Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2024: Interviews at Modular Genius

As Women in Construction Week unfolds, we take pride in turning the spotlight onto the remarkable women who contribute to the success of Modular Genius. In this special blog, we sit down with the talented women who drive our modular construction projects forward. Their stories, insights, and experiences shed light on the transformative impact women continue to have in a traditionally male-dominated field.

 

Can you share your journey of how you got into the modular construction industry and what attracted you to your specific role?

“I knew that I wanted to work in the construction industry from the time that I was a little girl. My earliest memory? Me sitting on my dad’s lap in the excavator while he was working. Right out of high school, I started working for a site contractor while I put myself through college, and by the time I finished college, I had advanced in the construction industry and decided to just stick with it.” -Kimberly White, Project Manager

“I previously worked for businesses that dealt with modular units and construction rental equipment. What drew me to my current role with Modular Genius is the incredible group of individuals working here that have a vast amount of knowledge and experience in this industry. Everyone here is not afraid to get their hands dirty and pitch in to get the job done. It is a great learning environment and the number of employees that have been with Modular Genius for more than three, five, or even ten years reflects well on what a great place it is to work here.” -Ruth Sands, Assistant Controller

“I got into the modular construction industry by chance when I re-entered the workforce after staying home to raise my kids. Our President, Damon Pross, coached my son in football. Modular Genius needed accounting help, and the timing was perfect for me.” -Robin Gischel, Construction Services Accounting Manager

“I studied marketing and public relations in school, but never knew where that would lead me. I thought perhaps an agency, or some type of business-to-consumer field. After graduation, I connected with a company on LinkedIn and they encouraged me to apply to their open position. It just so happened to be a marketing specialist role at a modular construction company. So, I really fell into the industry by chance, but I’m so happy that I did. I’ve never looked back!” -Rachael Ulmer, Director of Marketing

“My experience with a general contractor led to my opportunity with Modular Genius and my introduction to the modular construction industry. I enjoy following the financial flow of a project; from job cost estimating, to final billing a project, and everything in between.” -Sharon Smith, Construction Services Administrative Manager

 

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?

“Go for it!  The rewards of learning project scheduling to managing a budget go far beyond the workplace. Modular construction is a booming industry with plenty of opportunities from both in the office & in the field.” -Sharon Smith, Construction Services Administrative Manager

“To the young women considering a career in construction, I’d just like to remind you that your skills, dedication, and perspective are invaluable.  Network, seek mentors, and educate yourself about the field. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and remember that you belong in construction as much as anyone else.” -Giselle Flores Morales, Human Resources Manager

“I would say that construction is a great industry to consider, there’s a lot of opportunity for any skillset and it’s always in demand. You’ll have plenty of job security and it offers a great work-life balance. My other piece of advice would be to seek out a mentor. There are people with decades of experience in this industry, and they have so much knowledge to offer- which will only help you in your career journey. Be a sponge and be open to learn, it will only enhance what you contribute and bring to the table.”-Rachael Ulmer, Director of Marketing

“I would tell them not to be afraid to learn from more experienced peers. Being green in this industry can be intimidating, but I think it’s important to embrace the people who advocate for you and who understand that you won’t always know it all.” -Kimberly White, Project Manager

“I’d say to bulk up on the self-confidence. Use your natural female skills to set yourself apart from your male peers (organization, communication, multi-tasking). Prepare to advocate for yourself – don’t count on anyone else to do that for you.” -Robin Gischel, Construction Services Accounting Manager

 

What is one of your favorite things about working in modular construction?

“That’s the easiest question you could ask me. I really value the camaraderie with my co-workers. I find that most people in the construction industry are down-to-earth, hard-working, and all seem to share a similar value system. I feel like I’ve found my ‘people’.” -Robin Gischel, Construction Services Accounting Manager

“There’s this joke in the modular construction industry that everyone becomes a ‘lifer’. Most never leave the industry, and those that do, often return. It’s just a testament to what an incredible industry it is to work in– from what solutions we provide our clients, to the morale of the team. Everyone is so passionate and enthusiastic about modular, it’s very contagious. I just love it!” -Rachael Ulmer, Director of Marketing

“One of my favorite things about working in this industry is that there is never a dull moment. There is always something new to learn depending on the work being performed, local regulations, compliance matters, and other aspects of the job.” -Ruth Sands, Assistant Controller

“The fast-paced construction.  It’s truly amazing to see the buildings be completed within a tight timeframe to the level of details involved.” -Sharon Smith, Construction Services Administrative Manager

“My favorite thing about working in modular construction is the innovative approach it brings to the industry. I love how it challenges traditional methods by offering a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective way of building. My favorite factor is being a part of a team that is revolutionizing the construction environment.” -Giselle Flores Morales, Human Resources Manager

“I really like that it can cut down the construction duration. I feel like traditional construction tends to take longer, and modular construction also cuts down on on site activities, and weather delays.” -Kimberly White, Project Manager

 

What does it mean to you to be a woman in construction?

