BUILDING THEIR CAREERS

MEET TWO WOMEN WHOSE EARLY WORK IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION HELPED BUILD THE FUTURE TO ENDURING CAREER SUCCESS

BY TRISH AMUNDSON

THERE IS NOTHING

LIKE BUILDING A

DREAM HOME. In the beginning stages of residential construction, the structure begins to take shape, and homeowners can better visualize themselves living in a brand-new house.

From pouring the foundation to framing the walls and installing electrical and plumbing systems, the skills of the tradespeople quickly become evident. The construction sector has long been dominated by men. Yet women are making important contributions in the industry, including residential building, where they work alongside their male counterparts swinging hammers, connecting wires, soldering pipes and coordinating work plans. from Rochester to our farm by Zumbrota about 10 years ago. We’ve been together for 17 years and have three children: Amber, Autumn

With grit and guts, Mandy Reese and Jodi Wiemerslage began their careers with jobs comprising the initial steps of the residential construction process, which eventually equipped them to forge new paths to their present roles.

EMPOWERING FEMALE BUILDERS

Educational programs and resources can support individuals entering and working in the construction field, including a female demographic that has shown increased interest. Steve Carlson, carpentry instructor at Rochester Community and Technical College, has seen an uptick of women in the program over his 20 years of teaching. The two-semester class of and Lee. I grew up in Pine Island and graduated from high school there. up for shop classes and was hooked! After graduation, I started working with a home builder in Rochester framing houses. I had experience in working with everything from footings, framing layout, floor joists, rafters, sheeting, shingles, siding and windows. Later I was hired on at A G Strobel (a general contractor) and joined the Carpenters Union. I completed a four-year apprenticeship training program and have worked for some great companies, including Benike Construction and, currently, Palmer Soderberg. 18 to 20 students concentrates on residential carpentry, and the number of females has grown from one or two per class in earlier years to four this year. “They can do anything that the men can do,” he says.

The primary activity of the program is to build a house. The fast-paced learning experience includes building layout, foundation and rough framing, as well as installation of roofing, insulation, drywall and interior trim. With a placement rate of 90%, many students go on to a variety of construction-related careers. “Most of the female students join the local Carpenters Union,” says Carlson, “where they often work with steel studs and drywall, acoustic ceilings,

{MANDY REESE From residential framer to lead carpenter{

BACKGROUND: My husband, Al, and I moved HOW SHE STARTED: In junior high, I signed cabinet installations and concrete form work.” WHERE SHE IS NOW: I’m a lead carpenter at Palmer Soderberg and have been in the Carpenters Union for 20 years. I’m in charge of keeping the job organized and running on schedule. This includes working with our company estimators to make sure materials are ordered ahead of time and networking with other trades. I really enjoy the camaraderie with a lot of great tradesmen.

CAREER INSPIRATION: I come from a long line of strong women in my family, and I like to think I get my strengths from my mom. She sacrificed a lot for our family and worked harder than anyone I know to give us what we needed. She is truly an inspiration, and I hope to be just like her!

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES: I work with a lot of great men and women in construction, in many different trades. Like any job, you must

prove yourself and show you’re interested in being there. When people think they don’t have to work because companies just need to meet the minority percentages, it never ends well.

MOTIVATION AND SUPPORT: Every day in construction is a challenge, and that’s why I Caledonia until my sophomore year in high school, when we moved to Spring Valley to follow my father’s career. I stayed in the area and attended Rochester Community College, where I received my Associate of Arts degree. construction coordinator for a home builder, and it was my responsibility to negotiate proposals, hire subcontractors and maintain the schedule for the houses. I learned pull scheduling (a scheduling technique), and this tool has become helpful to me in my current position as a project manager/estimator. My favorite part of the job was watching what was on the blueprints come to life. For the first time I felt I like I was being compensated based on my abilities. manager/estimator for Hunt Electric Corporation (where she has worked for 15 years) and am president of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Southeast MN Chapter 346. Becoming a project manager/estimator has brought many opportunities to learn new things. I oversee my projects’ budgets, labor needs, materials and safety. I also assist the field crew was so drawn to it. There are a lot of projects I’m proud of, including our ceiling projects at the Mayo Civic Center and in the Siebens Building Patient Cafeteria at Mayo Clinic. You get a lot more accomplished when you work as a team. One of my motivations is teaching

{JODI WIEMERSLAGE From residential construction coordinator to electrical project manager/estimator {

