Sundt is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and is constantly looking for chances to employ the industry’s best people and introduce others to exciting opportunities within construction. We are proud to introduce a series in our blog and on social media that provides insights into 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 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.
Project Manager Mary Homan has been with Sundt for 8 years. She has been an Estimator II, Project Engineer, Senior Estimator, Preconstruction Project Manager and Ops Project Manager. She was Preconstruction Project Manager and Senior Estimator for Sundt’s San Diego State University South Campus Plaza Project, and eventually went into the field as Self-Perform Project Manager. She will serve as Preconstruction Project Manager for our recently awarded Cal Poly Pomona Student Housing Design-Build Project.
What is it like to be a woman on a jobsite?
I’ve always enjoyed working with men, so I don’t think of it as being anything but normal. However, there are always a few men who show hesitancy when first interacting, but I think it’s because they’re typically not interacting with females on jobsites. That quickly changes once they realize I understand construction.
How did you become involved in the profession?
I started building “forts” from scrap lumber when I was a kid. Built a new one every summer, and the yearly fort became the neighborhood playhouse. I even won a blue ribbon in 4-H for the playhouse I built when I was 11 years old. As a teenager, I helped my grandfather with maintenance and remodeling of his commercial and residential rental properties. I learned how to replace water heaters, replace windows and doors, wire lights and switches, plumb bathrooms and kitchens, hang cabinets, install flooring, install molding, paint, etc. Learning how to do it myself helped me realize when others were charging him too much to do the same work. While in college, I worked for my brother-in-law who owned an excavating and underground utility company. I guess you could say I’ve always been involved in construction, so it was an easy career choice.
What does Sundt do to encourage a diverse workforce, which involves having a good mix of men and women?
Our Talent Development group does a great job recruiting college students, both men and women, for internships. Many of the interns are hired upon graduation. In California, we’re seeing an increasing number of women interns.
How rewarding has it been for you to take a career path that isn’t often followed by women?
It’s been extremely rewarding, because I’m doing what I love every day. And working with the good people at Sundt makes it even more rewarding.
Why should women consider careers in the construction industry?
Why not? Construction offers a lot of opportunity for career advancement. Women can have rewarding careers in the construction industry. The sky’s the limit!