SMACNA-Western Washington was proud to support its women in construction during #SMACNAWIC2021. Each day of Women in Construction Week, SMACNA-WW featured some of its female members. Check out the spotlights below.
Allison Adams
Local 66 Journeyperson
Hermanson Company
I decided to get into the trades after some home remodeling. I went through the pre-apprenticeship program ANEW and started in the sheet metal apprenticeship in 2007. I’m now a building trades journey-level sheet metal worker with Local 66 and work at Hermanson Company.
I specialize in robot assisted layout, a.k.a. Trimble. I’ve helped develop the curriculum for a certification program and teach this robot assisted layout at Local 66. I am also a mentor for the union’s women’s committee.
I have multiple welding certifications and keep them current to be a most valuable employee. In my time off, I enjoy painting, bicycling, and playing with my kids and dogs. I’m very proud to have such a valuable career that my husband can stay home and raise our three kids.
My advice for people new to the construction industry is to be the most valuable employee you can be. Find your niche—something not everyone else can do. Show up early, be friendly, work hard, and make sure you stretch.
Sondra Camis
Engineering Manager
ACCO Engineered Systems
When I graduated from college, I had no idea what HVAC was. It was by chance that I was connected to a small design/build mechanical contractor looking for a design engineer, and thought I might as well give it a shot. Right away, I knew it suited me, and now I can’t imagine doing anything else. I stayed with that company for nine years until they were acquired by ACCO in 2014, where I now work as an engineering manager.
Over the past 16 years in this industry, I have been continuously challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone. More than once I’ve questioned if I was on the right track, if I really belonged where I was, and if it was all worth it. The answer is yes! The reward and personal growth that has resulted from those challenges has helped shape me into who I am today.
My advice to anyone who wants to join the field: Find a company where you feel supported. Everyone’s career path looks different, and a company who recognizes that will provide you with opportunities to shape that path for yourself.
Alexis Houle
BIM Support Manager
Holmberg Mechanical
I started in the construction industry as a BIM support specialist shortly after finishing my bachelor’s degree. I stumbled into the field when I struggled to find a job in the aerospace industry. After my first few months, I realized I loved the fast-paced and always changing atmosphere. I have been lucky to call Holmberg home throughout my time in construction, transitioning to the BIM support manager role in late 2019. Being in a management position has allowed me to combine my passions for strategy, problem solving, and team development. I am looking forward to continuing my career and seeing how the industry evolves here in the Seattle area.
For anyone who may be interested in the construction industry, I would say that while things may be stressful at times, it’s a great industry and getting to see a finished project makes everything worth it. With the evolving nature of construction, especially in regard to construction methods and technology, the industry has many career options to explore.
Christi Petrie
Operations Manager, MEP Service
Holaday-Parks, Inc.
I started at Holaday-Parks on November 1, 1999. I worked at Boeing for three years before being laid off, then applied as an administrator with the Holaday-Parks service department and got the job. I handled answering the phones, taking service calls, and billing. After five years, I was promoted to supervisor, overseeing four employees. After ten years, I was promoted to office manager running a staff of eight employees. After 15 years, I was promoted to operations manager overseeing all office and field personnel, and I currently hold this position.
My advice for those looking to get into this field is to just work hard and always keep pushing yourself to do more and do better. Be open to change.
Gina Burnham
Senior Estimator
Miller Sheet Metal
I started my career in Las Vegas in the early 80s helping a small family-owned business clean up around the shop. I became fascinated by the things you can create with something I’d never heard of—sheet metal. I decided to join the apprenticeship program and figure out what this was all about. At that time, it was pretty much frowned upon for women to get into the trades, but that didn’t stop me.
After graduating I went on to join one of the largest HVAC contractors in the West. With the help of continuing education, in a few short years I went from journeyman to estimator to project manager, and became one of the main contacts for our many large casino projects. It was always a whirlwind of excitement and learning.
With the market crash of 2008, my husband and I decided it was a good time to move to Washington, where we always wanted to live. Estimating at Miller Sheet Metal has given me the opportunity to be back in a family-type atmosphere where everyone works hard and works as a team, and the learning never stops.
Hannah Goobin
Lead Trimble Operator
PSF Mechanical
I have been with PSF Mechanical since 2017. In 2018, I became the lead Trimble operator. Two years ago, I stepped into this role with little Trimble experience and quickly became the company’s expert and trainer.
Production leadership all see Hannah as a “Rockstar,” a hard worker and dedicated to job excellence. When I needed a job after being a stay-at-home mom, a family friend shared the benefits of working in the trades. I went to the Local 66 union hall and was accepted into the apprenticeship program in the spring of 2014. By the summer of that year, I was on my first job site at Microsoft.
My most memorable job site was the Old VA Hospital on Beacon Hill, and my favorite tool is a pair of lineman pliers gifted to me during my second year by a journeyman who was retiring. My most memorable construction experience was when a foreman and I installed all the HVAC on a project, and years later when I was parking at this building, I saw everything we had installed. Often, being an HVAC journeyman, I don’t have the opportunity to see the duct, fans, etc. we install once the job is complete. ▪
