CRC Celebrates National Women in Construction Week

March not only brings the promise of spring but also marks the time when CRC comes together to recognize and honor Women in Construction Week. Hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), this annual event, now in its 27^th year, sheds light on the incredible contributions of women within the construction industry. As of 2024, women make up only 14.5% of total construction jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This underscores the need to acknowledge and uplift the invaluable role of women in construction.

At CRC, we define our commitment to cultivating champions as investing in the success of our teammates, colleagues, and clients. We strive to create avid fans of CRC by nurturing an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and excel. As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, this core value resonates deeply with the theme "Keys to the Future." Just as keys unlock doors to new opportunities and pathways, we believe that by empowering and championing women in construction, we are unlocking the potential for a brighter, more inclusive future for our industry and beyond. We pay tribute to the strength and knowledge our team members bring to CRC and the construction industry, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping our collective journey forward.

Celebrating Our CRC Team

We are proud to have many hardworking women here at CRC who are paving the way for progress in construction. They embody the spirit of Women in Construction Week not just during this designated time, but every week of the year. As a company specializing in rebuilding major property damage, we bridge the gap between restoration and construction, acknowledging the integral role both industries play in the built environment's resilience and recovery.

We reached out to several women at CRC to hear their perspectives on being in the construction industry and the impact they believe they have on shaping it. Here is what they had to say:

1. What got you interested in working in property damage restoration?

Jessica: I’ve been working in this field since 2008. My husband (Homer Barajas) and I started an air duct cleaning business. From there, we went to a temp agency, then became a sub-contractor, then got into the mitigation aspect of the industry.

Hillary: I fell into this industry by accident however I was immediately intrigued and motivated behind the incredible work the industry does to help people find comfort, knowledge and some sort of order during what can be an extremely stressful situation.

Victoria: I’ve been in this industry almost 15 years. I started in the billing department at another restoration company, from there they promoted me into the production department, and then worked my way up from there.

Lauren: The uniqueness of the industry. People never want to HAVE to call you. But when they do, they are putting their trust in you to make things better. That’s what we do. We make things better by providing and executing solutions. I find that pretty rewarding.

Beth: Well, as the office manager, I haven't really been in restoration that long, but I worked in construction years ago. I have always sought out roles where I deal with customers.

Sarah: In college, my capstone project involved working as part of a consulting team providing recommendations to an architecture firm. That experience helped me land my first job at a different architecture firm, and from there, I naturally gravitated toward the services side of the AEC industry. Before transitioning into restoration, I also worked for a property management company with a construction division. That background made stepping into the restoration industry a seamless fit, allowing me to bring my experience and skill set into my marketing role. I've always been drawn to service-based industries because they offer a real sense of purpose by helping people in meaningful ways. In restoration, that impact is even more tangible, as we help people rebuild after disasters.

Melanie: Growing up in a small town in the West Texas panhandle, I learned early on the value of hands-on work. This sparked a passion for preservation, creation and leadership which are all qualities that are abundantly present in the realm of the construction restoration industry.

Ashley: I’ve always had an interest in helping people through tough situations, and property damage restoration felt like the perfect way to do that. When people experience damage to their businesses, it’s often a very stressful time for them. Being part of the team that helps them restore their space and bring things back to normal is really fulfilling. Plus, the variety of challenges in the job – whether it’s water damage, fire, or mold – keeps things interesting and lets me learn constantly. It's a great balance of problem-solving and providing real support when people need it most.

Carmen: After being in the concrete construction business for years, I found that I enjoyed working on projects and how rewarding it is to see a project through from start to finish.  I have a passion for helping people and in the restoration business it is incredibly rewarding to make a difference in people’s lives.

2. Can you describe a particularly rewarding project you've worked on and the role you played in its success?

Jessica: There was a Latina single mother who suffered a huge loss in their unit at the apartment complex they were living in. One of the water lines near the roof broke and flooded the floors below, hers being one of them. She didn’t speak English and didn’t have renter’s insurance at the time. We helped her get set up in another apartment for the same property management company and translated for her to make sure she was secured comfortably in her new apartment.

Hillary: There have really been so many, however the floods of 2013 will always hold a special place in my heart, so many homes and people’s lives were affected. I remember walking into a customer’s house with our team and seeing a mom cry over her kid’s artwork being ruined. As a mom who keeps things like this, I wanted to find a way to preserve whatever I could, so we dried the artwork out and had it framed for the family. 

