Women in Construction Week 2025: A Q&A with Kelly Wyrough

It’s nearly Women in Construction Week (March 2–8, 2025)! In honor of the occasion, we consulted Kelly Wyrough, a technical sales manager at Enerfab, to get her perspective on being a woman in the construction industry. Kelly is an incredible leader and role model, and we are fortunate to have her on the team and to benefit from her perspective!

1. How did you get into the construction industry?

My grandfather owned a chemical plant in Trenton, NJ, and as a child, I spent a lot of time exploring the plant, studying blueprints, and getting a hands-on understanding of the equipment and processes. Although I didn’t plan to enter the construction industry after graduating college, I ended up applying for a sales position at a pressure vessel fabricator. That decision launched my career, and I’ve spent over 30 years in technical sales, applying the knowledge I gained from my early experiences. It’s been an amazing journey ever since.

2. How would you describe your experience being a woman in a predominantly male industry?

It was much different in my early years than it is today. In the early 90’s it was quite different to be a woman in the industry. In fact, I was the only woman for the first decade of my career in a forward-facing role in the pressure vessel industry. Breaking into sales meant navigating a landscape dominated by men and steeped in tradition. At the time, the sales process was heavily tied to socializing over drinks, and I quickly realized this wasn’t a path I wanted to follow. I refused to conform to the status quo. Instead, I made it my mission to transform the sales process — one client at a time — by shifting the focus from entertainment to real solutions.

I refused to conform to the status quo. Instead, I made it my mission to transform the sales process — one client at a time — by shifting the focus from entertainment to real solutions.

3. What do you think helped you the most to build your career as a woman in construction?

Two key factors played a significant role in my journey. First, my upbringing was instrumental. As the only girl in the family, I was never treated any differently by the boys, whether we were on the basketball court or at the plant. This shaped my confidence and helped me navigate various situations with ease. The second was a defining moment early in my career when I was nominated by the members of the Materials Technology Institute (MTI) to serve as a board director. It was an incredible opportunity to earn a seat at the table.

4. What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

The biggest factors have been my involvement in the Materials Technology Institute and working with members to understand the issues they had with their process equipment and researching and developing how we, as fabricators, could improve the fabrication of our equipment. Also, through MTI, I gained several mentors, and one was a direct competitor! I am so grateful for the time they spent listening to me and giving me such great knowledge that they learned during their careers (and still today in their retirement). My father always said, “You never want to be the smartest in the room,” and MTI provides me the opportunity to sit alongside the best of the best in the processing industry and learn!

My father always said, “You never want to be the smartest in the room,” and MTI provides me the opportunity to sit alongside the best of the best in the processing industry and learn!

5. What advice would you give to young women looking at construction-related careers?

Young women should explore different paths as construction is very diverse, with careers ranging from architecture and engineering to skilled trades like welding, carpentry, and electrical. They should explore different options to see what excites them. They should build their skills early in school with STEM classes or trades classes if their school or community offers them. They should join programs like SkillsUSA, ACE Mentor Program, or Girls Who Build. They should seek mentors through organizations like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction). They should try to gain hands-on experience through internships. They should be CONFIDENT and speak up. Women are making huge strides! They should also BELIEVE in their skills and take on leadership roles.

6. How can employers support women in the workplace, especially those spaces that are male-dominated?

Employers can support women with a campaign of visibility and representation showcasing successful women. They can support women by having mentorship programs, social media campaigns, and industry events that break stereotypes and inspire others to join. They can also offer training and apprenticeships, which provide the skills that give women the confidence to enter the industry.

Employers can support women with a campaign of visibility and representation showcasing successful women.

7. You are undoubtedly busy; how do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health?

Maintaining balance is always a work in progress for me. I believe taking care of myself is just as important as fulfilling my responsibilities. To support my mental health, I focus on a few key areas, and setting boundaries is one of them. This is still a work in progress, especially since my job often requires flexibility. When a customer’s plant goes down, I’m on call around the clock, and my routine can easily be disrupted. I’ve learned to remind myself to stop and take breaks, as it’s crucial for both my well-being and mental clarity to avoid burnout. Staying active is another priority — I take short walks in the morning and afternoon, leaving my phone at the office to help clear my mind and recharge. Getting enough rest also makes a huge difference in how I handle challenges. Spending time with friends and family keeps me grounded and helps me maintain a positive outlook. I also make time for activities I enjoy, like reading, volunteering, and listening to music. And although asking for help is still a work in progress for me, I’m improving in that area, too.

8. How can women support other women in the workplace?

Women can support other women by fostering an environment of collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy. They can support one another by recommending one another for promotions or leadership positions. They should build strong connections with one another and share experiences — HBH does a good job with this through the Women’s Initiative (WIN), which is a networking and resource group for women professionals in the HBH Holdings, Inc. family of companies. Women can also support other women by recognizing their achievements and celebrating them to boost confidence and create a culture of appreciation. They can also provide constructive support by offering honest feedback to help one another grow in their roles.

Women can support other women by fostering an environment of collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy.

9. As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?

The most significant barrier has been breaking through bias. I’ve had to overcome stereotypes that assume leadership roles are better suited for men. Women often must prove their competence repeatedly.

10. What have you learned about yourself during your career in construction that has surprised you the most?

How much I love the work! Despite the challenges, I’ve found immense satisfaction in seeing a project come to life and knowing I played a role in building something tangible.

11. What is the most important thing in recruiting other women into the construction industry?

Highlighting career opportunities and growth by showcasing real examples of successful women in various roles helps break down barriers and stereotypes.
Celebrating role models by publicizing the stories of successful women in the construction industry not only celebrates their achievements but also serves as an inspiration to others. Role models can make a powerful difference in showing that women belong in construction.
One of the biggest hurdles is challenging gender stereotypes, which breaks down the perception that construction is a male-dominated field. It’s important to showcase that women can excel in all aspects of construction and that gender does not limit one’s ability to succeed in the industry.

12. What was your biggest professional accomplishment in 2024? Alternatively, what has been the defining moment of your career? Why?

My biggest professional accomplishment in 2024 was receiving the Materials Technology Institute’s Distinguished Service Award. It was such an honor to be recognized by the membership for my contributions over the years.

The defining moment in my career came when I received a call from a competitor asking for my help to turn around their underperforming business. Being recognized by them as the right person for the job was incredibly humbling. Initially, I struggled with the idea of leaving my family and a role at a company I truly enjoyed, stepping out of my comfort zone. Ultimately, it proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of myself, but I also expanded my knowledge by immersing myself in a new aspect of the industry: field construction.