Sundt is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and we are constantly looking for opportunities to employ the industry’s best people and introduce others to exciting opportunities within construction. As we enter 2016, we are very excited to introduce a series in our blog and on social media that will provide insights into exciting accomplishments made by our company’s veterans and women while highlighting successful careers and opportunities available in our industry. We’re proud of our diverse culture at Sundt and thankful for each employee-owner’s contributions. Please follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter as we celebrate the things that make Sundt an employer of choice where people thrive in a culture of diversity.
Marketing Proposal Specialist Julie Pederson serves in the US Air Force as an Arizona Air National Guardsman. She joined the Air Force as a Reservist in February 2001, transferring to the Guard in 2012, and rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. Over the past nearly 15 years, she has served on three combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, and several disaster relief operations, including Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy Disaster Relief and Haiti Earthquake Relief.
Her commitment and performance have earned her more than a dozen awards and decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal. She lives with her husband Chuck, an Army Veteran, and daughter Nora, who are her biggest supporters and have been there for her throughout the years.
What interested you in joining the US Air Force?
I became familiar with the Air Force lifestyle when I was 19. After living overseas, then another state for six years, I grew a more mature appreciation for my country and decided I wanted to join as a “Citizen Airman.” I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, serve my country, and demonstrate to my daughter what it meant to serve. Also, my family has a long history of service, dating back to the Civil War.
What have you learned while serving your country that has benefited you in your Sundt career?
I’ve learned a lot about leadership and mentoring. There’s a time to lead and a time to follow and there’s always opportunity for mentoring. Also, the Air Force Core Values of “Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do” really mirror Sundt’s Core Values.
How much of a company commitment do you see to hiring veterans and reservists?
I would say Sundt is definitely committed to hiring service members and veterans, and sees the value our diverse and sometimes challenging experiences bring to the civilian workplace. The culture at Sundt is unique and employee-owners constantly show individual support, from executives and managers to hallway acquaintances. Every Guardsmen and Reservist I know can appreciate the strain employers and co-workers face when we are called to duty, and in my experience, Sundt’s commitment is second to none.
Why should women who are interested in construction careers consider Sundt?
For the same reason anyone should consider Sundt. Similar to the military, we have deep roots, building America for more than 125 years. That’s something to be proud of and strive to make each passing year better than the previous. Plus, as an employee-owned company, you have a higher, vested interest in your civilian success. I believe you get what you put in, and at Sundt, there are many opportunities to better yourself, plus the lives of your community, in so many ways. After serving three deployments to combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq, several natural disaster relief missions, plus the standard “one weekend a month, two weeks a year,” I can’t say enough about the support and commitment this company provides. It’s nice to come home to the Sundt family, who are patient and understanding. I think the two cultures are very similar, so it’s a comfortable adjustment to go from combat boots to heels. After 15 years, you kind of get used to it.
How far can women go in the construction industry?
Women can certainly succeed in the construction industry, oftentimes surpassing even their own expectations.