Women in Construction: Jennifer Toth

Jennifer Toth    
M. Rivera Construction Co.    
President    
5 years in the industry    

Jen worked as a 310 Laborer on the Cleveland Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium renovation, Downtown Cleveland Hilton Hotel, American Greetings Corporate Headquarters, and various Cleveland Metropolitan School District projects. Two years later, she left the field to become an office manager, handling human resources for M. Rivera Construction Co. Last year, she purchased the company and continues to run the day to day operations of the office, manage staff and oversee contracts.     

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry?  
 
My family has been in construction for over 30 years. I have been around the industry my entire adult life. After being downsized from United Airlines after Cleveland lost its hub status, I entered Laborers Union Local # 310.    

What do you like most about your work?    

I love the work that we do. While similar, on a day to day basis, it is always changing from location to location. I also enjoy working with the employees we have who come from all walks of life. We have a very diverse group of men and women all from various backgrounds, some college educated some struggled through high school. Regardless, through hard work and effort, they can afford a nice life for themselves and I am happy to be a part of that.
      
What would you like to see change within the construction industry?  
 
I would like to see more young high school graduates realize that the construction trades can offer them a good life and lifestyle without the debt of a college education. Many kids should attend college, but for a large portion of them entering the trades, learning a marketable skill, earning wages as you attend your apprenticeship is a much better path for their success.

What are your long term career goals?  
 
M. Rivera Construction, Co. (MRC) has evolved over the last five years. We have grown into a medium-sized company, taking on much larger and more involved selective interior and exterior demolition projects with a higher level of difficulty. I am looking to continue our growth at a modest and profitable pace, reinvesting into the company as we have over the last five years. Through careful planning, our growth has been manageable and consistent. I am looking to build upon that foundation into the future.    

What advice would you give to other women interested in construction?    

Not to be concerned about entering a predominantly male industry. If you have the aptitude, are willing to perform the work and are dedicated to yourself and the industry, then by all means construction can afford you and your family a great life.     

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?    

From owners of companies, project managers, to workers in the field, there is not an aspect of the construction industry that you cannot attain if you are willing to unapologetically get your hands dirty and perform the work. (From a safety standpoint you should be wearing gloves!)

What can be done to attract more women to construction?

I feel that the construction industry needs to continue to work with local high schools to promote, train, and recruit kids directly out of high school. Additional awareness should be introduced to include young women.