Women in Construction Week 2026 Spotlight: Building Careers in New and Familiar Places

As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, W. M. Jordan Company is proud to highlight two members of our marketing team whose paths into the industry show how construction can open doors—whether you stay in the place you’ve always loved or take a leap into somewhere new. Kathryn Krull in Wilmington, NC, and Lainie Thompson in Raleigh, NC, each found their way to WMJ in different ways, but both have grown from college students into confident young professionals through the opportunities this industry provides.

Kathryn Krull — Finding Her Place in Wilmington 

For Kathryn Krull, staying in Wilmington after graduating from UNC Wilmington was a goal she wasn’t sure she’d be able to achieve. An in-demand area for postgrads, not everyone gets the chance to stay after graduating, but Kathryn was determined. During a fall career fair in her senior year, she met WMJ’s Rebekah Cihocki and Julian Blazier. She didn’t hesitate, she asked directly if WMJ was hiring. That initiative led to a conversation with Employee Engagement Manager Sydney Galoozis, an interview with Director of Marketing Jennifer Johnson, and ultimately, a full‑time role in our Wilmington office.

Kathryn has embraced every opportunity to learn. She credits teammates like Business Developer John Cheshire, who takes time to explain details and processes, and Marketing Manager Mackenzie Gardner, who has helped her understand the flow of proposals.

“The team here is incredibly supportive, especially for someone who did not know much about construction early on,” said Kathryn.  “I am fortunate enough to work with some talented people who make it a point to make sure I continue to learn and grow in our industry.”

She joins jobsite tours when she can, learns from events she attends, and benefits from a supportive office where asking questions is encouraged. Living with her roommate, Project Engineer Sarah Gaudet, who started at WMJ just a week before her—has also given her a built‑in peer to share experiences with as they grow in different roles.

What Kathryn loves most is how construction constantly teaches her something new. She enjoys learning the history behind buildings and seeing what it truly takes to bring a project to life. And she appreciates WMJ’s close‑knit culture. For her, staying in Wilmington and finding a community of young professionals at WMJ was exactly the start she hoped for.

Lainie Thompson — Taking a Leap into Raleigh

While Kathryn stayed in her college town, Lainie Thompson took a different path—moving to Raleigh after graduating from Virginia Tech. Her connection to WMJ began when one of Lainie’s marketing professors connected with her Jennifer Johnson, who was looking for a marketing intern that summer. The professor recommended connecting with Lainie, who knew she’d be a great fit for the role. Without a career fair or a traditional recruiting path, Lainie stepped into an unknown world, ready to learn everything she could.

Her internship experience gave her a solid foundation, but joining WMJ’s Raleigh office has allowed her to grow in new ways. She enjoys working in a smaller office where the team feels close, even within a larger company. What stood out to her immediately was the culture—WMJ feels family‑oriented, supportive, and genuinely invested in its people. “You’re not just a number here,” she says.

Lainie has also enjoyed getting to know Raleigh’s construction market. She loves seeing how quickly the city is growing and watching projects evolve from pre‑bid to completion. Through pursuits, events, and meeting trade partners, she’s learned the region and the industry at the same time.

Advice for Young Professionals

Both Kathryn and Lainie share similar advice for students and young professionals entering the industry:

• Stay connected with alumni—they can open unexpected doors.
• Don’t be afraid to take a job you don’t know everything about—you can learn.
• Take initiative—introduce yourself, ask questions, and put yourself out there at career fairs.
• Look for culture and values – look for a company that will invest in you
• Be open to new places and new opportunities—sometimes a leap of faith leads to the best growth.

 

Kathryn and Lainie took different paths—one staying, one starting fresh—but both found opportunity, mentorship, and momentum in construction. Their stories reflect what makes this industry so special: it helps young professionals build not just careers, but communities and confidence. We’re proud to celebrate them during Women in Construction Week and grateful for the energy they bring to W. M. Jordan Company.