JoEllen has always been drawn to fast-paced, team-based work. That combination is what ultimately led her into construction, even if it was not the path she originally set out to follow.

Her interest in health and safety began at Keene State College, where she competed as a student athlete and explored career paths that fit her working style. Growing up on a horse farm, she was accustomed to staying active, so sitting behind a desk never felt right. At her softball coach’s suggestion, she took health and safety classes, a subject that quickly clicked. “From that point on, I never looked back. What started as a suggestion became a career that felt natural, practical, and aligned with who I am.”

She felt that connection in her first job as a Safety Intern with Dimeo. Assigned to the Forest Hills project in Boston, she arrived early each day, unsure of what to expect but determined to prove herself. By her second day, she was climbing a stair tower to the fifth floor for the first time. “I remember feeling a little scared but also thinking it was the coolest thing ever.”

What stayed with her from those early days was not just the work, but also the people. “Blakely Builders’ William Ciccheese and Jeff Goulette, along with Dimeo’s Martin Abt, truly took me under their wing. They wanted me to succeed.” Her teammates took the time to walk her through the site, explain the details, and make sure she understood how everything came together. That experience reinforced something she had been missing after college athletics ended.

“For me, the confirming moment wasn’t one single incident. It was a shift in identity,” she explains. “Construction gave me back something I had my whole life through athletics: a team, a shared mission, and a sense of belonging. It helped me build a new identity—not as “the softball player,” but as a safety professional and teammate.”

As her career progressed, key moments began to shape how JoEllen saw her place in the industry. The first came in 2023, when Bob Kunz invited her to attend a national-level Zurich Construction Roundtable. It was the first time she found herself in a room surrounded by senior-level safety professionals and C-suite executives from some of the largest construction companies in the country and, importantly, women in those roles. Watching Reese Fortin speak made a lasting impression. “There’s a phrase, ‘to see it is to believe it,’ and in that moment, I truly believed it,” she says. “Seeing someone who looked like me operating at that level made it tangible. I remember thinking, ‘One day, I want to be in that position.”

Earning her CHST certification was a milestone accomplishment that required a different kind of discipline, especially after time away from structured academics. “Making the commitment, putting in the work, and seeing it come to fruition was something I’m incredibly proud of.” The experience gave her the confidence to keep pushing forward and continue raising the bar for herself professionally. Together, those experiences, one rooted in exposure and one in personal achievement, expanded how she thinks about what is possible in her career.

Today, JoEllen’s role has evolved, and what she finds most rewarding goes beyond the title itself. Over the past year, she has stepped into a more management-oriented role, one she views less as oversight and more as mentorship. Supporting team members like Emma Conkey and helping them grow into their own has become a central part of her work.

“It’s challenged me in ways I didn’t expect,” she says. “It’s pushed me to communicate more clearly, lead more intentionally, and continuously improve myself so I can show up as a better leader.” Watching that growth unfold on site, from building confidence to owning responsibilities, is what she finds most fulfilling. “Leadership isn’t just about managing projects,” she adds. “It’s about developing people.”

Her approach to safety reflects the same mindset: it’s about people, not just compliance and rule enforcement. The real goal is to build trust and understand how people think, what they are navigating, and how to communicate in a way that resonates.

She measures success by what teams do on their own without prompting. When a superintendent pauses work, when a foreperson adjusts a plan, or when someone speaks up because something does not feel right, that is when the impact is clear. It means safety is embedded in the culture, not dependent on a single safety presence on site.

Over time, her role has evolved alongside the industry itself. Safety is no longer viewed as separate from operations, but rather integrated into how projects are planned and executed. A shift that has allowed a more active partnership with project teams, working alongside them rather than policing from the outside.

That shift did not happen without challenges. With a strong safety background but limited hands-on commercial experience, she often had questions and was also frequently the only woman at the table. Instead of stepping back, she stayed consistent in her approach and leaned into it. Early in her career, JoEllen’s curiosity was not always understood. She often asked more questions than others, seeking context and a deeper understanding of the work. At times, that was labeled as being “over the top.”

