and efforts of our team. I’m proud to be a woman in construction working at Warfel.”

 

Interested in becoming a member of the Warfel team? Click here to visit our Careers page.

Warfel Welcomes Maxine Williams as Senior Project Manager

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Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce Maxine Williams has joined the company as Senior Project Manager. In her role, Williams will be responsible for complete project oversight, coordination, schedule, and budget on a variety of projects throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.

Williams is a graduate of Cabrini University and Drexel University. Prior to joining Warfel, she served as Project Manager in the Greater Philadelphia area with notable projects at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Presbyterian Hospital. She comes to Warfel with more than 20 years of construction experience. She is currently managing several projects, including the Acts Normandy Farms skilled care and renovation project in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Williams serves as a mentor through the ACE Mentor program and is an active volunteer with the Donor 1 organization.

She lives in Audubon, PA with her husband Al and son Nico.

 

Women in Construction Week: Meet Project Administrator Emily Burkhart

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In honor of Women In Construction Week, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic women who make Warfel a great place to work.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects available jobs in STEM fields to increase 17% by 2024, but only 18 – 19% of individuals receiving degrees in computer science, engineering, or physics are women. Check out our featured employee today (Project Administrator Emily Burkhart), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: I support project teams in completing the necessary paperwork throughout the duration of a project. I also complete a lot of miscellaneous office tasks as needed.

Where did you go to school? Messiah College

How long have you worked at Warfel? 9 months

What did you do before you came to Warfel? I was a second grade teacher.

What is your favorite part of your job? I love helping people and I really enjoy the people I work with.

What is your most exciting accomplishment? During my sophomore year in college, I was  given the Elite 88 award at the NCAA Field Hockey Final Four.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? It is okay to go a different direction than what you originally envisioned for your career.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry? I find the process very interesting and I love visiting the jobsites to see the work come to fruition.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Spending time with my family & going to the beach.

What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know? My grandfather was in the movie Witness. The filmmakers needed individuals that had the ability to speak PA Dutch but who would also be willing to appear on camera. He appeared as an extra in several scenes & had the opportunity to meet Harrison Ford & Kelly McGillis.

You can learn more about the statistics of Women in Construction here.

Women in Construction Week: Meet Facilities Manager Casi Babinchak

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In honor of Women In Construction Week, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic women who make Warfel a great place to work.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects available jobs in STEM fields to increase 17% by 2024, but only 18 – 19% of individuals receiving degrees in computer science, engineering, or physics are women. Check out our featured employee today (Facilities Manager Casi Babinchak), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: I manage short-term construction turnover and renovation projects for residential, retail, office and other facilities.

Where did you go to school? I have degrees from Elizabethtown College and Loyola University of Maryland.

How long have you worked at Warfel? 6 months

What did you do before you came to Warfel? I am so fortunate to have had a long and winding career path that has provided me with management experience in a variety of arenas. My realization of my love for construction project management came when I was serving as the COO for The Central Market House Company in York and had the opportunity to function as an owner’s rep for a grant-funded renovation.

What is your favorite part of your job? The opportunity to face new challenges on a daily basis and solve problems as a team while focusing on quality management and building a relationship that results in a Client for Life.

What is the worst job you ever had? The foundation of my career path has been based on my belief that there is, for the most part, no such thing as a bad job. I have always believed that it is the learnings you take from each job that serve to strengthen the stepping stones to the next, making you not only more experienced and knowledgeable, but also more savvy about what roles are the best fit.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Be authentic in your interview.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Stay organized, don’t say “that’s not my job”, be responsive, and do your job in a way that makes the people you come in contact with want to work with you again.

What has changed the most since you’ve started your career? Technology! It’s so hard to imagine now how I worked in the mid-90s without email, GPS and a cell phone.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry? Creating spaces that allow people to live, work and play more efficiently and beautifully.

