Best Person for the Job: Jodi Wiemerslage
Sometimes, becoming a leader can mean challenging yourself. For Jodi Wiemerslage, the greatest challenges of being a woman in construction have come from within: a lack of confidence to take the lead and the tendency to take things personally.
“It took a while to get comfortable in my skin and learn to be a better version of me. This transformation has benefitted me well as a woman because I think it opened doors to productive conversations with people of influence. I like being where I am.”
NAWIC has played an important role in her development. “I have learned so much about leadership and professional development all while making lifetime friendships across the country,” Wiemerslage said.
She has been a member of the NAWIC Southeast Minnesota Chapter since 2014 and her list of positions is impressive, having served as Midwest Region Director, Chapter President, Chapter Secretary, Chapter Treasurer, Chapter Parliamentarian, National Strategic Plan Chair, Region PR Marketing Chair, Region Parliamentarian, Region Chapter Chartering Co-Chair, New Chapter Mentor, and other Chapter Committee Chairs.
“I seem to have always gravitated to the construction industry,” she said. “I suppose because of the different opportunities and good compensation. My most meaningful experience was working for a developer in Rochester. I was hired to be their personal assistant but wound up as their construction manager. I learned and grew a lot during my time there!”
For the last 17 years, Wiemerslage has been Project Manager for Hunt Electric. She began as a Project Assistant and then was trained to estimate and manage projects. A light bulb moment of how far she has come as a woman construction leader happened recently when an upcoming Project Manager asked her to mentor him. “Hunt Electric is an amazing company that is consistently growing. I love being a part of the growth,” she said.
Building the service department in her office has been a priority for her. “Repeat service calls mean we are making a positive impact with our clients. Service is not based on low bid. It is about relationships.”
She adds, “I love the people in the construction industry. We all have a place where we fit in. My hope is that girls will be raised to know there are great opportunities to have a successful career in construction.”
If you know of a NAWIC member that deserves to be recognized as a Best Person for the Job, contact us today!