“I’ve never been afraid to ask the ‘dumb’ or obvious question, even when it’s uncomfortable,” she says. “Over time, I realized that curiosity isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. It leads to better planning, safer decisions, and stronger collaboration.” This mindset continues to shape how she shows up and leads today, creating environments where questions are encouraged, collaboration is expected, and learning is part of the process.

Reflecting on her experiences, one of her biggest lessons is resilience. Construction is challenging, and growth often involves discomfort. “A quote I live by is, ‘Do it scared.’ To me, that means saying yes to opportunities, even when you don’t feel completely ready. I’d rather look back and say, ‘I was scared, but I did it,’ than regret not trying.”

For JoEllen, being a woman in construction means both opportunity and responsibility. The opportunity to build a career, support herself, and keep growing. The responsibility is to keep that path open for others. “I know the women ahead of me in this industry crawled and walked so that I could run,” she says. “And because of that, I feel a responsibility to make sure the next generation doesn’t just run, they sprint.”

She has seen that progress firsthand. More women are entering the industry, taking on leadership roles, and transforming the way construction looks. Representation is increasing, and with it, the belief in what is possible.

At the same time, she is purposeful about maintaining that momentum through her involvement in industry initiatives. Her connection to AGC of MA’s Building Women in Construction group has been especially meaningful, beginning early in her career when she attended a WIC Week event and witnessed firsthand the impact of representation. “I remember sitting in that room thinking, ‘I want to be more involved in this. Maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to receive an award,” she says.

Five years later, she returned to that same community as a Rising Star Award recipient, a full-circle moment that reinforced the value of visibility and support. Since then, she has taken on a leadership role within the group, focused on creating those same opportunities for others. “What all of this has meant to me is simple: when you see it, you believe it.”

Mentorship has played a critical role in her own journey as well. She credits leaders who supported her growth, challenged her to take on new opportunities, and trusted her with responsibility, shaping how she shows up for others today.

“Without a doubt, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have strong mentors,” she says, pointing to leaders like Bob Kunz, Kevin Ferreira, Timothy Bemis, and Matt Pelczar, who have served as both advocates and allies throughout her career. “Their leadership has shown me what it looks like to support women in this industry, not just in words, but in action.”

That experience has stayed with her. “I feel lucky to be employed by Dimeo, where I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside world-class professionals who genuinely believe in developing talent, regardless of gender. That support is a big reason why I’ve stayed—because when you’re in a place where people invest in you, that’s where you want to build your career.”

Now, she is focused on doing the same by creating opportunities, offering honest feedback, and advocating for others when they are not in the room. For JoEllen, progress in this industry is not just about individual success; it is about building something stronger for those coming after her.

Sara Bollwage didn’t plan on a career in construction. At sixteen, she began working full-time to support herself. With four brothers, all involved in construction in some capacity, she had been exposed to the industry from a young age, but initially pursued a different path, putting herself through college and building a rewarding career in management. She credits early mentors, particularly Bob Jessman, for recognizing her talent and championing her growth.

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sara began to feel she had reached a ceiling in her career. Seeking a challenge aligned with her education, she pursued roles in communications, writing, and marketing. When she saw a posting for a Marketing Content Coordinator at Dimeo Construction Company, she was intrigued by the opportunity to enter an entirely new industry with endless chances to expand her skill set. Encouraged by her brother’s positive perspective on the company, she pursued the role and accepted the position.

Sara’s first role in construction as a Marketing Coordinator pushed her to learn the industry’s language, acronyms, and technical concepts quickly. “It was daunting at first,” she recalls, “but I was eager to become well-versed and well-spoken in the industry.” Her curiosity and willingness to dive into the unknown helped her develop a broad understanding of construction and how projects move from start to finish.

Since joining Dimeo Construction Company, Sara has grown from Marketing Coordinator to Marketing Communications Manager. Along the way, she has developed expertise in communicating the full lifecycle of projects, ensuring marketing reflects the substance behind the work, not just the surface. To deepen her knowledge, she pursued her Phius Certified Builder (CPHB) certification, strengthening her ability to communicate technical topics effectively.

