by Our York Media,

PICTURE A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER, STARING FROM UNDER A HARD HAT AT ANOTHER DAY’S WORK.

Maybe it’s a warehouse renovation, where men have been sweating in the summer swelter. Or maybe it’s the new unit at a York County hospital, the complicated technical specs to be followed just so. Sure, you can see him standing there.

But can you see — her?

“There’s definitely a small group of old-school people who are surprised to see a woman out there,” says Kaitlin Stough, a Kinsley Construction project manager. “But, when you focus on quality work, building relationships and making the client happy, the respect comes.”

***

Kaitlin’s no stranger to working in predominantly male fields.

After high school, she enrolled in fire school to be a volunteer firefighter and later worked jobs as an emergency department tech and 911 dispatcher.

For the next phase of her career, Kaitlin still wanted to make a difference – and Kinsley provided just the opportunity. Every project is a chance to give back, whether it’s new housing, a school renovation or a facility that will create jobs.

Kaitlin appreciates having a workplace where employees grow along with the spaces they create; where a new project is a point of local pride; where everyone climbs the ladder together.

“Kinsley is supportive of anyone trying to accomplish a goal – personal or professional,” Kaitlin says. “They’re right behind you, ready to help get it done.”

***

That support extends beyond the jobsite, as Kinsley is just as focused on building people — their people — as they are on building buildings.

Today, Kaitlin and her husband are both volunteer firefighters with Franklintown Community Fire Co. They spend ballpark weekends with their 13-year-old son, Aidan. And if there’s a spare minute, the family hikes together.

She’s never felt like she’s had to sacrifice her life as a wife or a mom or a community member while she’s grown with Kinsley.

Originally published in Our York Media.