Women in Construction: Cindy Friedmann

Cindy Friedmann
The Dependable Painting Company
President
38 years in the industry

Cindy Friedmann began her career at Dependable Painting right after college in 1982. She literally worked her way up the ladder from office employee, office manager, estimator, project manager, and VP. She became president and majority owner in 2004.

Besides running Dependable Painting, Friedmann is also a board member of NOPTCA (Northeast Ohio Painting and Taping Contractors of America), an advisor for negotiating the union contract, and co-chair the Painting Apprenticeship Board (FTIOR) for Ohio. She is past president of the Ohio Council PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America). Friedmann is currently a ruling Elder and Finance Chair at her church, Grace Presbyterian Church, and a board member of LakewoodAlive.

As president of Dependable Painting, it is her responsibility to make sure Dependable Painting continues to work like a well-oiled machine. They make sure their painters have the safety and skills training to work safely and to be the best craftsmen in the industry. Dependable Painting estimators and project managers are constantly learning about new products and techniques to make the job the best it can be for clients.

Friedmann is currently training three of employees to be the future owners of Dependable Painting. She is very excited for the future of Dependable Painting, and knows it will be in good hands for the next 100 years. She also continues to be an estimator and project manager. She truly enjoys her clients, and makes sure that they are completely satisfied with the completion of the project. Friedmann is the great-granddaughter of Dependable Painting founder HC Hansen. Carrying on the tradition started 92 years ago is both her pleasure and an honor.

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry?

Family. My grandfather started this business 92 years ago.

What do you like most about your work?

Working with my clients, and seeing my employees grow.

What would you like to see change within the construction industry?

Fix the manpower shortage.

What are your long term career goals?

Making sure Dependable Painting will continue for the next 100 years.

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

Work hard, and take advantage of all of the continuing education available. Make yourself invaluable.

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?

The sky's the limit: apprenticeship, journeyperson, foreman, estimator, project manager, safety manager, officer, president.

What can be done to attract more women to construction?

Have more construction opportunities in the vocational programs. Put them in all of the high schools.