Nita-Joan Sams and Dean Hoffman are retired members in New Orleans chapter of NAWIC, both members for more than 50 years. Nita-Joan is a stalwart 93 and Dean is an incredible 103 years old. Fellow NAWIC members recall that Nita-Joan was the first one to encourage the women in the chapter to "go for it" whether it was starting a new company, asking for a promotion, or considering a career change.  Dean has a reputation for a kind heart and being able to get people to do positive things without much effort.  Always quick to volunteer, she helped wherever she could. These two wonderful ladies sat down with us to answer some questions about their experiences in the construction industry. 

So, what led you to the construction industry? 

Dean: My husband passed away in 1970. He was only 48. I began working for a construction company that year and my work is the only thing that kept me going. I joined NAWIC in that first year. NAWIC was a lifeline for me. I went on to work in the industry for 18 years. 

Nita-Joan: I was the only woman available. I was an interior designer, and I've been around a long time. I worked on all different kinds of commercial construction, including many banks. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome in your construction career?  

Dean: In my time, women getting into construction was rare. I was the only woman employee in the company. I was breaking the glass ceiling. I enjoyed every minute of it. They were very respectful to me from the owner to the lowest laborer. At first, I was a receptionist. As I grew in the company I ended up being a corporate secretary. Originally, we were a mechanical construction company and then we grew into a general contractor, Rumold Inc. Then they formed a sister company called Rumold Mechanical, and I was president as a woman-operated company until I retired when my firm merged with another company. 

Nita-Joan: The biggest challenge? Men. They did not think women should be around the construction business because they thought we didn't know anything! Women do a lot of the work in the construction business. We know how to follow through on things. 

Was there a moment when you thought, "I can't do this"?  

Dean: Never. I loved being around construction. Before I worked for this construction company I was in construction with my husband with a partner. 

Nita-Joan: Not really, but I knew I had to keep working and doing a good job. Because if I didn't, they wouldn't have me around. 

How did NAWIC help you with these challenges?  

Dean: Well for one thing, I got involved in all modes of construction by meeting other ladies who belonged to an association. I was in New Orleans Chapter 17. I learned from other members. Sometimes we had owners come and talk to us. We went to many conventions all over the country and met women from all different areas. I think we thought of each other as one big family. I had every job in the chapter except president. And some jobs many times over. I'm still active with the Chapter 17 scholarship foundation.  

Nita-Joan: I joined way back when. A long time ago. I just don't remember. I'm still a member. Got to know all the women that were in the business and hidden behind men.  

What's the best advice you've received that helped you in tough times? 

Dean: Always keep learning and always try to help your sister workers, whether new or experienced.  

Nita-Joan: Always tell the truth. 

What does being "tough" mean to you? 

Dean: I would get things done by being gentle, but it would get done. I don't see myself as a tough person. 

Nita-Joan: Actually doing a good job and not telling lies and knowing how to handle people. I just did my job. 

Can you share a standout moment in your career that tested or proved your toughness? 

Dean: I guess being a good member of the association and trying to promote the association and learn as much as I could through other people. 

Do you think it's harder for women to succeed in construction than it is for men? Do you see that changing? 

Dean: Definitely. I think it was very much an accomplishment in the 1970s for a woman to succeed. Might be different now. 

Nita-Joan: Oh yes, it was harder, but now there are more of us around and we all know our job and the results are good 

Are there certain persons who were especially influential in your career? 

Dean: The president and VP of my company were very influential in teaching me parts of the company plus financial acumen. They helped me and encouraged me to be in the association and going to conventions and forums to advance my knowledge of construction.  

Nita-Joan: Yes, but I won't name names. It was mostly men who helped me. 

What advice do you have for other women building a career in construction?  

Dean: In your work, surround yourself in your company's programs. Absorb everything you can. 

Nita-Joan: If they know what they're doing, go for it! 

If people take one thing away from your story, what do you want it to be? 

Dean: Enjoy your work. Enjoy your friends in the business and try to push them up the ladder. Be like the people who tried to help me up the ladder. 

Nita-Joan: That I'm honest and I like what I did in an industry that I enjoyed. When you're doing that and you feel good about what you're doing, it'll work.