In an industry historically dominated by men, women in construction are increasingly making their mark, reshaping perceptions and breaking barriers. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s fitting to highlight the significant contributions of women-owned businesses like Doss & Horky Inc., a Kentucky-based construction company that exemplifies female leadership and excellence in the field.
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The Current Landscape: Women in Construction by the Numbers
The construction industry has seen steady growth in female representation over the past decade, though significant work remains to achieve gender parity. According to recent statistics:
- Women make up approximately 11.2% of the construction workforce as of 2024, representing about 1.34 million workers nationwide
- This marks a 45% increase in female representation in the industry over the last decade
- The gender wage gap in construction is narrowing, with women construction managers now earning 98.7% compared to their male counterparts – a 16.8% improvement in just one year
- While women hold 68% of sales and office positions in construction, they represent only about 4% of craft workers on job sites
- Approximately 13% of construction companies are now owned by women, a 94% increase since 2007
In Kentucky specifically, the state ranks among those with the lowest percentage of women in construction , making companies like Doss & Horky Inc. particularly noteworthy as trailblazers in the region.
Spotlight on Doss & Horky: A Kentucky Success Story
Founded in 1985 and based in Danville, Kentucky, Doss & Horky Inc. has established itself as a premier construction company specializing in commercial, industrial, and utility construction . What sets this company apart is not only its four decades of excellence but also its status as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and Kentucky’s Minority Business Enterprise .
Doss & Horky offers comprehensive services including:
- Large-scale new construction
- Distillery construction (a Kentucky specialty)
- Concrete installations
- Excavation
- Electrical utility contracting
The company has built its reputation on providing seamless project management, from initial planning through completion, with particular expertise in Kentucky’s booming bourbon industry. Their portfolio demonstrates that women-led businesses can excel in traditionally male-dominated specialized construction sectors.
The Value of WBE Certification in Kentucky
For women-owned construction companies like Doss & Horky, WBE certification provides valuable opportunities and recognition. In Kentucky, this certification:
- Increases visibility to government agencies and private companies with diversity initiatives
- Provides access to specialized contracts and procurement opportunities
- Connects businesses with networking and mentorship resources
- Demonstrates compliance with federal and state requirements for working with diverse suppliers
The federal government has established a goal to award at least 5% of all contracting funds to women-owned businesses , creating potential opportunities for certified WBEs. However, Kentucky offers additional state-level certification through the Finance and Administration Cabinet’s Minority & Women Business Enterprise Certification Program .
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite progress, women in construction still face significant challenges. These include:
- Unconscious gender bias in hiring and promotion
- Limited access to training and apprenticeship opportunities
- Balancing family responsibilities with job demands
- Limited visibility of female role models in the industry
However, several factors are creating unprecedented opportunities for women entering construction:
- Industry labor shortages creating demand for new workers
- Government initiatives like the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “Million Women in Construction” program, which aims to bring another million women into the industry over the next decade
- Growing recognition of the business benefits of diverse teams and perspectives
- Increasing pay transparency and efforts to close the gender wage gap
- Support organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Women Construction Owners & Executives USA
Pathways to Success: Following Doss & Horky’s Example
For women seeking to establish themselves in construction, companies like Doss & Horky demonstrate several key strategies for success:
- Specialization: Find a niche where expertise can be developed and recognized. Doss & Horky has built a reputation in distillery construction, leveraging Kentucky’s bourbon industry.
- Certification: Pursue relevant certifications like WBE to access specialized opportunities and resources.
- Quality Focus: Deliver consistently excellent work that builds reputation and generates referrals.
- Comprehensive Services: Offer end-to-end solutions that increase value to clients.
- Community Connection: Build strong relationships within the local business community.
The Future is Under Construction
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, companies like Doss & Horky Inc. remind us that women aren’t just entering the construction industry—they’re helping to rebuild it with new perspectives, leadership approaches, and expertise. While the numbers show progress, they also reveal significant room for growth.
The construction industry needs women more than ever, not just to address labor shortages, but to bring fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and valuable leadership skills to an evolving field. In Kentucky and beyond, women-owned construction companies are demonstrating that when it comes to building the future, women deserve a seat at the drafting table, in the executive office, and on the job site.
For a state like Kentucky with historically low female representation in construction, businesses like Doss & Horky aren’t just building structures—they’re building a foundation for the next generation of women in the industry.
