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Celebrating Women In Construction Week: March 1-7, 2026 - Krystal Davey

March 3, 2026

DRE Industries is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 1-7, 2026) by highlighting the incredible leaders driving the construction industry forward. As a female-owned and operated organization, we take pride in recognizing the trailblazers shaping the future of the industry. We sat down with a few exceptional women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication are paving the way for the next generation:

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and the unstoppable energy of women in construction.

Krystal Davey embarked on her professional journey at Bothwell-Accurate in 2010, focusing on the solar and green roofing sector. Now in her role as President, she focuses on creating momentum for both the company and its people. She pursues opportunities for continuous growth within the industry, invests strategically in new innovations and processes, and works to ensure that everything the team does is grounded in Bothwell’s core values of quality, transparency, and efficiency. Driven by a sincere loyalty to the organization and its employees, she is committed to cultivating ongoing growth and ensuring Bothwell’s continued legacy as an industry leader.

What is one misconception about working in construction that you wish more people understood?

I think that when people think of construction, they often picture the trades out on job sites building and doing challenging physical work. Many of our tradespeople work in tough conditions, especially here in Canada, that can push them to their physical limits. While many people thrive in that environment, it can also lead others to assume that construction is not for them.

I wish more people understood what the other side of construction looks like and how incredibly multifaceted the industry truly is. Construction involves the intuitive, creative art of design, the critical and precise work of estimating, and the fast-paced ingenuity of project management, just to name a few. Our projects are collaborative efforts that bring together sometimes tens and sometimes thousands of people to navigate schedules, weather, budgets, logistics, and personalities.

It is a challenging industry, but it is also incredibly rewarding to watch a building come to life from nothing and know your work is supporting communities.

What challenges have you faced as a woman working in construction, and how have you overcome them?

Construction is a male dominated industry and more often than not you are the only woman at the table, which can feel uncomfortable. Sometimes the discomfort feels intentional, and other times it is just your own inner voice making you feel like the odd one out. Both can be challenging in different ways.

There have been moments where it was clear to me that some men I have worked with did not believe a woman could do the job and did not necessarily want her to even if she could. That can be difficult to navigate. Do not let it sabotage your confidence or dig yourself into a hole trying to placate or prove yourself to people who are too narrow minded to change. They are not worth your time.

What I have learned is this. Work hard, ask questions, be inquisitive, and listen more than you talk. Be someone who learns something from everyone they meet and every project they work on. Always show up, even when it is uncomfortable. Stand up for yourself when you know you are right. Confidence grows through action. Learn how to read people, especially the difficult ones. If you understand what motivates them, you can often guide conversations in a way that allows them to feel ownership of the outcome, which can be far more effective than confrontation.

All that being said, I will say that the mindset is changing. I am fortunate to work alongside many male colleagues who treat me no differently than any other professional at the table. In fact, more than a few of them go out of their way to stand up for me and stand behind me, and that support makes a difference. Find your allies, ask them questions, be frank about your struggles, and show up for them when they need support as well.

How do you balance the demands of a construction career with other aspects of your life?

I always laugh at this question. The answer is simple. I do not. I am sure there are people out there who have solved that riddle, but I have not. I miss appointments, disappoint my kids, forget to call my husband back, and cancel plans with friends. These are all human things that happen when you have a challenging career.

I cannot balance everything. I do the same things that many people do. I am clear and honest about what I can give so that I can manage expectations. I use calendar reminders and post it notes everywhere. I lean on my support staff, plan ahead, and try to stay organized.

Ultimately, I try to be honest with myself about what I can manage. When I have time away from work, I make an effort to truly disconnect so I can focus on myself and my family.

As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re recognizing the achievements and impact of women making waves in the industry. Let’s continue breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

Follow DRE Industries on LinkedIn to see more inspiring stories throughout the week.