BACKGROUND: I lived with my family in

HOW SHE STARTED: I was a residential

WHERE SHE IS NOW: I am an electrical project someone new the tips and tricks I’ve learned with obtaining the information they need to get the job done with updated drawings, product information and installation instructions. The electrical industry is always evolving, and I am fortunate to work for a company that embraces change. I work on a wide variety of projects including new construction, alterations, institutional, service, maintenance and alternative energy.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES: Attitudes are changing in the construction industry, but there still is a lot of work to do. The first step is for women to have the confidence to look to our industry as a quality way of life. There are countless levels and jobs that are overlooked. The exposure to open our world up needs to begin at a very young age. Children’s books that include illustrations and text about women in construction is a good start. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and industrial technology classes need to be brought back into the schools. High school career counselors must provide encouragement to apprenticeship programs.

ENCOURAGING OTHERS: I encourage women who are interested in the construction industry to look to the union halls for advice (for example, visit carpenterslocal1382.com). Reach out to the Work Force Development Center for free training and support. Inquire with our local technical colleges for introduction courses. Check out job shadowing opportunities with Rochester Area Builders. Get involved with organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). ◆ over the years and listening to their ideas. I might learn something from them too!

ENCOURAGING OTHERS: My advice for women who want to work in the trades is to do it if you’re really interested. There are so many opportunities, and you will be expected to do the job you’re hired for. Although if you need help carrying, lifting or installing something, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. No one starts out knowing everything or able to do everything by themself. Nor are you expected to. If you’re trying and willing to learn, that’s what it’s all about.

ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES FOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Rochester Area Builders

Provides leadership, education, networking and information resources to members, the community and government officials.

rochesterareabuilders.com

Rochester Community and Technical College

Offers a carpentry program (and other construction-related programs) to prepare students for careers as carpenters in residential and commercial construction, factories, cabinet shops, and building maintenance fields.

rctc.edu/program/carpentry

National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC),

Southeast Minnesota Supports and encourages the growth of women in the construction industry through networking, scholarships and educational opportunities. nawicsemn.org

Workforce Development, Inc.,

Southeast Minnesota Offers career services and programs to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve employment.

workforcedevelopmentinc.org/programs

CREATING AN Outdoor Entertainment Area

WE MAY BE STUCK AT HOME, BUT WE’RE NOT STUCK INSIDE. As strong and hearty Minnesotans, we know how to get outside in all kinds of weather. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, take your living and dining room outside this winter.

DECORATE String lights up and bring some candles Use plywood or a canvas sheet to block that cold north wind. Then add some heat. Christy Buchan of Energy Products and Design, Inc. says one of their most popular items is their smokeless wood fire pit. There are tons of options for fire tables and even gas fire pits. Get some pillows and blankets. How about something with fur?

outside. Grab a vintage sled or some old skis or snowshoes.

STAY WARM

Keep your holiday greenery up or refresh it for a winter look. EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Plug in a coffee urn filled with hot water that can be used for tea or hot chocolate.

Roast hot dogs over the fire. Shovel off your grill and cook up some burgers.

COLD WEATHER, HOT CHAI

SPICING UP WINTER

BY SHARI MUKHERJEE

MY FAMILY’S MASALA CHAI RECIPE Masala means “spice mix.” You can customize the spices and the amounts to your tastes. This recipe is truly just a guide, inspired by the tea from our favorite roadside chai stalls in India. If you don’t like a certain spice, leave it out. Add what you love. I hope you make the recipe your own and it brings a little warmth, coziness and joy to your winter days, too!

INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ cups water 1 ½ cups whole milk Fresh ginger, about the size of a half-dollar, smashed 5-6 green cardamom pods, smashed (just enough to slightly break the shells) 4-5 whole cloves 1 thumbnail-sized piece of cinnamon (crush a cinnamon stick to get smaller shards) 6 tsp. loose-leaf black tea (we like Brooke Bond Red Label, available locally at Rice and Spice, International Spice and even Walmart or Hy-Vee) Sugar, to taste

DIRECTIONS: Add water, milk, ginger, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon and tea leaves into a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir to mix, then bring to a rolling boil, stirring often so that the milk doesn’t scald and the pot doesn’t overflow. Watch closely. If it looks like it’s about to boil over, turn the heat to low and keep stirring.

