Women In Construction Week Employee Spotlight: Katie Singleton

General Manager – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

How long have you been working in the construction industry?

I have been working in the construction industry for 20 years.

What inspired you to work in this industry? How did you get started?

I’ve always had a passion for architecture and design. I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture from the University of Kentucky. The beginning of my professional career was with an Architecture firm in Orlando, Florida where I produced construction drawings and designs for new and existing buildings.

What are some challenges you face as a woman in the construction industry?

Generally speaking, construction is a male dominated industry. Like in any male dominated field, there can be an unconscious bias that being a female, I do not have as much knowledge or expertise. In that situation, I remain confident in my expertise and what overall value I can bring to the table. I have proven to change people’s opinion on what a women can do in the construction field by following through on my promises and providing results. I am result driven and always have been. I have found that when I focus on helping people, the results follow. I quickly change those biases one conversation and project at a time.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? What keeps you going?

The most rewarding part of my job is helping people. I am fortunate that in my general manager role I get to help make an impact in our customers lives and lead a team in their development. We have an incredible culture at West Shore Home, and it is very rewarding to go to work every day when you have that kind of synergy in the workplace.

When I look at what my team and this company accomplishes on a daily basis, it is inspiring when you think about the connections we make and what we do to change our customers’ lives. We are helping people have the ability to be independent and stay longer in their home. We help to provide peace of mind for friends and family that their loved ones are safe with a new accessible shower or a safe functioning window or door. I take great pride in the fact that I can align my team to carry out these types of projects daily and help make a difference in people’s lives. And we have fun while doing it.

What advice would you give to a woman who wants to enter this field?

I would say to any woman what I would say to my three daughters. “You CAN do this!”. You have to believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities in whatever you do in life. Don’t think or worry about the biases that may or may not be out there. People will always have an opinion or judgement to cast. Work hard, have confidence, and be willing to learn and grow every day. Add in a positive mindset and you can truly do anything.