2019 Women in Construction: Laurie Webber, Assistant Director of Safety at Erland Construction, Inc.

How many years have you been in your current field? 18

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My very first job was as a children’s camp counselor which quickly taught me the importance of patience. This lesson holds its value even today in my current role. No two people are the same. We all learn differently and excel at different things. Whether I am helping a subcontractor to understand the importance of wearing fall protection or listening to my superintendents run a pre-plan meeting, having patience and respect for one another is a key component to our overall success.

What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? I think, like most women in construction, I feared I wouldn’t get the respect I deserved and that in this male-dominated industry, I wouldn’t be taken seriously. I also feared that becoming a mom three times over would somehow interfere with how I’d be looked at by some of my peers. That has truly not been the case at Erland. If anything, I’ve gained more respect for being able to manage the work/home life balance most of us are juggling. Every one of my colleagues are supportive and truly understanding. Their compassion has put my fears to rest.