Resource Options, Inc. is very excited to have had an opportunity to interview 15 of the women at ROI for women in construction spotlight.
Women in Construction Week is March 7-13, 2021. This week raises awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.
Fifteen of the women at Resource Options, Inc. share how they got into the construction industry, what their role is at ROI, and their advice to any female looking to enter the construction industry or any male-dominated field.
Ellen Taylor, Division Manager, 7.5 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Ellen Taylor’s Answer: I was in the environmental industry and met Kevin Walsh at a networking event. He shared that he had opened up an office in New Hampshire and was servicing the construction industry, after a few conversations I made the switch to help grow that area.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Ellen Taylor’s Answer: My role as a Division Manager is to grow our territory in New Hampshire, develop business, and provide our clients with top-notch skilled Tradesman.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Ellen Taylor’s Advice: Be an equal, be thick-skinned, and be confident.
Tiffani Tartaglia, Division Manager, 7 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Tiffani Tartaglia’s Answer: Fell into it. I came into ROI to interview for an environmental recruiting role and the construction team wanted to hire me. Here we are 7 years later.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Tiffani Tartaglia’s Answer: Division Manager. Development of my team as well as drive new business and growth.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Tiffani Tartaglia’s Advice: Do not change who you are! Be true to yourself and you will go far.
Allyson Cook, Human Resource Manager, 4.5 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Allyson Cook’s Answer: I consider myself as part of the Staffing Industry, we just happen to recruit construction. Human Resources and Recruiting in the construction industry has brought me many different scenarios and ways to challenge myself. There is something new to learn every day!
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Allyson Cook’s Answer: As the HR Manager, I handle all internal and external Employee Relations issues, compliance concerns/issues as well as Benefits administration for our internal and field staff. It's my responsibility to ensure policies comply with federal and state law.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Allyson Cook’s Advice: Try to put yourself in situations where you can fill holes in your experience and expertise. Go to that meeting, ask to take on that project. Sometimes, people can be overlooked for tasks because they’re not seen as likely candidates, so keep an eye on what you’d like to be doing and make it happen!
Rachel Fish, Account Manager, 4 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Rachel Fish’s Answer: I started in the construction industry when I joined ROI in 2017. I did not have prior experience working through the A/E/C industries but quickly grew to love the work and ever since I have learned an extraordinary amount from both our candidates and clientele.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Rachel Fish’s Answer: I am an Account Manager which means that my main priorities are working on sales with our current client base as well as developing new clients. I also have a team of recruiters that work with me and growing their career is a huge part of our business.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Rachel Fish’s Advice: My advice to women considering a career in construction would be to just go for it! We are living in a day and age where women are now being "seen". If it seems intimidating to enter a world where men have been mainly dominant in the industry, let that be a challenge for you, not fear, and know that it is a very rewarding career with enormous opportunity for women to shine.
Caroline Bishop, Search Consultant, 3.5 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Caroline Bishop’s Answer: I was inspired by a family member who was the Town Engineer in FL. I was memorized by looking at plans and working with a project team. This led me to study Civil Engineering in college and become president of our ASCE chapter. I get excited looking at plans and hearing about improvement projects.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Caroline Bishop’s Answer: As a Search Consultant with Resource Options, Inc., I find myself an industry matchmaking expert between Boston’s Best Engineering, Construction, Architecture, and Environmental firms.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Caroline Bishop’s Advice: Be true to yourself, open to new ideas, and willing to try something different. You never know where your career may take you, so enjoy the ride!
Rebecca Packer, Accounting Associate, 3 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Rebecca Packer’s Answer: When I started at ROI, I had taken an Administrative Position, after my first year I transferred to the Finance Department. I didn't intentionally end up in Construction, but here I am!
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Rebecca Packer’s Answer: As the Accounting Associate at ROI - I am responsible for processing candidate payroll and creating corresponding invoicing for our clients. I am also responsible for Accounts Payables.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Rebecca Packer’s Advice: The construction industry is just like any other industry. It takes all types of people, skill sets, and backgrounds to all come together and be successful.
Jennifer Monroe, Marketing Manager, 2.10 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Jennifer Monroe’s Answer: With a father working in the trades, I was exposed to the construction industry at a young age. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Sports Management from the University of Mary Washington. Upon graduating, I started my career in the construction industry with Resource Options, Inc.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Jennifer Monroe’s Answer: As the Marketing Manager, I am responsible for guiding and executing all marketing efforts for the company. From lead generation to web development to social media and more. The split role of Marketing and Internal Recruiting has allowed me to also identify, recruit and hire internal employees.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Jennifer Monroe’s Advice: Dream big and stand out! Out work everyone around you, continue learning, and never stop getting better at what you do. Every job is a 'craft' and what differentiates you is how well you do it and how good you are at it. No one great ever fit in with the crowd.
