FINDLAY, OH — Hundreds of women from various industries and occupations recently gathered in Findlay, Ohio, for the second annual Women in Construction Summit hosted by Werk-Brau. The two-day event included a mix of presentations, interactive panel discussions, a factory tour, a supplier expo, as well as ample time for networking opportunities and socializing.
Speakers included Ally Jencson of Frontline Floor Coatings, Missy Scherber of T Scherber, and Morgan Slayden and Nikki Deluca of BuildWitt. Sara Best of Real Good Ventures led an interactive session on leadership styles and why they are important for women in the construction industry; CEO and Founder of CTP Solutions, Andrea Wright, discussed being authentic and trusting intuition; and Katy Tombaugh, CEO and Founder of Wellness Collective discussed workplace wellness and led an interactive session with exercises anyone can do from their workspace.
Several sessions focused on aspects like health and wellness, mental health, promoting through social media and visual storytelling, and more. Resilience expert McKenna Reitz gave a keynote presentation on leading with purpose.
The entire program was tailored to address the challenges and opportunities within an industry traditionally populated by men. One often-repeated theme stressed mutual support from both the women and men in attendance. Attendees learned how their contributions can further shape and redefine the future of the field, acquire a competitive edge by staying a step ahead of the curve, and gain knowledge and confidence to take on challenges.
Continued advancement, support, and working toward leadership roles within construction were prevalent topics as presenters shared their stories. Attendees gathered from various industries and occupations, from owners to C-level management, leadership, sales, and marketing, and virtually all levels of operational and support staff, for the two-day event. They included Werk-Brau customers, vendors, business partners, as well as industry experts and academic leaders from multiple facets of the construction industry. Many of the Werk-Brau staff also participated in the program.
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“Women are increasingly shaping and strengthening the construction industry,” Werk-Brau National Sales Manager Dale DeWeese said. “It was refreshing to see the positivity as they continue to improve, and to support each other along the way. We salute all women in construction, especially our own team members who play such a vital role in our success. Without you, we would not be Werk-Brau.”
“This event continues to amaze and inspire us,” Werk-Brau Marketing Manager Mike Noward said. “We more than doubled the attendance, drawing even more exceptional women to be inspired by an amazing crew. Huge shoutout to all of the presenters and attendees for making this such a special event.”
Werk-Brau has long been committed to promoting and advancing opportunities for women within the construction industry.
“Since its inception, Werk-Brau has been a values-driven company. Valuing and empowering individuals are at the heart of our core values,” DeWeese said. “Everybody matters. Positive attitude. Keeping it simple. Taking ownership. Doing the right thing. These values come together to fulfill their ultimate mission of Building Better Lives. This event is an extension of that commitment, offering attendees the chance to grow personally and professionally, while building a stronger, more inclusive construction community.”
