Women in Construction Week 2021: Part 1

In honor of Women in Construction Week, we want to take the time to feature some of the amazing women in our office! Read our first Q&A with Superintendent, Birgit Daniels.

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How did you get into the industry?

When I graduated from college I had a degree in business management and had a goal of moving to Colorado. I met a very dear friend of mine and she helped me get a position as a lead foreman and work into a superintendent role. The owner of the company at the time was very frank with me and told me I was not worthy. He let me know that I needed to put in the work by immersing myself with each trade that works on the jobsite.

For the first nine years I began to work every single trade just as the owner of that company told me to: Digging trenches, prepping for concrete, setting rebar – you name it! After putting in the hard work that same owner told me that I was now worthy and that with my dedication and determination that I’m going to be the best. He has made a huge impact in my life and career.

What do you love about your job?

My growth throughout the years, Sr. PM, Superintendent, etc. – I just love what I do. When I go into a TI project, I take something old and make it into new and beautiful. I start every kick-off meeting with “today you start a project, but it’s not just a project. You are actually impacting a community. Providing jobs and you’ve just provided a new place of employment for people and then that person is able to provide for their children.”

What’s your favorite thing about working for i2?

Meeting new owners, getting to know them. Thinking about how you’re going to present their project to them and see their excitement.

How do you strive to pave the way for other women in the industry?

It’s a rare thing to see other women on my jobs. My children are in their 20s now and I talk to them about what I do and why I do it. How they can go about getting into the industry. I think it’s important to talk to the youth and get them passionate about it.

What’s a typical day like for you at i2?

I get to the jobsite around 5:30/5:45 after I get my Starbucks coffee. Get my head wrapped around what is critical for the day. I talk to the foremans as they come in and remind them of items they have to get completed and ask what can I do to help them get them done. Then I start on my daily reports (what we are doing) and then start walking the job all day. I always want to be right there with my subs in case I hear them talking about a problem, so I can address it and solve it. You can find me pulling the plans and getting knee deep in with them to proactively solve it. When closing out the day, I make sure the jobsite is cleaned up and get ready for us to work and do it again the next day.

What’s your advice for other women looking to get involved in the industry?

Be strong. Have thick skin. Have a good sense of humor. Be knowledgeable and know that you don’t know everything. I’ve been in the industry for 32 years and I’m still learning every day. Ask questions the right way. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and get creative.

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This series is meant to promote the importance of diversity in the workplace and how we can support #WomeninConstruction. Read one of our past articles on diversity and how we make it an ongoing effort to promote diversity in construction.