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 equality in the workplace. 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.