Sara attributes her success to self-sufficiency, tenacity, and persistence. “Projects and priorities do not follow a straight line,” she says. “Taking ownership, learning quickly, and following through independently are essential.” She emphasizes the importance of understanding the people around her, their motivations, perspectives, and how they receive information, to communicate effectively and contribute meaningfully to team success.

Throughout her career, Sara has developed a deep passion for workplace equality. She has long worked in male-dominated industries and recognizes the disparities women face, from representation in leadership to opportunities in specialized roles. “I believed that showing up and performing at a top-tier level was enough,” she says. “But with the continued stagnation in the representation of women in specific industries and C-level positions, I realize that just showing up is not enough; the future of women requires speaking up.”

Sara also notes how far the conversation has come. During her time in the industry, discussions around representation have become more visible and candid. She admires the women in construction today for holding the torch for the next generation, challenging stereotypes, and securing their place in the field. She sees the impact of women as both subtle and significant. “Influence does not always look dramatic,” she says. “It often shows up by dismantling decades of ingrained perspectives. With increased representation, young women will no longer see the construction industry as a boys’ club or an inhospitable career choice.”

Although she does not work directly in the trades, Sara recognizes the importance of her role in supporting representation and visibility for women across the industry. “I have a voice and a chance to contribute to an industry that is still evolving in its representation,” she says. “Visibility matters, and there is a responsibility to ensure women are seen and heard at every level.” She advises everyone in the industry to ask direct questions, embrace learning, and address inequities when they see them. “Gaps close with effort. Progress depends on participation from everyone.”

This commitment to growth and equity reflects how Sara approaches her work and career. She values adaptability and the courage to dive into areas where she has little prior experience, seeing gaps in knowledge not as weaknesses but as opportunities. With that mindset, she continues to learn, challenge herself, and contribute her voice to the ongoing conversation around representation and equity in construction, shaping a future where women’s contributions are visible, recognized, and valued.

Ray Martin’s path into construction technology was shaped by firsthand experience in the field, where he developed a passion for solving challenges through innovation. In 2009, in the aftermath of the recession, he was hired as a “Small Tools Tracking Assistant,” tasked with visiting every project site to catalog equipment — impact drivers, drills, ladders, lasers, and more. “If you used it on a jobsite, I needed to find it, give it an ID number, barcode it, and log it into ToolWatch,” Ray recalls. Over nine months, he tracked more than $2 million in tools across multiple states, a project that not only revealed his work ethic but also his growing interest in how technology could bring order and efficiency to complex operations.

When his contract ended, Ray transitioned into purchasing and continued managing the tool tracking system. In his downtime, he began troubleshooting IT issues for field teams. “The IT Director eventually realized they hadn’t received a help desk ticket from the yard in months,” Ray says. “When he found out I was taking care of everything, he offered me a position on his help-desk, with a salary and benefits which I happily accepted, although my current boss fought back as he had me slated to get my CDL license and start my career in the yard.”

It was the opportunity that changed everything.

Ray started in the basement — literally. “They put me in a cage with a key to get in and out,” he says, laughing. “I built laptops, swapped memory, set up phones, answered tickets, and learned the basics of IT in that room.” From there, he began to see how technology could transform the construction process. Within a year, he proposed a plan to bring IT support directly to jobsites, combining his technical skills with his field experience.

That initiative would define his career. Over the next several years, Ray supported remote offices and projects across New England and the Mid-Atlantic, logging countless miles while earning his Master’s in Information Technology. “I wanted my work to impact the projects, even in the early stages,” he says. “That connection between technology and the field was where I found purpose.”

The turning point came when Ray joined Dimeo a decade ago. “At the time, I was proud of what I’d accomplished, but ready for the next step,” he says. “Looking back, Dimeo’s Leadership put their trust in a 30-year-old kid with ambition, limited experience, but tremendous passion for this industry. Honestly, a risk they took I can never thank them enough for.”

The first year brought a steep learning curve, but also growth. With support from mentors and colleagues, Ray and his team modernized Dimeo’s technology stack and began building the foundation for the company’s digital transformation. Today, as Chief Technology Officer, Ray leads that evolution, overseeing IT, Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), and innovation strategy.

