Fueled by Family - Pacific Spotlights
Ames Construction is Fueled by Family, and we’re proud to celebrate the people who put their talents to work at Ames project sites and offices across the country.
SARAH MILLER
Operator Apprentice
Pacific
Ono Lead Track Extension
2.5 years at Ames
→ What made you join the construction industry?
“To have a career that was outdoors. I was inspired by my dad who is a heavy equipment mechanic, which is what led me toward becoming a heavy equipment operator.”
→ What do you like best about working in construction?
“Construction is task oriented, and every day holds a new challenge.”
→ What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
“Being able to see all our hard work transition into a finished project.”
SHANNON TYNAN
Estimator
Pacific
Corona, California, Office
2.5 years at Ames
→ Did you face any challenges when you first started in the construction industry? If so, what types of challenges and how did you overcome them?
“The biggest challenge was no real knowledge of the industry. It was not an industry that I was exposed to in my family, and my schooling was more geared toward design. It was a new way of thinking that I had to learn on the job. I was fortunate to have a lot of experienced colleagues around me from the time I started as an intern until now. The way I overcame these challenges was to ask questions, especially of the foremen. I took all the opportunities I had to speak to the crews, join safety walks, watch various operations, and go to all the training opportunities offered to me.”
→ What has been the most memorable moment in your career?
“When I was an intern working on a light rail expansion project, I went to the nighttime operation for lowering one of the bridges. I was a bright-eyed newbie, so fascinated to see this large structure be lowered into place and the coordination of the crews to safely remove the plates and lower the jacks.”
→ How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?
“We have some great women working in our industry already, and I think the way to attract more female candidates is to expose them to these wonderful women. It is easier to see yourself in a career when you see someone you relate to in the field already. Sending women to outreach programs in middle schools, high schools, and colleges exposes young women to the opportunities in the trades and engineering when they are thinking about the career paths they want to explore.”
VANESSA GORMLEY
Operator
Pacific
Durbin Landfill, California
6 months at Ames
→ What made you join the construction industry?
“My love for building things and being a part of a team. To see the progress of a project that you and your coworkers have been working on for months, even years, to finally be completed. Being involved with a great team gives me great satisfaction and a sense of pride for all the long hours and hard work that is required for these tasks. I can honestly say that I truly love being a heavy equipment operator. There is always something new and different in our line of work. I look forward to each new chapter in my career.”
→ How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?
“By continuing to promote safety, the right training, and more than fair wages and benefits. There is definitely a great opportunity for growth in your career and as a person. Women in our industry have a great sense of pride in themselves for doing something great for themselves and their families.”
→ What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
“All the hard-working men and women I have the pleasure to work beside. It’s a great honor to be able to watch them use their fine skills to improve our beautiful country.”
