WIC Week™ or Women in Construction Week™, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry (https://wicweek.org) In observance of this year’s theme, “Many Paths, One Mission,” we bring you insights into the unique paths and strengths of the women that work at Crawford Mechanical and who support the mission of women in construction everywhere.
Interview with Wendy Tobin, HR Generalist
Q: What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in construction?
A: Knowing as a young girl that it’s not necessary to be masculine to be a part of a predominantly male industry, it was necessary to be REAL. Be a strong “Human.” Work with integrity and honor. Sometimes it took a lot longer for recognition, but I never craved that. My reward has always been knowing I gave it my all.
Q: What is a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?
A: I grew up racing dirt bikes and snowmobiles.
Q: Who, in life or the industry, inspires you?
A: My stepfather was one of my heroes. He was a professional race car driver, so I grew up with race cars, nitro engines and the smell of gasoline. This led to an appetite for speed. I raced dirt bikes and snowmobiles. Back in those days females were rarely invited to compete. So, when I was on a racetrack, I hid may waist length hair in a helmet and was thin enough to wear leathers or snowmobile suite without detection. When I would win or place, he (my dad) was the loudest voice I would hear from the stands, he always proudly screamed, “Take the helmet off!” Down would come the long hair and usually a disqualification. I love these stories because my dad taught me, I could do anything I put my mind to as long as you worked hard. Equally he always said, “You can race with the boys, but never forget you’re a lady.” If I wasn’t riding or holding a wrench, I always wore a dress. I loved being feminine, but also enjoyed playing in the dirt.
Q: What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in construction?
A: Knowing as a young girl that it’s not necessary to be masculine to be a part of a predominantly male industry, it was necessary to be REAL. Be a strong “Human.” Work with integrity and honor. Sometimes it took a lot longer for recognition, but I never craved that. My reward has always been knowing I gave it my all.
Q: Is there a life lesson you would like to share?
A: My life lesson is that we all have value, and beauty is found from within us. This allows everyone to dream big and keep on reaching. Everyday there’s a new lesson around the corner.