What do you think is the most challenging part of the construction industry? Challenging, albeit necessary, the bureaucratic oversight that is involved in the process can impact plans and schedules.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? I would travel to do profiles pieces on the athletes, their families and their hometowns for NBC’s Olympic coverage.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Traveling and spending time at home with my husband Mike, daughter Alex (18), son Luke (16) and our dog Wilson. I also enjoy cooking, reading, Netflix, watching my kids play sports and getting together for cocktails with girlfriends.

What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know? I have been to the State of the Union Address and the White House Christmas Party.

You can learn more about the statistics of Women in Construction here.

Women in Construction Week: Meet Marketing Communications Manager Sara Crimmel

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In honor of Women In Construction Week, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic women who make Warfel a great place to work.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects available jobs in STEM fields to increase 17% by 2024, but only 18 – 19% of individuals receiving degrees in computer science, engineering, or physics are women. Check out our featured employee today (Marketing Communications Manager Sara Crimmel), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: I’m responsible for all of Warfel’s digital content – I’m occasionally described as Warfel’s “Minister of Propaganda.” On a typical day, you might find me shooting videos on one of Warfel’s job sites, updating our Instagram, or preparing presentations for our interview teams.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Elizabethtown College with a B.A. in English/Professional Writing, and minored in Business Administration.

How long have you worked at Warfel? 2 years

What did you do before you came to Warfel? I worked in the marketing department for an MEP distribution company.

What is your favorite part of your job? The people I work with are some of the most fantastic people I’ve ever met. They’re dedicated to doing the job right, willing to offer help even when their own plates are full, and committed to working together.

What is the worst job you ever had? I spent several summers in high school and college lifeguarding. Sitting around, watching a few people swim and not getting to talk to anyone is not my idea of a good time.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Be yourself! It takes all sorts of personalities to make Warfel work, and we need each one.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Be willing to ask for help and learn from others. There are so many incredibly smart people out there who are more than willing to share what they’ve learned with you.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry? It’s amazing to see what our team is able to do every day. I absolutely love watching the progress of a project – it’s really rewarding to see something come out of the ground and be turned into a new space.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? I would love to be the person who runs the TSA’s social media accounts. They get to meaningfully impact their customers’ experiences by answering questions, and have a lot of fun with an awesome sense of humor.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Right now, my favorite thing to do outside of work is run – I’m currently training for a half marathon in April.

You can learn more about the statistics of Women in Construction here.

Women in Construction Week: Meet Junior Estimator Kaitlyn Mellon

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In honor of Women In Construction Week, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic women who make Warfel a great place to work.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects available jobs in STEM fields to increase 17% by 2024, but only 18 – 19% of individuals receiving degrees in computer science, engineering, or physics are women. Check out our featured employee today (Junior Estimator Kaitlyn Mellon), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: I assist other estimators to complete the estimating process for various construction jobs. This process includes reviewing drawings and specifications, understanding the scope of work, calling subcontractors and manufactures, and completing an estimate of my own. My estimate includes taking off quantities and applying prices to those quantities accurately.

Where did you go to school? I went to Millersville University in Lancaster PA.

How long have you worked at Warfel? I started at Warfel in May of 2017, a few months short of a year.

What did you do before you came to Warfel? I started in construction when worked with my dad doing hands-on construction work during summers and winter breaks, mostly carpentry work. I had two internships with a subcontracting company and one of our competitors, then I graduated college with a degree in construction management and started working at Warfel.

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite parts of my job are the people and atmosphere. Everyone at Warfel are always willing to help you out with anything. Being still somewhat new, it is always good to have a supportive work environment.

What is your most exciting accomplishment? My largest and most recent accomplishment was being on a winning bid team for a project at ACTS Cokesbury. It was awesome to see our team’s hard work come together.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Warfel is a great place to work. Everyone is super hardworking and positive. When I was hired someone said “Warfel hires people based on how their personality will fit with current employees” I would say that is 100% accurate. I have a lot of great coworkers.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Everyone makes mistakes or errors occasionally. Admit your mistakes, learn from it and move on.