“Being a woman in construction means breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. It demonstrates that gender doesn’t limit one’s ability to excel in a traditionally male-dominated field. It’s about embracing your role and making a lasting impact on an industry that is evolving to be more inclusive and diverse.” -Giselle Flores Morales, Human Resources Manager

“It’s exciting to see a predominantly male oriented industry embrace women both in the field and the office as project managers.” -Sharon Smith, Construction Services Administrative Manager

“I think it’s a cool time to be a woman in this industry. It’s very different than it was maybe 50 years ago, there are a fair number of women, but it’s still a male-dominated industry. It’s great to see women in a variety of roles who bring a different skillset, and fresh perspective. Every now and then I’ll look around the table during a meeting and notice I’m the only woman sitting at the table. But I still have a seat at that table, and that’s empowering.” -Rachael Ulmer, Director of Marketing

“I like that women can have a different approach to things, and I enjoy being able to bring that uniqueness to projects with my peers.” -Kimberly White, Project Manager

“As an accountant, I’m in the office full time, so that question doesn’t apply to me directly. I will say that having ‘thick skin’ is important in this business, and I have genuine respect for the women on the ‘front lines’ in the construction world.” -Robin Gischel, Construction Services Accounting Manager

“I respect the hard work that goes into successfully executing a job whether you are working on a job site or from an office. Being a woman has not given me any additional perspective into construction any more than being short or tall, a different race, or from a different location would. The people that I have encountered in this business: co-workers, vendors, customers etc., have treated me with the same amount of respect that I have given.” -Ruth Sands, Assistant Controller

 

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career, and how has it shaped your experience in the construction industry?

“I think it starts before my career; I did not have a traditional college journey. I moved out at a young age and supported myself by working full time and going to school full time. Sometimes it was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it took me four years to get my associates. But eventually I got my bachelors, then got a job in modular, and eventually went on to get my MBA. That hustle mentally really benefited me during my career because I was constantly learning, just absorbing as much information as possible. And now at 32 I’m at a Director level, and it’s such a proud achievement for me. But I’m still learning, that never stops.” -Rachael Ulmer, Director of Marketing

“The greatest accomplishment of my career has been increasing my skill set and advancing my roles to where I am today. I have been fortunate to have had some incredible mentors that supported me along the way so that I could meet career goals with hard work, and not at the expense of time with my family.” -Ruth Sands, Assistant Controller

“Early on in my career, it was challenging at times to find my place within the industry. I tried to never really look at myself through the lens of being a woman in construction, and really just aimed to fulfill my responsibilities to my employers, our clients, and other contractors. I feel like that’s really helped me gain respect in the industry, which also has helped me get to where I am. So I’m pretty thankful for that.” -Kimberly White, Project Manager

“I’m proud that I pushed myself back into the workforce after 10 years at home with my kids, and that I was able to pivot from working in a traditional accounting form to embracing a completely new work environment and business industry.” -Robin Gischel, Construction Services Accounting Manager

“Implementing new processes and programs to support our team.” -Sharon Smith, Construction Services Administrative Manager

 

In what ways do you believe women are changing the perception of the construction industry?

“I know the women here at Modular Genius being a sense of ‘balance’ and fresh perspective to the workplace. I believe that is happening on a larger scale as more women enter the construction industry. My daughter is one of those women, and I’m happy to report that she is well-respected by her male peers.” -Robin Gischel, Construction Services Accounting Manager

“Women are bringing a new, fresh perspective. We offer a different skillset which helps to balance the industry as a whole- and no matter what role we enter, whether it’s administrative, HR, marketing, finance, engineering, project management… there is something unique that we bring to the table.” -Rachael Ulmer, Director of Marketing

“I really think that women, as a whole, even outside of the construction industry, are really dominating the male workforce, and I think that that can be a really good sign for future generations of all of the things that women are capable of.” -Kimberly White, Project Manager