Heather Huth (left) and Regina Hartfiel (right) of Richard Goettle, Inc. at a Cincinnati, driven pile jobsite in January.
PDCA was fortunate to recently catch up with two women who deliver important and exemplary work product daily, for Contractor member Richard Goettle, Inc. When we found them, Regina Hartfiel and Heather Huth were on-location at the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati where they were building a new diversion chamber for the MSD Wet Weather Upgrade Project. Their scope involved both excavation and shoring.
A little background on the two deep foundations professionals: Regina Hartfiel began with Richard Goettle, Inc. as a Co-Op from the University of Cincinnati in 2009, this was a university-sanctioned program that enabled her to gain on-the-job experience in the construction field which she was pursuing. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering in 2012, Ms. Hartfiel transitioned to a full-time Project Manager with the Ohio contractor. Since that time, she has excelled in her profession and impacted numerous deep foundations projects from Florida to North Dakota.
"In my experience, Goettle has given me a level of confidence through assignment to a position or placement on a job that, never has being a woman, caused me any level of insecurity," says Regina. "As I progress and grow in my construction career, I feel as though my constant evolution as a professional is no different than that of any other young person who pursues excellence in a chosen discipline."
Heather Huth is nearing five years at Richard Goettle, Inc. where she delivers a reliable and timely work product as Estimating Coordinator. Prior to her 2016 start with the Cincinnati-based geo-construction company, she spent the earliest years of her career as an architectural representative with a nearby building supply company. Since then, she too has contributed to Richard Goettle, Inc. projects at the national level; her professional footprint covers a broad swath of states east of the Rocky Mountains.
Both women recognize that construction continues to be a male dominated industry. But a growing push from societal forces toward increased gender equity in the profession renders noticeable improvements on an almost yearly basis. And Heather and Regina are part of the movement that is impacting the face of construction; in addition to their days on the jobsites, they also play a big part in Goettle's ongoing Co-Op program. Those efforts involve individual outreach to students in Construction Management and Civil Engineering programs at higher education institutions in and around the Cincinnati area through campus visits, career fairs and other opportunities that arise. They note an increasing number of young women are pursuing these fields.
"The construction industry offers young people endless opportunities for a meaningful and oftentimes lucrative career," says Ms. Huth. "When I engage with students and other young people, especially young women, I find it very fulfilling to open their minds about the excitement, diversity and professional satisfaction they will encounter when they start a career in construction."
PDCA is proud to represent Regina and Heather as member-company employees.
Richard Goettle, Inc. celebrates 65 years in business in 2021. The construction industry, not to mention the professional workforce in general, looked much different back in 1956 when post-war demographics more women in largely in clerical and more often housewife roles. Times have changed dramatically since Goettle's early days and they are fortunate to hire from an expanded talent pool which has included professionals like Regina Hartfiel and Heather Huth.
A little background on the two deep foundations professionals: Regina Hartfiel began with Richard Goettle, Inc. as a Co-Op from the University of Cincinnati in 2009, this was a university-sanctioned program that enabled her to gain on-the-job experience in the construction field which she was pursuing. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering in 2012, Ms. Hartfiel transitioned to a full-time Project Manager with the Ohio contractor. Since that time, she has excelled in her profession and impacted numerous deep foundations projects from Florida to North Dakota.
"In my experience, Goettle has given me a level of confidence through assignment to a position or placement on a job that, never has being a woman, caused me any level of insecurity," says Regina. "As I progress and grow in my construction career, I feel as though my constant evolution as a professional is no different than that of any other young person who pursues excellence in a chosen discipline."
Heather Huth is nearing five years at Richard Goettle, Inc. where she delivers a reliable and timely work product as Estimating Coordinator. Prior to her 2016 start with the Cincinnati-based geo-construction company, she spent the earliest years of her career as an architectural representative with a nearby building supply company. Since then, she too has contributed to Richard Goettle, Inc. projects at the national level; her professional footprint covers a broad swath of states east of the Rocky Mountains.
Both women recognize that construction continues to be a male dominated industry. But a growing push from societal forces toward increased gender equity in the profession renders noticeable improvements on an almost yearly basis. And Heather and Regina are part of the movement that is impacting the face of construction; in addition to their days on the jobsites, they also play a big part in Goettle's ongoing Co-Op program. Those efforts involve individual outreach to students in Construction Management and Civil Engineering programs at higher education institutions in and around the Cincinnati area through campus visits, career fairs and other opportunities that arise. They note an increasing number of young women are pursuing these fields.
"The construction industry offers young people endless opportunities for a meaningful and oftentimes lucrative career," says Ms. Huth. "When I engage with students and other young people, especially young women, I find it very fulfilling to open their minds about the excitement, diversity and professional satisfaction they will encounter when they start a career in construction."
PDCA is proud to represent Regina and Heather as member-company employees.
Richard Goettle, Inc. celebrates 65 years in business in 2021. The construction industry, not to mention the professional workforce in general, looked much different back in 1956 when post-war demographics more women in largely in clerical and more often housewife roles. Times have changed dramatically since Goettle's early days and they are fortunate to hire from an expanded talent pool which has included professionals like Regina Hartfiel and Heather Huth.
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In observance of Women in Construction Week March 7-13, 2021, PDCA thanks the many women contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers who lend their talent, perspective and expertise to the pile driving industry. You are of great value to not only your individual clients and employers, but to PDCA as well. Congratulations on all your professional accomplishments!
