ABC-SEMI Issue 2 2019

Southeast Michigan Contractors  Issue 2 2019 7 WOMEN OF ABC “I felt inspired by the group of industry women sitting before me,” said Stacy Demers, account representative for Daly Merritt. “It has been interesting to hear about the careers of all of these successful businesses and what led them to work in the trades. There has never been a better time to be a woman in construction.” Interesting indeed, over the past 10 years, ABC has seen a steady increase in the number of women employed in the trades. Although only an estimated 9.1% of the construction industry is made up of women, that number is on the rise, and for good reason. Following the lead of other industries, the construction world is starting to understand the benefits of a diverse employee base. “As one of the few women-owned door companies in the nation, it is nice to see other women in the trade industry having such great success,” said owner and operator of Altec Doors Sheryn Florn. “We live and die by the quality of our work, so although being a woman owned firm has some advantages, you have to know your business inside and out to have long-term success. Having young women identify construction as their passion and making it their career should be, as with any other field, encouraged and embraced. I have daughters and a son and hope all of them one day will work to make our company a continued success.” Women-owned small businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. economy. In 1972, fewer than 5% of the nation’s companies were owned by women. In 2017, according to the most recent survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 32% of the approximately 27 million U.S. firms were owned by women. But the number of women-owned construction firms remains comparatively small. In 2007, only 5.94% of the nation’s employer companies were women-owned construction firms; 17% were male-owned construction firms. And that number for women-owned firms is only slightly higher than it was five years earlier. “I learned early on in this industry to roll with the punches,” said Christine Scott, owner and operator of Paul Scott Plumbing. “My circumstance of running my own plumbing contractor was due to the passing of my husband—I wasn’t going to see all we worked for be for naught. I knew the plumbing business so rolled up my sleeves and went and got my plumbing license and took charge. I work with my sons and love every day seeing our company grow and prosper. It has been incredibly gratifying and although you may occasionally get a raised eyebrow when bidding a job as a women owner, customers are satisfied with our work and that means a lot more than my gender.” Lined up for a photo in the workshop at Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan (ABC SEMI) headquarters are some of the industry leaders in their trade. Electrical, plumbing, trucking and construction are all represented with the common bond of all being ABC SEMI members—and also all women. continues m In 1972, fewer than 5% of the nation’s companies were owned by women. In 2017, according to the most recent survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 32% of the approximately 27 million U.S. firms were owned by women.