We caught up with Kiana Rodriguez, one of our standout travel superintendents, to delve into her experiences and insights as a trailblazing woman road warrior.
- Tell us a bit about yourself.
In 2020, I high-tailed it from Connecticut to Florida, ditching my snow shovel for a fishing rod and my sanity for a beachside barbecue. Now, I’m all about beachy vibes, boat life, and eating my way through the Sunshine State. - What led you to a career in roofing?
After being laid off as an overhead crane operator, I asked my brother to help me get into the company where he was working at the time. He initially expressed doubts about my ability to perform the job. Determined to prove him wrong, I demonstrated my capabilities and earned his recognition by the end of the day, with him praising me as a powerful woman who excelled in the role. I developed a passion for the trade, and although I occasionally faced discouragement when I failed to meet my professional objectives, I persevered and am now accomplishing everything I knew I was capable of. - What advice would you give to other women who are considering entering commercial roofing?
I would say don’t give up. It will get hard; your feelings will get hurt, but the reward when you reach your goals and earn the respect you deserve is so worth it. People may see you as incapable of doing your job, but prove them wrong every single time. Work hard and always try to learn everything you can to become the best, even if others don’t want you to be. When you become the best, they have no choice but to see and respect you for who you truly are. - Have you had any mentors or role models who helped guide you in your career?
Great question! Everything I have learned in this industry has been thanks to my amazing mentors and my drive and dedication to learning. When I started with no experience, my first mentor was Daniel Secondino, the owner of Premier Building Associates. He saw my potential from the very beginning and promoted and guided me in my journey. Any questions I had while being a foreman after just six months in the industry were always answered, which allowed me to improve each time. Along with a couple of other great people who continue to mentor me and help me grow, I am deeply grateful. THANK YOU ALL! - What’s your approach to ensuring safety standards are met on every project you oversee?
I start each day by being the first one on-site before my subs arrive. This allows me about 30 minutes to conduct a safety inspection of everything. When the team arrives, all equipment has been inspected, and I take a picture of the crew every morning to ensure they are dressed appropriately for the job. I also keep an eye on any unsafe conditions I see, even if it’s not my crew, and I make sure to voice my concerns. I just want everyone to go home the same way they arrived. - What’s one thing you always make sure to pack for your travels, both for work and comfort?
I always make sure to have my mini cooler ready to go with snacks and drinks for the ride. It helps to have cold drinks and snacks at the job site to get me through the long hours at work.