Every year since 1998, construction leaders have shined a spotlight on the lack of female representation in the industry. It’s an issue that’s garnered much attention as of late—and one we believe is vital to the long-term success of the industry.
We at Highwire want to promote the seven women-owned construction companies in Boston that have earned a Safety Award — a prestigious recognition awarded to the industry’s top safety performers. Additionally, each of these companies is the only one to take home this award in their respective trade category.
During Women in Construction (WIC) Week 2023, we plan to highlight the achievements of these top companies, while also shining a light on the women who lead them.
Meet the Award Winners
Aetna Fire Alarm Service Co., Inc.
Aetna, based in Dorchester, is a full-service NECA/I.B.E.W Local 103 electrical contractor specializing in U.L. fire alarm life-safety installations and code-compliant inspections. The company has been enrolled in Highwire since June 2017 and is helmed by Massachusetts-licensed Contractor Kathleen Guinee.
American Moving and Installation
American Moving and Installation handles all aspects of a commercial move. Founded by Kathleen Rowell in 2009, they are the only certified, 100% woman-owned, union commercial moving company in the state and has been enrolled in Highwire since April 2019. Read their story.
Elaine Construction Company, Inc.
In business for over 70 years, Elaine Construction is run by current President Lisa Wexler and based in Newton, MA. They have been enrolled in Highwire since September 2016.
Hub Glass Services, Inc.
Sharon Tankel runs her family’s business, Hub Glass Services. Hub Glass Services is known for servicing many Boston-area highrises, banks, office buildings, museums, stores and restaurants. The company has been enrolled in Highwire since May 2017.
Geologic-Earth Exploration, Inc.
Headquartered out of Norfolk, MA, Geologic-Earth Exploration offers drilling services for difficult-access, low-clearance, marine-based, and other scenarios. They have been enrolled in Highwire since September 2016. The company is led by President Deb Arey.
New England Foundation Co., Inc.
The New England Foundation was established over 90 years ago and is now led by President Deirdre O’Neill. The company tackles pressure injected footings (PIFs), drilled shafts, belled caissons, and more. The New England Foundation has been enrolled in Highwire since September 2016.
Pinnacle Construction Services
Pinnacle Construction is owned and operated by Kourtney Mierzejewski and based in Norwell, MA. Their specialty is commercial plumbing and preventive maintenance, for both new construction and renovation projects. Pinnacle has been enrolled in Highwire since March 2021.
Why we’re honoring these companies
We believe that spotlighting women’s accomplishments in construction is important and worthwhile. Women have been historically under-represented in the industry, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating that women have previously made up only 9% of the workforce.
A movement is afoot to increase female representation in construction thanks, in part, to the hard work of women-owned businesses, such as our Safety Awardees, and the awareness campaigns, such as WIC Week, that promote them.
“We are proud to recognize the safety commitments of women-owned businesses in Greater Boston,” said Rachel Tash, Vice President of Marketing at Highwire. “Each one of these contracting partners is committed to doing exceptional work and understands the downstream impact safety has on delivering complex projects.”
Find these award winners and more on The Highwire Network
We launched The Highwire Network as a way for builders and owners to connect with contractors. Search by trade specialty, industry experience, DBE status, labor relationships and more.
The Network currently presents companies located in the greater Boston area and New York City. To learn more and find other qualified contractors, visit The Highwire Network.
