Stories of three exceptional women in construction - by Kyle Reagan

Once thought of as a seasonal, dirty, and scary “job,” a growing number of people are realizing that careers in construction are far more than that. Construction technology utilizes computer-aided drawing and design tools, lasers, and even GPS positioning tools. 

As the industry advances and evolves, it provides ever-greater opportunities. It also faces critical labor shortages as it attempts to meet ever-growing demand. The industry that built this great nation a couple of hundred years ago needs to do it again. That’s why it’s so important that we promote careers in construction to the best and brightest among us –it’s going to take every one of us to get it done. 

March is “Women in Construction” month, and although we recognize, appreciate, reward, and promote “women in construction” every month, dedicating March to telling their stories is always impactful. Across the Bay State there are examples of women making major contributions to their companies, their local economies and forging a career in construction. Because I have the forum, I’d like to tell three stories of three exceptional women – Cristie Eddy, Kim Lynch, and Kate Nugent – who are having an impact at my company, DECCO. 

Cristie was recently recognized by MetalForming Magazine as a “Woman of Excellence” for her dedication to her craft (welding) and her impact on our company. In two short years, Kim Lynch has gone from serving pizza and subs at a local diner to a lead project engineer who uses AutoCAD to help produce prefabricated piping assemblies and skids for COVID vaccines. Kate Nugent was the supervisor and lead orbital welder for those same skids, which are now producing crucial vaccines across the world. Even as they make great contributions to our company, Cristie is raising two children who are “remote learning” during the pandemic and Kim became a new mother a few months ago. Kate recently got married (and shortly thereafter recruited her new husband into DECCO’s apprentice program!). 

There have long been inspiring stories of women balancing career and family. I will never forget the sign we had in our house growing up that read “A Mom’s job is from son up to son down.” As more women discover construction as a rewarding career path that provides training and encourages advancement and accomplishment, it’s our job to tell their stories. Because their story is ABC’s story and America’s story. And we can’t exclude anyone’s talents as we rebuild the American economy. 

Kyle Reagan is the chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.-Mass. Chapter, and is CEO of DECCO Inc., Townsend, MA.