Haley Muir, Account Manager, 2.8 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Haley Muir’s Answer: I received my B.S in Geology and have worked for an Environmental Consulting company in the past. After I left that firm, I came to ROI where I started as a recruiter helping candidates within the Construction, Engineering, and Environmental industries find better opportunities.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Haley Muir’s Answer: My current position as an Account Manager involves working directly with our clients (A/E/C firms) on their hiring needs. I also generate business leads, manage a team of recruiters, and am on our staff development committee where I help develop and implement new trainings.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Haley Muir’s Advice: If you're interested in a career in construction, go for it! The idea that the construction industry is only for / supports men is wrong. Women may be a minority in the industry, but there are so many opportunities for women to get involved and be incredibly successful.
Ali Larkin, Senior Job Coordinator, 2.5 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Ali Larkin’s Answer: I landed in construction when I started working at ROI. Although I grew up around the industry, it wasn't until I was hired that I actually had any real exposure!
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Ali Larkin’s Answer: My role within ROI is about building relationships with both active clients and candidates. It's great to learn more about clients and their companies, and see how we can partner to help with hiring needs. Even better when we can find our candidates a great home!
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Ali Larkin’s Advice: Feel confident in yourself, you know what you are talking about, and don't be afraid to push for what you want!
Ashtyn Zussy, HR / Operations Associate, 1.7 years
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Ashtyn Zussy’s Answer: After leaving the Mortgage industry I simply fell into working in the construction industry with ROI.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Ashtyn Zussy’s Answer: As the HR/ Operations Associate, I am the jack of all trades between working with Jen in Marketing, Allyson in HR, and our Finance team. I find my job very rewarding as everyday ROI brings new and exciting tasks into my role.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Ashtyn Zussy’s Advice: My advice to other women considering a role in construction is to not let anyone’s opinion move you, stay true to who you are! As a woman in this industry, the opportunities are endless. Believe in yourself!
Colleen Payne, Search Consultant, 9 months
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Colleen Payne’s Answer: Over the past three years, I have recruited within the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industry as well as the design, marketing, and PR space. Nine months ago I began my journey with ROI with no prior experience within construction but filled with excitement to learn, grow, and become a more well-rounded recruiter.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Colleen Payne’s Answer: At Resource Options I am a Search Consultant responsible for partnering with experts within the engineering, environmental, and construction industry. Through building strong relationships with my candidates I assist in their journey to find their next dream opportunity.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Colleen Payne’s Advice: I feel it's important to tell yourself you can truly succeed in anything you set your mind to. With a positive attitude, confidence, and a go-getter mentality you can expect favorable results for your career.
Madison Zimmerman, Search Consultant, 4 months
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Madison Zimmerman’s Answer: I was exposed to the construction industry quickly after graduating college. Almost half of my family attended Wentworth for careers focused in construction management but I took a different path and majored in communication. I combined the two worlds when I begin working as a recruiter for ROI.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Madison Zimmerman’s Answer: As a Search Consultant at Resource Options, I am constantly partnering with candidates and helping them find great job opportunities within the A/E/C industry. Every day I am connecting with industry professionals and creating relationships to help them advance their careers.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Madison Zimmerman’s Advice: Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, sacrifice, and most of all, the love of what you are doing or learning to do.
Abbey MacQuarrie, Search Consultant, 4 months
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Abbey MacQuarrie’s Answer: I came into the construction industry after two years of teaching in Connecticut. I decided on a career change and began networking with a variety of friends and former colleagues. After meeting with Jen and other members of the ROI team, I was thrilled to jump into construction.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Abbey MacQuarrie’s Answer: As a Search Consultant at ROI, I am sourcing for candidates in the A/E/C industry who are looking for career changes and growth. I am responsible for interviewing these candidates and act as their advocate throughout the job search process. I am also conducting reference checks on their behalf and providing information about the client and job descriptions.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Abbey MacQuarrie’s Advice: Never doubt your abilities to succeed in the industry!
Sarah Carley, Job Coordinator, 3 months
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Sarah Carley’s Answer: Someone recruited me through LinkedIn! (I did not know anything about construction beforehand).
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Sarah Carley’s Answer: I am a Job Coordinator for ROI, this means I pair skilled tradesmen with the opportunity that they are looking for based on their specific wants and needs. I enjoy all aspects of helping our candidates succeed from recruiting them over the phone, to being out there on the job site for his/her first day. It's a rewarding experience.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Sarah Carley’s Advice: Be strong-willed. Don't get distracted by the typical stereotypes associated with the field, we must pave our path within the industry.
Courtney Cusello, Job Coordinator, the first month
Question 1: How did you get into the construction industry?
Courtney Cusello’s Answer: I started in the construction industry as an HR coordinator for a drywall company and enjoyed working in the trade.
Question 2: What is your role within ROI?
Courtney Cusello’s Answer: I am a Job Coordinator out of the Londonderry, NH office. What I do in my role is to recruit and source skilled trade candidates for the construction industry. I work with the candidate to match their skill sets to find them the best fit career opportunity.
Question 3: What advice do you have for women considering a career in the construction industry?
Courtney Cusello’s Advice: My advice for women that are interested in considering a career in the construction industry would be to recognize your own worth and abilities by showing your peers that you are confident and can be counted on to get the job done. I would also say that it is equally important to not be afraid to speak up for yourself as well.
