(Findlay, OH) The inaugural Werk-Brau Women in Construction Summit event drew rave reviews from the 60+ attendees who attended the event from many industries and occupations. Built around the theme “Keys to the Future”, the transformative two-day event addressed the question of whether women play a vital visual role to the next generation of what a career in construction looks like – the answer was a resounding YES!  The program included a keynote address by nationally renowned speaker Barbara J. Jackson, networking opportunities, thought-provoking panel discussions, plant tours, and interactive breakout sessions led by industry experts Missy Guerrero Scherber and creative entrepreneur Mattie Loney of Blue Collar Brunettes as well as former NAWIC president Anne Pfleger. The entire program was tailored to address the challenges and opportunities within an industry traditionally populated by men. Attendees learned how their contributions can further shape and redefine the future of the field, acquire a competitive edge by staying a step ahead of the curve, and gain knowledge and confidence to take on any challenge.  The overwhelming feeling throughout the event was one of mutual support for the women and men in the audience.

Throughout the program the topic of women in construction working towards leadership roles was prevalent as they shared their powerful stories. More than 60 representative covering nearly every field within the construction industry, from owners to C-level management, leadership, sales, and marketing, and virtually all levels of operational and support staff, attended the 2-day event. They included Werk-Brau customers, vendors, business partners, as well as industry experts, and academia leaders from multiple facets of the construction industry. Many of the Werk-Brau staff also participated in the program which was held on March 5-6.  

“The outcome of this event was nothing short of amazing and outstanding!” said Werk-Brau National Sales Manager Dale DeWeese. “Women play important roles within the construction industry, and this event highlighted the interesting, intriguing, and engaging topics facing them. We salute all women in construction, especially our own team members who play such a vital role in our success. Without YOU, we would not be US, and we certainly would not be WERK-BRAU!!”

Missy Guerrero Surber echoed similar sentiments about the Werk-Brau culture, saying “The way your company treats its humans is something we need to be shouting from the rooftops, and we are going to. It’s more than just metal for Werk-Brau and it was clear to see. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for including us. We already can’t wait for next year.”

Attendees have been sharing the success of this conference and posting what they learned into practice on social media channels at #womenatwerk. Planning for next year’s event is already underway, starting with a 2-hour meeting to critique the program and discuss ways to enhance the experience. 

“Although this was our inaugural Women in Construction event, it won’t be our last,” said Werk-Brau marketing manager Mike Noward. “We’re excited to make next year’s program even better and have already signed Anne and Missy to return!”

Werk-Brau has long been committed to promoting and advancing opportunities for women within the construction industry.  “Advocating for Women in Construction aligns with Werk-Brau's core values of building better lives. We’re dedicated to the principle that ‘everybody matters’ and we always strive to ‘do the right thing,” continued DeWeese.

About Werk-Brau:

Werk-Brau manufactures a complete line of OEM and replacement attachments for excavators, mini excavators, backhoes, mini and full-size loaders, crawler loaders, and skid steers.  Since 1947, they have been industry leading innovators, designing, and producing standard and specialty products for the heavy equipment industry.  Their products are made in the USA and sold through equipment dealers and distributors worldwide.  More than 75 years after their founding, the core principles of the company remains relevant - “provide customers with the utmost service, quality, and maintain the quality that bears the Werk-Brau name.”  For more information on Werk-Brau products,  contact Dale DeWeese at (800) 537-9561, or via e-mail at sales@Werk-Brau.com, or visit them online at www.Werk-Brau.com.

About Anne Pfleger:

Anne Pfleger, CIT, CBT, has been working in the construction and transportation industries for 30 years. She joined Hancock Structural Steel, LLC as the Director of Operations in October 2021. She is also a past National President of the National Association of Women in Construction. Becoming a member of NAWIC in 2006 ignited an internal purpose and passion, to not only improve personally, but also to support ad guide other women in the construction industry to do the same, she has also engaged parallel organizations seeking ways to be of mutual benefit to one another.

Her goal for the next few is to be the conduit to connect ad communicate collaboratively to have the conversations that will break the barriers women are facing in the construction industry.

About Missy Guerrero Scherber:

Missy Guerrero Scherber, a renowned entrepreneur from Minneapolis/St. Paul, has carved a niche for herself in the construction industry alongside her husband Trevor. With a commanding online presence, boasting 22.6k Instagram followers and 5k monthly blog views, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Missy’s experience extends beyond business development; she’s an active content creator with capabilities in sponsored social media posts, dedicated blog pieces, product reviews, and even construction site photography.  Recognized by top-tier brands like USA Today and Duluth Trading Company, she also stands as a Global Brand Ambassador for Caterpillar Inc and hosts the popular CONEXPO-CON/AGG Radio podcast. A passionate advocate for women in construction, she tirelessly seeks innovative ways to elevate the industry.  For more information visit www.TheScherberReport.com

About Barbara Jackson

Barbara Jackson, PH.D, FDBIA, has written books, taught courses, and developed leadership boot camps to teach the skills needed to become an effective team member and leader.  She regularly speaks at conferences, in companies, and at various professional venues across the US regarding the need to develop AEC professionals and provide next level leadership training and cultural change in the construction industry. As a nationally recognized speaker in high demand, she presents thought provoking industry material to a multitude of regional, national, and international design and construction companies, to professional associations, and public entities each year. She created Women Building Change Leadership Boot Camp which is dedicated to preparing and advancing women in construction and related fields, to leadership roles. For more information visit www.BarbaraJackson.com .