As a female licensed contractor, I've noticed an odd pattern emerge when I meet men on site. This particular scenario plays out so frequently... it almost follows a script. I'm waiting for Ashton Kutcher to pop out of the bushes, telling me I'm getting punked. (Punk'd tv show - 2003-2015)
THE SCENE:
I approach a group of men who have arrived to my jobsite. As a 5'1" pint-sized woman, with an unfortunately young-looking face, I can't even make up for it by driving up in an absurdly large truck (I prefer the smaller stick shift kind anyway.)
Their eyes dart around, scanning for the boss. I walk up to them as they're looking right over my head to find the person to talk to. As their eyes lower to meet mine, I introduce myself... “Hi, I’m Sarah. I'm the architect and the builder.” ** Surprised Pikachu face **
Time stops as they suffer a brain glitch. I've been experimenting with also adding how old I am (I still get grumpy carded by restaurant servers). When I bring them up to speed to the fact that I have the experience required… it seems to soften the blow.
But, as they digest what I’ve said, they inexplicably move onto this next part...
<< LinkedIn Article continues here...>>
"Oh wow you're a contractor..."
"I SHOULD have gotten my contractor's license!"
"I should go GET my contractor's license."
"How hard is it?"
"…I could have grandfathered in 2008 but I never did, I wonder what it would take to get it now."
It's such an odd exchange. Meeting men as they discover I'm not just the designer, but the contractor; the contractor, and the only one coming to rescue them from their confusion.
My presence onsite triggers an existential crisis.
It triggers the 'what if's' and the 'if SHE can do it, so can I's..." They mean no harm, and certainly no offense. What is it about a woman leading the charge that uniquely causes men to reassess their own achievements? Do men do it with other licensed ‘contractor looking’ men? Not to my knowledge.
My audacious existence in a professional space no one invited me to; it brings me to my next adventure! (This is where it gets good!!!)
As an architect who can legally design ANYTHING. My only professional limitation is offering services that are reasonably within my skill set. I feel limited as a residential contractor. The 'what if's' these men compulsively share with me trigger my own.
I want it all; to be truly unlimited!
I want a fully Unlimited Tier - General Contractor's license, as unrestricted as my architect's license.
I'm not out here playing construction, offering people mud pies.
I took and passed the NASCLA exam. I hear it's really hard, and few ever attempt it. I meet the requirements for the license except for a GA commercial project under my belt.
"Hi, I'm Sarah, I'm the Architect and a full GC." It has a nice ring to it. Do I need it? No, but to get here I had to be bold and brave and irreverent to others' expectations. We'll see how it plays out with comparisons. Exciting update coming soon!
Y’all, women can be contractors... and anything they want to be! Who would have thought?
Ladies, menfolk? If you're interested in becoming a licensed contractor, I'm happy to explain the process in Georgia. Reach out! I also have all of the books for rent, if you'd prefer not to buy them (Greater Atlanta area).
Some helpful links:
GA Comparison Chart - Contractor Licenses
GA General Contractor Application
GA State Licensing Board - Residential & General Contractors