“As CTO, my number one job is to protect Dimeo’s assets,” he explains. “Cybersecurity will always be the top priority. But we also have to navigate this wave of technology safely, especially with AI. We’ll see automation and robotics on our jobsites and in our offices, not because we want to, but because we have to. My role is to help the company understand how these tools fit within our ecosystem while keeping our data safe and reliable.”

Ray’s leadership philosophy is deeply collaborative. “Technology leadership in a construction environment is all about partnership,” he says. “My expectations and the realities of the jobsite can be very different, so building relationships with project teams is critical. We need to work together from pilot to production to make technology meaningful.”

Under Ray’s guidance, Dimeo has embraced tools that bridge the gap between the office and the field, including cloud-based platforms such as Procore, Join.Build, and continuous improvement groups that promote team-driven innovation. “We’re operating in a connected environment now,” he says. “Ninety percent of our systems are cloud-based. Eliminating disconnected processes has reduced friction and strengthened collaboration across every level of the company.”

Looking ahead, Ray believes the next decade will bring unprecedented transformation. “AI is the technology that will shape construction for generations,” he says. “It’s going to create jobs that don’t exist yet — roles like Construction Data Engineer, AI Project Manager, or Digital Transformation Specialist. It will also help address the labor shortage and redefine how we work.”

For Ray, that future is full of opportunity, especially for those who are just discovering the intersection of construction and technology. “You’d be surprised how many opportunities there are in this industry for people with tech backgrounds,” he says. “If you’re passionate about innovation and want to see your work directly impact the world around you, construction is a place where you can make that happen.”

Jeremy’s path to construction started long before his first day on a jobsite. Growing up, he was surrounded by the trades; his father was an electrician, and his uncle worked as a carpenter. This early exposure sparked his interest and provided him with a clear direction. He enrolled in a vocational high school that offered a house-and-mill program, where he gained valuable experience through a co-op placement with a residential builder. This hands-on experience, combined with his desire to keep learning, laid the foundation for a career characterized by craftsmanship, leadership, and growth.

After working with the residential builder throughout high school and college, Jeremy transitioned to the commercial side of the industry, starting as a framer for a drywall contractor. This role eventually led him into project management, significantly broadening his understanding of the construction process.

Nearly nine years ago, Jeremy joined Dimeo as an Assistant Superintendent, bringing with him a foundation built on field experience and a deep understanding of the trades. His commitment to collaboration and quality quickly stood out, earning him opportunities to take on greater responsibility across a variety of projects. Today, as a Superintendent, Jeremy plays a key role in leading teams and coordinating complex field operations from start to finish. He credits communication and planning as the foundation of his leadership approach. “Open communication and pre-planning are the number one priorities,” he says. “When everyone, from the field team to subcontractors, understands the plan and their role in it, that’s when projects succeed.”

Among his career highlights, Jeremy points to his work on the Citizens Bank Campus project as a pivotal experience. “It was a large build, and I was able to learn and develop multiple skills from a wide range of superintendents,” he says. “That project showed me how strong team dynamics lead to strong project outcomes. There’s no ‘I’ in any of the builds we do; it’s the team that makes the job successful.”

He finds motivation in seeing projects come to life and in the impact they leave behind. “Watching a project evolve from a blank canvas into a completed structure is one of the most rewarding parts of the job,” he says. Jeremy takes pride in knowing that the projects he helps deliver become lasting parts of the communities they serve.

As we recognize Careers in Construction Month, Jeremy encourages others to consider the opportunities this industry offers. “You’re constantly learning and being challenged in new ways,” he says. He notes that no two days are the same, and that the personal and professional growth you gain from building something meaningful every day is unlike anything in any other career.

Continuing our Careers in Construction Month series — and in recognition of Construction Inclusion Week — we’re pleased to feature Chrissy Clark, Dimeo’s Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Her inspirational leadership contributes to shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking construction industry.

