Paula Balcius grew up in a construction family. Her dad was a self-employed mechanical contractor. Her youth was centered around the business. "It's just always been the industry I've had the most knowledge about. My brothers joined dad's business and it was always the topic of family dinners. Actually, it still is the topic most discussed at family dinners."

My position with a small lead abatement company called Lead Source was supposed to be temporary. I was helping out my fiance at the time but had no plans to work there permanently. Flash forward 23 years and Lead Source became EnviroVantage. Four employees grew to over one hundred and I am still here.

Construction is an industry that allows diverse activities, provides an ever changing environment and people to interact with. It allows me to utilize my organizational skills and my love of people to develop and execute construction projects with a high sense of satisfaction at the completion. It is never boring.

Kasey Tardif started as a laborer and obtained her OSHA 10 and not too long after got her OSHA 30. Then she started working in the safety aspect of her company and obtained her OSHA 500. 

Kristin's advice or women considering a career in the construction industry – "Go for it!  It is proving to be one of the most welcoming industries I've ever worked in."

Construction is a lucrative industry that will always be around, filled with complex and dynamic projects, several trades and career paths to choose from with options for remote, office, or field work.

I realized at a young age that traditional school was not how I learned. I needed my studies to be tangible in order for it to make sense. I did construction trades at the vocational school within my high school and after a 5 year break decided to go to college for construction management.

When I was little, I spent many hours playing with a wonderful set of Legos®. I've had a fascination for the built environment since then. My career path, although far from construction, has developed in the built environment over the past 20 years and I've found a home in it. I may not swing a hammer or an excavator, but I enjoy showcasing the people, places, and projects that do and telling their story.

Cindy Cassavaugh enjoys participating in the building process. She says, "It is like watching the future unfold with every completed project."

My father has owned our business since I was 1 year old. I grew up in the industry and have always had a passion for design, architecture, real estate and the process of construction. I feel like it is in my blood and the only industry I'm truly passionate about.