84 Lumber celebrates Women in Construction Week
84 Lumber, along with members of the construction industry, are gearing up for Women In Construction Week.
Taking place March 3 through March 9, the event recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women who play a pivotal role in construction while also transforming the industry.
The theme for this year's Women in Construction Week,”Keys to the Future,” underscores the strength and knowledge that women bring to construction sites and offices across the nation, according to 84 Lumber.
Organized by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), this annual event serves as a platform to highlight the remarkable strides made by women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
84 Lumber is a certified national women's business enterprise owned by CEO Maggie Hardy.
Hardy took a large leadership role with the company in 1992. Holding true to the core family values her father founded the company upon, she grew the company over the years and today it is one of the nation’s largest privately held suppliers of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single- and multifamily residences and commercial buildings.
A forward-thinking visionary, 84 Lumber said that Hardy remains committed to carving out a path for women, like herself, seeking a career in construction.
Prior to 2016, women accounted for just 9 out of every 100 employees in the construction workforce. Since then, the female employment share has climbed nearly every year and sits at 11.1% as of 2022. While most women in construction (35%) work in administrative or office roles (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), there are opportunities throughout the industry and ample room for growth with companies like 84 Lumber.
Construction opportunities
From architects and estimators to superintendents and project managers, women are breaking down barriers and bringing fresh perspectives to the industry.
Yolanda Bell-McPhee, currently a sales coordinator with 84 Lumber in Sanford, Florida, with 20 years of experience in the industry, emphasizes the multitasking abilities and dedication that women bring to the construction field.
“Being a woman can have advantages,” Bell-McPHee said. “Most women in the construction field have the grace to wear many hats and are multitaskers.”
Hannah Steinhauser, an 84 Lumber outside sales representative in Savannah, Georgia, encourages women to pursue careers in construction despite the industry's male-dominated nature.
"I’d say don’t be intimidated by construction,” Steinhauser said. “I’d encourage women to dive in headfirst, ask a lot of questions, and stick to it."
Sandy Tucker, a newly minted sales coordinator at 84 Lumber in Elkins, West Virginia, began her career in ad sales for a newspaper. Being a recent entry into the construction world, she has a unique perspective on the job.
“I learn something new every day in this industry,” said Tucker, “and I see the passion and dedication of everyone who works for this company.”
Workplace Culture
Being the only person like you in the room can make it feel like you aren’t supposed to be there. Bell-McPhee stressed the obstacles women face are not about the ability to perform in the industry. Bell-McPhee had to learn new technology on the job, and ask questions, but in the end, she was able to excel.
“Along with providing excellent customer service to our customers, sales reps, and co-workers, we also unload windows, pull hardware, generate an estimate, and any other tasks assigned to us,” adds Bell-McPhee. “Be yourself and earn your respect.”
Regarding her career at 84 Lumber, Steinhauser said she loves how the company rewards hard work and dedication. “With a good work ethic and willingness to learn, you can really accomplish whatever you want within this company. I also love 84’s hands-on approach to learning and the camaraderie within stores and the company as a whole,” the sales rep said. ”I’ve learned so much working here and made lifelong friends along the way.”
Steinhauser points to 2011 when she served as a young co-manager at the company.
“Maggie called me personally to wish me happy birthday and let me know I was the only female co-manager in the whole company! That was a super special moment,” Steinhauser says.
Steinhauser notes that she is proud of the various roles she’s filled at 84 Lumber: Manager Trainee, co-manager, operations, door shop manager, and outside sales. Steinhauser became an outside salesperson two years ago and sold over 20 million in her first year in sales.
“I’m extremely proud and extremely grateful for my team who helped make it possible,” said Steinhauser.
Moving Forward
As the construction industry grapples with a growing workforce shortage, recruiting more women emerges as one obvious solution. To attract and retain female talent, companies must ensure equal opportunities and recognition for women in the workplace. Highlighting the success stories of women like Yolanda, Hannah, and Sandy can inspire the next generation of female construction professionals.
“I absolutely owe a big thank you to Matt Rinck! He became manager of our Kansas City store when I was a manager trainee and promoted me to co-manager shortly after,” said Steinhauser. “He encouraged and trained me over the years, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his mentorship.”
Tucker also thinks more women need to know “that it’s such a rewarding industry to be a part of. I love knowing I can do anything if I just put my mind to it,” said Tucker. “84 Lumber has given me the opportunity to gain knowledge that I didn't have before, and also the courage at attempting to try anything.”
Empowering Women
With Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day falling in March along with Women in Construction Week, 84 Lumber said it plans to support women in its communities throughout the month.
The month-long celebration kicks off with the official launch of the third annual EmpowerHER Grant.
Through this grant, 84 Lumber and the Pittsburgh Penguins are working together to highlight local, Pittsburgh-area women-owned businesses. One winning business will receive a $25,000 grant to support her business. Read about this year’s nominees here.
The winner will be decided solely by public voting. People can vote once per day during the voting period, which runs from February 19-March 4. The EmpowerHER grant is part of 84 Lumber’s L.I.F.T (Leading & Inspiring Females to Thrive) program with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
