During Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to recognize the women who help build, support, and strengthen All Craft Exteriors every single day — on the jobsite and behind the scenes.
Each year, Women in Construction Week shines a spotlight on the women who are shaping an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men. The week is organized by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and celebrates the contributions, skills, and leadership women bring to the trades. You can learn more about the official history and mission of the week directly from NAWIC here: https://www.nawic.org/nawic/WIC_Week.asp
At All Craft Exteriors, we don’t need a calendar reminder to value the women on our team. However, this week gives us a good excuse to say it out loud.
If you’ve ever visited All Craft Exteriors’ team page, you already know: the strength of our company comes from the people behind it.
Micayla Reimers works on one of our siding crews. Before joining All Craft, she worked in health care. Then she made a decision that some people might find surprising. She chose construction.
That decision has only reinforced itself.
She enjoys watching a project come together piece by piece. More importantly, she appreciates the tangible result. At the end of the day, she can step back, look at a finished home, and say, “I did that.” In fact, she has admitted to driving past completed jobs with friends just to point them out. Part of it is pride. The other part? She wants people to understand that the trades offer real opportunity and real income.
Her supervisors agree she made the right move.
““Like anybody new to the trades, she’s got a lot to learn” her foreman, Josh, says. “But, she’s coming along pretty good.”
Matt Peterson, our head of production, adds something that also stands out: “Mikayla started in October and worked straight through the winter. That’s not easy. I admire anybody who sticks it out and keeps showing up.”
In Minnesota, working outside through winter isn’t theoretical. It’s a test. Micayla passed it.
Here’s the reality: construction needs people. Skilled labor shortages are not speculation; they are documented fact.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up roughly 11% of the overall construction workforce, and a much smaller percentage of skilled trade roles specifically. (BLS data: https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm)
Meanwhile, demand for skilled trades continues to grow. The U.S. Census Bureau and industry workforce studies consistently show ongoing construction growth, particularly in residential and infrastructure sectors. If we ignore half the population, we are voluntarily shrinking the talent pool in an industry that already needs skilled workers.
That’s not just inefficient. It’s unsustainable.
The trades offer:
For young people evaluating options, construction deserves a serious look. And for the industry itself, encouraging women to enter the trades isn’t about optics. It’s about workforce strength
Construction companies do not run on hammers alone.
Hayley Howard is often the first voice customers hear. As our Customer Support Representative, she sets the tone for the entire experience.
Lori Dondlinger handles accounts receivable and supports customer service — which means she keeps both numbers and relationships in order.
Ashley Wilcox serves as our bookkeeper and HR Manager, a role that requires precision and people skills in equal measure.
And of course, our General Manager, Jewels DeCorsey, helps guide the direction and stability of the entire organization. In addition, she is also a member of National Women in Roofing, NWIR, an organization dedicated to advancing and supporting women in the roofing industry through education, networking, and mentorship. You can learn more about NWIR here: NationalWomeninRoofing.org
These roles may not (always) require climbing scaffolding in January, but they are no less essential. A company that cannot communicate, account, manage, and lead does not last long — no matter how good the siding looks.
We could not do this work without them.
Zooming out, the data reinforces what we see locally.
The construction industry continues to face labor shortages nationwide. At the same time, participation from women remains comparatively low in field positions. Organizations such as NAWIC and workforce development groups advocate for mentorship, training access, and early exposure to trade careers because the gap is measurable — and fixable.
Encouraging women to explore construction careers strengthens companies, strengthens communities, and stabilizes the industry long term.
That’s not a marketing slogan. That’s workforce math.
Women in Construction Week exists to highlight contributions that have always been there, even when they weren’t always acknowledged.
At All Craft Exteriors, we are proud of the women who build, manage, organize, answer, calculate, lead, and show up — day after day.
To Micayla, Hayley, Lori, Ashley, Jewels, and every woman helping shape this industry: thank you.
Construction works better when everyone who is capable has a seat at the table — or a spot on the crew.
And we’re built on that kind of trust.
