Kathy Kean is a trailblazer. She is breaking barriers and setting standards in a field where few women dare to venture. She is the sole owner of M&M Construction, a company providing site preparation and restoration services for line crews. They are a primary contractor for Georgia Power and the Georgia Transmission Corporation. Kathy handles everything from HR, payroll, accounts payable, receivable, to equipment maintenance, and more. She is a powerhouse leading an all male crew who deeply respect and support her leadership.
Learning the ins and outs of the construction industry, including equipment, job requirements, and effective completion, were some of her biggest challenges. Kathy immersed herself in the field, receiving direct training from foremen and becoming highly skilled. Gaining respect during the hiring process, especially from men, was another hurdle she bravely faced and conquered head-on.
Before venturing into construction, Kathy had an extensive and successful career in healthcare recruiting. However, feeling unchallenged, she decided to make a bold move. “I’m always up for a challenge and felt I needed to grow, whether it was that career or something else,” she shares. Transitioning to a completely different work environment was tough. She missed the camaraderie of an office setting and the social connections that came with it. But building something from the ground up has been the driving force behind her success.
Reflecting on her journey, Kathy vividly remembers her last day in healthcare recruiting. “On Friday, April 28, 2017, I flipped my office lights off for the last time, walked very slowly down the hall towards the exit experiencing every emotion you could think of. I opened the exit door of the building and yelled ‘yee haw’ as I skipped across the parking lot to my vehicle. Change can be fearful and challenging, but we have to move forward by faith. Progress is impossible without change.”
Kathy’s advice to women entering the workforce is equally inspiring: “Always be the hardest worker in the room, maintain humility, be willing to try new things, and don’t just keep dreaming- go for it! Find your tribe that supports and helps you succeed. If you fall, get up, brush it off, and start over. Remember, our greatest glory is rising every time we fall. Know your value, what you bring to the table, and never settle for anything less than what you deserve. Wake up, go after your dreams, and kick up some dust along the ride!"
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