What has changed the most since you’ve started your career? My motivation level has increased since starting at Warfel. It is a great feeling to be a part of a great company and knowing your work is appreciated.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry? I love seeing the progression of a construction project. Watching a building go from ground up is so interesting and satisfying to me.

What do you think is the most challenging part of the construction industry? The most challenging part about working in construction is being a young woman. I have just graduated college so I am still young and I do not have as much experience as most people in our industry. Construction in the past has been primarily males, but it is nice to see this changing one woman at a time.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I love going to concerts, participating in bar crawls and going to the beach.

What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know? I did Irish step dancing for six years of my life.

You can learn more about the statistics of Women in Construction here.

Women in Construction Week: Meet Preconstruction Administrator Stephanie Berkheiser

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In honor of Women In Construction Week, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic women who make Warfel a great place to work.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects available jobs in STEM fields to increase 17% by 2024, but only 18 – 19% of individuals receiving degrees in computer science, engineering, or physics are women. Check out our featured employee today (Preconstruction Administrator Stephanie Berkheiser), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: I support the Preconstruction Managers with any tasks they need help with.  Anything from creating meeting minutes, to creating and finalizing AIA contracts, printing of drawings, and lots of scheduling.

Where did you go to school? Harrisburg Area Community College

How long have you worked at Warfel? Almost 3 years – 2 years 11 months

What did you do before you came to Warfel?  I was a Cad Drafter for a local architect in Lancaster.

What is your favorite part of your job?  The people and variety of things I do here daily.  No day is ever the same. There are always opportunities to learn something new and challenge yourself.

What is the worst job you ever had? Working at a fast food restaurant in high school.

What is your most exciting accomplishment? Raising two independent children to adulthood.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Be passionate about your abilities, but be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? ALWAYS be honest and treat people with kindness. Being a good listener is also very important.

What has changed the most since you’ve started your career? The technology for sure.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry? I just really appreciate the hard work the guys in the field put in to make these beautiful projects come to life.  It’s one thing to see renderings and drawings on paper, but to go out into the field and watch it being built is so awesome to see.

What do you think is the most challenging part of the construction industry?  Getting and keeping qualified workers.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  Watching almost any Penn State sport and traveling.

What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know? I love the 80’s!

You can learn more about the statistics of Women in Construction here.

Women in Construction Week: Meet Senior Project Manager Sheila Snyder

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In honor of Women In Construction Week, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic women who make Warfel a great place to work.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects available jobs in STEM fields to increase 17% by 2024, but only 18 – 19% of individuals receiving degrees in computer science, engineering, or physics are women. Check out our featured employee today (Senior Project Manager Sheila Snyder), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: I oversee project teams to ensure compliance to budget, schedule, and quality.  I interact with clients and their representatives and design teams to ensure positive client relationships.

Where did you go to school?

Thaddeus Stevens State School of Technology – Associates in Specialized Technology

Drexel University – Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

Penn State – MBA

How long have you worked at Warfel?  10 years

What did you do before you came to Warfel?  I worked for another construction company as a draftsperson, an estimator, project coordinator, project manager, and a senior project manager.

What is your favorite part of your job?  Being part of a great team and creating an atmosphere of success.

What is your most exciting accomplishment?  The day that we heard we got the UGI project.  I was on the presenting team and that was a wonderful day.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel?  Be ready to work hard.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?  Everybody has their own perspective of the issues.  Be willing to listen.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry?  The buildings that I am a part of aren’t really my buildings, but in my heart, they are.  I want to be proud of them – every one of them – so I work in a way to ensure that I am.

What do you think is the most challenging part of the construction industry?  The quality of documents in a competitive bid environment.  This creates challenges that require a finesse that isn’t always easy to muster.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do?  If I didn’t work in construction, I’d probably manage a restaurant.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  Golfing, dining out, going to the beach and watching people, theater.

What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know?  I’m a drummer and I’m pretty good.

Anything else you’d like to add?  The construction industry would benefit a lot if there were more women that worked in all areas of construction.

You can learn more about the statistics of Women in Construction here.