Women in Construction: Morgen Cost

Morgen Cost    
Cleveland Building Restoration, LLC    
President    
3 years in the industry    

As president of Cleveland Building Restoration, Morgen draws on her experience in sales, law, and management to lead a team in the office and field. While she is involved at a high level, she also takes a very hands-on approach to managing the team’s day-to-day masonry work to better serve the needs of her clients. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, and is even known to pick up a jackhammer from time to time if it means gaining a stronger perspective of each team member’s unique role and what each job requires. Morgen is committed to the mission of Cleveland Building Restoration which is evidenced by the time, energy and passion she devotes to delivering superior results for every client.

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry?

Each project is unique and allows us to rejuvenate our city, one brick at a time. I enjoy collaborating with the team to achieve our clients' goals.     

What do you like most about your work?

Working with a team of incredibly talented people and clients who help maintain and find new life for the historic architecture of our city, ensuring it will be here for generations to come. 

What would you like to see change within the construction industry?

I believe the construction industry, as a whole, is becoming more safety focused. Yet, there is always room for improvement, and I hope the industry will continue to focus on safety first, realizing the people who perform the jobs are what makes these projects possible. Safety first is always my goal.    

What are your long term career goals?

My hope is that more young people, including women, will continue to be driven toward the union trades and construction industry. There is a real need. I believe that most people are guided toward college and not educated about the trades as a real career path. Most women are not educated about the possibilities of careers in construction. One of my goals is to help drive more young people and women toward the construction industry. CBR has shed light on this with projects such as the Lakeview Cemetery project with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), wherein CBR donated the equipment, materials and foremen's time and collaborated with the JATC to provide real world training on historic monuments that did not have funding for repairs. To learn more about the project, go to https://clerestoration.com/project/lake-view-cemetery/    

What advice would you give to other women interested in construction?

Find a mentor within the industry who can share experiences and provide firsthand opportunities for exposure. Mentors are an important piece of any career growth. Look for internship opportunities. There are many avenues within the industry. It is important to learn about what is available. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a great organization for women in construction. Construction Employers Association (CEA) is also a great resource.    

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?

There are many avenues and opportunities within the construction industry that are available. CBR has women apprentices on the crew and I am the president of the company, so there is a range of possibilities. Project managers, safety supervisors, safety trainers/compliance, inventory managers, architects, engineers, IT positions, marketing, financial positions, heavy machine operators and members of the field crew are just a few of the positions within the industry.     

What can be done to attract more women to construction?

Education about the possibilities and opportunities at the high school and college level is important. Providing opportunities for mentoring and internships will also help attract women to the industry.