Allow to steep/boil on medium-high heat for around 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to turn a deep, golden caramel brown (this can take up to 15 minutes). Note: If you cook at a lower temperature, the flavor just does not quite come through as it should—trust me on this.

Once done, strain (using a fine sieve or a tea strainer) into individual mugs and add enough sugar to suit your taste. Serve immediately, preferably with a few biscuits or cookies for dunking. Makes 2-4 servings, depending on serving size ◆ THIS WINTER I’M PRIORITIZING COZY. I’m living in soft, comfy sweatshirts, pulling on my warmest wool socks and wrapping my chilled fingers around mugs of hot, steaming chai.

Nearly every afternoon, around 4 p.m., either my husband or I grab our beloved “chai pot.” The kids, without fail, pull their stools up to the stovetop. We let them crush the spices, smash the ginger, and measure the tea leaves and milk. My husband watches as they stir and helps them as they make our daily chai.

I grab a handful of biscuits (Indian-style cookies) to share, and we all warm up on these cold-weather days, enjoying our hot chai together.

A TIME TO SAVOR

A CLASSIC COMFORT MENU TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

BY MARGO STICH PHOTOGRAPHY BY AB-PHOTOGRAPHY.US

NOW, MORE THAN EVER, WE CRAVE MEMORABLE

MOMENTS. Special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, offer a way to spend time with people who are important to us and to create memories with them. Preparing and sharing food is a powerful way to show we care.

COMFORT ME WITH FOOD

My menu for this Valentine’s Day is set. Stuffed pork chops are always a winner for special dinners in my household and one I am sure many meat eaters will find appealing. As a starch side dish, what could be more satisfying than potatoes? I’ll be serving au gratin potatoes flavored with onion, cheddar cheese and a bit of sour cream.

And let’s not forget dessert. What is Valentine’s Day without chocolate? Recently Rochester resident Cathy Houghtaling was reminiscing about her childhood days and a dessert she recalls her grandmother making. That recipe has passed down through the family, today serving as a special treat for her whole family, especially the grandkids. She was delighted to share that recipe with us, adding, “Just pretend it has no calories.”

Find these three recipes and more on our website.

Also, a wine pairing recommendation: Pork dishes lend themselves to both white and red wines. Consider lighter bodied wines to complement lighter textured cuts with lighter seasoning and heavier wines for fuller flavored ones. I will be serving Bogle Chardonnay with my pork chops and potatoes.

DINING OUT DELIGHTS

For delicious food without the work, order food for takeout and transfer it to your own special dishes. As area restaurants have continuously adapted to changing restrictions, it’s helpful for us to support them.

A popular appetizer on the menu at Five West Kitchen and Bar is their spinach artichoke dip. It has won over many palates, including mine, and is a wonderful starter. For those looking for “comfort food” main dishes as takeout, consider the house-cut sirloin with garlic mashed potatoes from Saints on Second, or Swedish meatballs at the Redwood Room. A great main dish, for vegetarians and others, is the award-winning butternut squash ravioli, a long-standing item on Twig’s menu.

These are just a fraction of delicious options at area restaurants. I encourage you to explore the plethora of local menus close by.

For the best of all options consider mixing homemade with takeout food. Whatever combination you sit down to may it be one that is truly enjoyed and helps express those simple two words: “I care.” ◆

The ultimate comfort meal: pork chops, au gratin potatoes, salad with blue cheese dressing, spinach artichoke dip from Five West and upside-down chocolate cake, all served on my Great Aunt,s china. Find all the recipes on our website.

NOTES FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS

It’s no secret that the pandemic has hit local restaurants and bars particularly hard. Two local chefs share some thoughts.

Years ago, Pat Reding, head chef at Saints on Second, stated, “Though often tired at the end of my workday, the rewards are seemingly endless.” While there are still daily rewards, COVID-19 has brought new pressures. In addition to food preparation, as a manager she takes seriously her responsibility to see the restaurant through challenges and make sure her staff has jobs to return to.

Rochester native Clayton Welder, chef at the Redwood Room has adapted his approach a bit to offer more comfort food and maximize value for the guest and for the business overall. At times of increased takeout orders, he offers dishes that travel well and reheat easily. His end goal is unchanged, namely that someone can get a flavorful dinner.

Restaurants are experiencing a high level of inconsistent customer demand. Welder notes, “It can be really slow one day, and the next day it can be busy. Every order we receive is a blessing which we are so grateful for.”