Victoria: There isn’t one that stands out, but what I will say is the most rewarding part of this job is helping people. You’re there to help them and to calm them down and walk them through the process. If I know that I’m helping someone it’s rewarding every single time.

Lauren: I think the most gratifying projects are the ones that you go above and beyond for. This means doing the little extra things that you don’t have to do but can make a huge difference. For instance, if there is an apartment building fire that we are working on, I’ll purchase household items, toys, grocery store gift cards, etc. for the displaced residents and give them to management to disperse. That provides help to the people who need it, and it makes management look good. No one knows it was from us, except management. That shows we’re willing to help people without expecting credit for it. And it helps maintain our positive reputation with management. After all, they are the ones calling on us.

Beth: Because I’m in more of a support role, what I find rewarding about our projects is a little bit different. I care about our crew and making sure they have work to do so they can provide for their families.

Sarah:  I’ve been in the restoration industry for nearly a decade now (wow!), and there have been so many rewarding projects along the way. But one of the things I’m most proud of is what I’ve built here at CRC. When I joined, I was the company’s first marketing hire, and since then, I’ve been able to create and grow our marketing team from the ground up. Starting with minimal existing collateral, I developed our branding, built out marketing materials, and established strategies that have helped drive our company’s growth. Today, we have a marketing team of three...and counting! Seeing that evolution and knowing I played a key role in shaping it has been incredibly fulfilling.

Melanie: Every project I have worked on has come with its own set of challenges which I welcome; it’s the only way to learn and grow. Managing a particular project that spanned over 18 months and grew from a small 6-figure job into a multi 7-figure job over the course was the most difficult and rewarding project of my career. Working with management, ownership and multiple vendors taught me valuable lessons in time-management, project management, cross-functional team leadership and a deep understanding of a client relationship.

Ashley: One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on involved planning, hosting, and arranging a national meeting with our sales team from across the United States. This event required meticulous coordination, as we had participants from various regions, each with different needs and expectations. My role in the success of this project was multifaceted. First, I was responsible for the overall planning and logistics. This involved selecting a location that was accessible to everyone, coordinating travel arrangements, and ensuring that the venue had all the necessary equipment for presentations and discussions. I also worked closely with other teams to develop the agenda, ensuring that the content was relevant and engaging for the diverse audience. I played a key role in communication and collaboration, ensuring that everyone, from leadership to the sales team, had clear expectations and understanding of the meeting’s goals. Additionally, I oversaw the scheduling of sessions, ensuring that there was enough time for networking, team-building, and product updates. The event itself was a great success, as it helped align the sales team across the country, provided valuable training, and reinforced the company’s goals and strategies. Seeing the team leave the meeting energized and motivated, with clear goals to pursue, was a very rewarding outcome. The smooth execution of the event was a direct result of the planning, attention to detail, and coordination across multiple teams, and it made a significant impact on our sales performance for the upcoming quarters.

Carmen: Every residential or commercial loss has a story where I have felt like a hero but one really stands out.  An elderly lady had her house catch on fire and a week before that her husband had passed away.   She asked if I could be there on the job every day to be by her side, so I showed up every day to help her sort out and save some of her life’s memories.  Knowing how relieved she was to see me every morning and helping to ease her mind was incredibly rewarding.

3. What do you think could be done to encourage more women to join property damage restoration?

Jessica: Our actions speak louder than words. By demonstrating our leadership skills that we know, more women will continue to get involved in this industry.

Hillary: Remind women that not only can they bring the same hard skills to the workplace but the soft skills we naturally possess like empathy, organization and listening can help any team flourish and maximize results.

Victoria: That’s a tough one. When I started, it was a male-dominated industry. When I went from billing into production, I was apprehensive at first because there were some reservations about me being in that department. It required some coaching, and having the support of my coworkers from the beginning helped me get to where I am today.

Lauren: I think more women would want to be part of this industry if they knew how satisfying it is to foster meaningful, deep relationships with your clients. Some of my clients from 15 years ago are my best friends now. I would never have met them if it wasn’t for being in the industry.

Beth: I don’t know, but it would be nice to have more women in this industry. I think that we pay more attention to detail, and when you’re working in restoration and reconstruction, the small details you miss can cost you more time and money later.

Sarah: Building awareness is key. There are so many career opportunities in this industry, both in the field and in the office, and I think many people (women included) just don’t realize what’s available to them. The more we highlight the variety of roles and showcase the impact of the work we do, the more women we’ll see stepping into these careers.