Chrissy didn’t initially set out to build a career in the construction industry, but a former colleague’s recommendation — and the mentorship of a seasoned DEI leader — changed her path entirely. Guided by Carol Fuller, a Director of DEI with over 25 years of experience, she discovered not only a new professional calling but also a personal passion. “From the moment I started, I knew I had found a role that would challenge me and be incredibly rewarding,” she reflects.

That sense of purpose is what drives her every day. With a significant portion of the construction trades workforce nearing retirement, she sees a pivotal moment for the industry to grow more diverse and inclusive. “This generational shift gives us the opportunity to bring more people of color and women into the trades,” she explains. “It’s about helping to create access and opportunity where they’re most needed.”

For Chrissy, DEI in construction is not about meeting quotas or fulfilling compliance goals; it’s about building stronger teams and communities. She emphasizes that inclusion starts with ensuring all workers have the opportunity to thrive, whether on a job site or within a project partnership. “When we bring together a variety of perspectives and experiences, teams become safer, stronger, and more effective,” she says. “We also open doors for subcontractors from underrepresented groups to grow their businesses, take part in meaningful work, and contribute on larger projects, they would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in.”

The impact of her work becomes most tangible when she sees change firsthand. Recently, Chrissy coordinated upcoming jobsite tours for students in the Building Pathways pre-apprenticeship program, an experience that will introduce them to life on an active construction site. Watching those same students graduate, join unions, and begin their careers in the trades reaffirms why she does this work. “Seeing individuals from underrepresented communities step into these opportunities and start building their futures is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Construction Inclusion Week serves as a reminder that building strong structures starts with building strong, inclusive teams. “It reinforces Dimeo’s commitment to DEI and ensures that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued,” Chrissy says. But the effort cannot end there. “The engagement and actions of inclusion need to continue year-round to maintain a diverse, equitable culture.”

To her, creating that culture begins with individual action. She believes that inclusion isn’t a program, it’s a practice. “It starts with listening, challenging our own biases, and speaking up when we see exclusion,” she says. “It’s about mentoring others, sharing opportunities, and being intentional about who we include in conversations and collaborations. Inclusion doesn’t just happen, it’s something we all build, together.”

For Vennicia Kingston, owner and president of Eagle Eye Construction Services, the grit, the dirt, and the hands-on journey are all parts of her story. As a minority and woman-owned business owner in Rhode Island, Kingston is helping to change what leadership in construction looks like.

Her path to entrepreneurship began in 2010, when she discovered Building Futures, a local initiative that connects people to careers in the trades. Upon graduating from the program, she was accepted into the Laborers Local 271 and began her apprenticeship on the bridge project in Pawtucket, RI. “I didn’t know much about construction going in,” she recalls. “I just knew I wanted to own properties and be able to do repairs on my own homes. But being out there in the dirt made me fall in love with the industry.”

Kingston worked in the field for several years, learning every aspect of the trade. She gained technical skills and a deep appreciation for the hard work and teamwork that drive the industry. In 2014, an on-site injury changed the course of her life. “That’s when I decided I needed to start using my brain instead of my body,” she said. It was a point that led her to consider how she could continue in construction in a new way.

In 2018, Kingston founded Eagle Eye Construction Services. The company began with small post-construction cleaning contracts and selective demolition projects. Her first union contract came around 2020, cleaning trailers two nights a week in East Providence, Rhode Island. “Those early days were tough. There were a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,” she said with a smile. “I was able to foster and build relationships by putting myself out there and making sure I showed up in certain rooms, shook hands, and let people know Eagle Eye existed and what we were about.”

Her persistence paid off. Eagle Eye began winning larger contracts, including the Rhode Island State Health Lab project in Providence, Rhode Island, the largest project to date for Kingston. “It pushed me to see how far I could go. Now that I know what I can handle, I’m ready for more.”

Kingston is always looking to expand and has ideas, including interim cleaning, portable restrooms, carpentry, and drywall, among others. “I don’t want Eagle Eye to be brought in just for the final clean,” she explains. “I want us to be involved through the project.”

