Performance Point’s Hard Hatted Women
Performance Point’s Hard Hatted Women
Today we’re highlighting the awesome women in our company! Performance Point is proud to have 34% of its team be female. Of that, 60% are on the job site or out in the field. How does that compare nationally? The 2020 US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that of all the people working in construction, women comprise only 10.3%. On the job site numbers are even smaller with only 1 out of every 100 employees are women.
In one of the most gender-segregated industries in the world, how do we stand above the crowd? It starts with the Performance Point culture. “We pride ourselves on providing an atmosphere where people are empowered to do their jobs,”explains Sam Galphin, owner. “I view myself as working for the people who work here. I enjoy looking for ways to promote the success of those on our team. People are accountable, but they are also so valued, they are not afraid to admit mistakes in areas where they need to grow.”
I had the pleasure of sitting down with some of our hard-hatted women. They all have some common characteristics… tenacity, confidence, and persistence. What other strengths can you spot?
Susie Redfearn
Manager of Strategic Initiatives
She wears multiple hats for Performance Point. Her responsibilities include hiring and recruiting, managing and directing the sales and marketing team, and strategic planning. Two of the four executive positions are female despite the barriers to enter and grow in the construction industry.
Redfearn says the construction industry is always changing,.. “Right when I think I have learned something, it changes. We have a knowledgeable and diverse team that collaborates to not only solve problems but to implement solutions to improve the process.” She adds, “it’s ok to not have all the answers.”
When asked what advice she would give to women entering the construction industry Redfearn says, “Don’t be timid! You have a voice, don’t be afraid to speak up. This is a great industry to be in right now, it’s booming! There are opportunities to learn and grow, so jump in with both feet and don’t be afraid.”
Women are more empathic than men. We offer a different perspective, we are good listeners and we are open-minded. There is nothing wrong with being in the construction industry.
So, are the traditionally low numbers for the females in the construction industry intentional, or do men just like to dig in the dirt more than women? Leigh Humphries says her dad was not at all surprised that she is in the construction business because as a child he could not keep her out of his workshop.
Leigh Humphries
Regional Manager Greenville, SC.
She manages the quality inspection and energy team while also conducting inspections herself.
Humphries says her biggest challenge of being a female professional in the construction industry is people not trusting in her knowledge or skills right off the bat. Although when they realize that she knows what she is doing they respect her even more.
Performance Point is helping Humphries grow in the business too. She has just completed her HERS Rater (Home Energy Rating System) certification and is currently learning the NGBS (National Green Building Standard) certification.
As for her top tip for women wanting to enter into this industry…. “be confident in what you know, if you enjoy it do it! Don’t let the stigma or perception that it is full of bossy men stop you.” She adds that most women have three qualities that are essential in this business – multitasking, organizing and we have an eye for detail.
Beth Ainsworth
Quality Assurance Designee (QAD)-Single Family and NGBS Verifier-Multifamily
She is a perfect example of perseverance and determination. She has been with Performance Point almost since its inception in 2008. Her passion for sustainable design led to a master’s degree in building science from Appalachian State University. She was learning how to do blower door tests before she finished graduate school!
Ainsworth says that over the past 11 years she has been allowed to set her own path and grow within the company. “Sam has always been very flexible with giving people opportunities to advance or change the trajectory of their career path.”
Ainsworth comments that “politely put, being taken seriously” is her biggest challenge. She overcomes this with confidence… “you have to be confident in yourself or this industry will gobble you up”! She has never felt any type of gender discrimination within the company because Performance Point does an excellent job of making everyone feel right at home.
All of this construction talk makes me wonder what these powerful women do when they are not working? They all like to get outdoors as much as possible whether it is going on long walks with their dogs, or camping with their partners. But funny enough they all like to work on house projects. I guess you could call them Handywomen!
These ladies are just a few of our outstanding team. Call us today to see how we can help you and to meet some more of our team!
704.563.1030
Info@ThePerformancePoint.com
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