Melanie: There are abundant learning and growth opportunities for women in the restoration industry. From entrepreneurial ventures to utilizing critical problem-solving skills and creativity, women have the chance to thrive and make a positive impact in the property restoration world. As women already in the industry, it's essential for us to lead by example, actively inviting other women who may be curious to join and demonstrating that there is a seat at the table for each and every one of them.

Ashley: To encourage more women to join property damage restoration, I think the industry could focus on a few key areas. First, showcasing female role models in the field can make a big difference—highlighting successful women who are thriving in these roles shows others that it's possible. Second, offering mentorship programs and creating a supportive network for women in the industry can help build confidence and provide guidance. Lastly, emphasizing the flexibility and variety that the job offers could appeal to women who might be looking for a career that provides both a challenge and the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Breaking down some of the stereotypes and creating more visibility around women working in this space could inspire a lot of women to take the leap!

Carmen: I think if schools and universities collaborated with women in construction to educate about the restoration industry and that it is also a rewarding career path that makes a huge impact and a difference in peoples lives.

4. As a woman in property damage restoration, what advice would you give to others starting out?

Jessica: Come into the industry with a strong yes. If you want to accomplish anything in life, come in with a strong yes. The energy that comes with that will push you towards achieving whatever goals you put in place. I believe in you, you got this.

Hillary: We as women can be our own worst enemy. Confidence is key. Remind yourself that there isn’t anything you can’t do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or stand your ground.

Victoria: Have confidence, and don’t be afraid. Have confidence in yourself that you can do the job, because that was my biggest thing in the beginning. Those are the two most important things I would say to anyone getting into this industry.

Lauren: I would tell them not to be intimidated by lack of knowledge about the technical side of things. There are plenty of opportunities to learn from peers, leadership, job sites, trainings, etc. Also, to have thick skin and be persistent. If you’re trying to get someone to use our services and don’t get a response or even get “no” as an answer, stick with it. Other companies are always screwing up, decision makers are always moving around, and there are always different tactics you can try!

Beth: You can do anything the boys can do and maybe even better. I grew up with a dad who taught me all the things he taught my brothers, so I’ve always felt comfortable around tools and equipment. I think there are a lot of women like that who would be great in restoration.

Sarah: This industry offers endless opportunities, embrace them, learn, and share your insights. If you're in an office or support role (like me), don’t shy away from hands-on experience. Spend time in the field to better understand the challenges, appreciate the work, and see how your role supports the team. It’s also a great way to build relationships and grow.

Melanie: As women in this dynamic industry, you're part of a community that values your unique skills, creativity, and determination. Whether you're part of sales, operations or managing projects, your contributions are essential to revitalizing communities and preserving cultural heritage. Embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities for growth, and know that you're making a positive impact every step of the way. Together, let's continue to lead by example and inspire future generations of women to join us in shaping the future of property restoration.

Ashley: Networking is critical. Build relationships with mentors, colleagues, and clients. Supportive relationships will open doors and help you gain valuable insight. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from those who have been in the industry longer.

Carmen: My advice for starting out in the restoration industry would be: Stay confident and persistent, stay off the rollercoaster, keep learning, show up, follow up and most importantly be excited and passionate about what you do. Be the peace of mind and partner that property owners are looking for and need. Restoration isn’t just for men, a woman’s touch goes a long way with sincere empathy and compassion. 

Join the Celebration

The week-long Women in Construction celebration kicked off on Sunday, March 2^nd, with a series of events hosted by local NAWIC chapters.  Throughout the week, industry professionals, both women and men, will come together to participate in discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. These events aim to celebrate women's accomplishments in construction and highlight the diverse career paths available within the industry.

Opportunities for Women in Construction

National Women in Construction Week also serves as a platform to emphasize the wealth of opportunities available to women in construction. From leadership roles to skilled trades, women have the chance to make a significant impact and contribute to the growth and success of the industry. As the construction landscape continues to evolve, the week encourages women to explore these avenues and consider a fulfilling and rewarding career in construction.

Explore Opportunities at CRC

As we commemorate the 27^th Annual Women in Construction Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all women in construction, not just this week but every week. If you're passionate about making an impact in your community and joining a team dedicated to excellence in property damage restoration and construction, explore our current openings. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant future for our industry and communities alike.