Despite her success, Kingston is clear-eyed about the challenges that minority and women-owned businesses still face. Access to capital was one of the most significant hurdles to overcome in the early stages. Organizations such as the Rhode Island Black Business Association, the Rhode Island Women’s Council, and the Building Trades Council helped her navigate those barriers through small grants, loans, and mentorship. “Having people like Michael Sabatoni and Scott Duhamel stand by me and say, ‘She’s solid’ made a big difference.”

Today, as she expands her company, she is also advocating for more inclusive opportunities in the industry. “We need to be more creative about how we structure contracts,” she said. “If a small business can’t handle a whole project, maybe we can take on a portion. Maybe I can’t do ten floors, but I can do two. We need to find ways to make it work instead of saying it can’t.”

Through Eagle Eye, Kingston also works to create opportunities for people who might otherwise be left out. She often hires young mothers who find it difficult to make early job start times because most childcare programs don’t open until after 7 a.m. By giving them flexible opportunities and introducing them to union work when they’re ready, she helps them gain stability and access to benefits that can be life-changing. “When I got into the union, my pay doubled, and within a year and a half, I was able to buy my first home,” she said. “I know what that can mean for someone’s future.”

Kingston’s vision is to build a reliable, professional team that shares her values and commitment. “When contractors think about cleaning, site support, or selective demo, I want Eagle Eye to be the first name they think of.” The drive behind this is to create a “home” for her employees. “In the trades, you’re often bouncing from job to job, the job ends, you’re laid off, you’re at another company. It’s always nice when you have a home, when you know from year to year you’re going to be working. You can plan for your family, your life.”

Her motivation runs deep. “I’m my toughest critic,” Kingston said. “Now that this ball has been picked up, I’m such a stickler about making sure I don’t drop it. I feel like a lot of eyes are on me, my family, my employees, and their families—they depend on me. That’s my responsibility. I can’t drop the ball.”

Kingston has also become a role model for others, even if that wasn’t her original goal. “I didn’t think of myself as a mentor, but I know a lot of people look at what I’m doing and feel inspired,” she said. “They see me and realize there’s more they can do beyond working in the field.” She’s seen former colleagues start their own businesses or transition into roles in safety and compliance, inspired by her example.

For Kingston, success is not just about contracts and revenue; it’s about community and representation. When young women find out that I own a business and go ‘Hey, how can I come and work for you?’ that’s what I love, that’s what makes me feel good.” She’s helping shape a construction industry where everyone has the chance to belong and succeed.

As part of Careers in Construction Month, we’re highlighting the many career paths that make up our industry, starting with our Brand Marketing Manager, Megan Belfiore.

In her role, Megan oversees Dimeo’s corporate brand identity, ensuring that every touchpoint — from the scrim on our job sites to our digital presence — reflects who we are and the people behind our projects. Day to day, she works across a wide range of print and digital collateral, including our website, social media, internal communications, presentations, and business materials. She also collaborates closely with colleagues across departments and in the field to ensure every project and service is marketed with intention and consistency.

Megan describes her work as giving life to Dimeo’s story: “The best parts of working for and with Dimeo would remain a secret without the work of our Marketing and Business Development team,” she says. “I love that it’s my job to share that with the world.”

Since joining Dimeo five years ago, Megan has seen firsthand how collaboration, creativity, and innovation come together to build something great, both in the field and behind the scenes. She’s developed a deep appreciation for what it takes to deliver a successful project, explaining that she has “never worked with a more passionate and hardworking group of people” and that “everyone here truly cares about doing their absolute best work for our clients, Dimeo, and each other.”

Her passion for visual communication has been the foundation of her career. Megan has always been fascinated by the way people respond to what they see, from advertisements and billboards to digital media. “In my position, I influence and shape the visual brand identity of a company I care so much about and truly believe in,” she shares. “My hope is to inspire others to see what I see, feel what I feel, and believe in us as much as I do.”

When it comes to the future of marketing in construction, Megan sees endless opportunity. She notes that the industry and market are always evolving, which means there will always be new creative opportunities to explore. “I’ve seen our marketing strategy grow and adapt over my first five years in the industry,” she says, “and I’m excited to see where we’ll go in the future.”

Creative, challenging, and rewarding are the three words Megan uses to describe her career, and they perfectly capture what it means to grow within the construction industry.