Opportunities are evolving for women in many fields and metal construction is no exception. As women continue to appear in more prominent roles within the industry, METALCON acknowledges their significance with special programing at its fast-approaching show.

METALCON will be at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Oct. 30-Nov. 1. METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry and is the only tradeshow and conference devoted to the application of metal in the building envelope.

Before heading into the METALCON Expo Hall on opening day, women are invited to attend Metal and Mimosas, a morning gathering offering breakfast, networking and discussion with other women helping shape the future of the metal construction industry.

“Please, don’t miss out on this empowering event, featuring a special session and opportunity to listen and learn from your peers,” says Judy Geller, Vice President, METALCON. “This is your chance to connect with other successful women involved in metal construction.”

Metal and Mimosas is free with your METALCON registration and scheduled for 7:30 to 9 a.m. Oct. 30 in Meeting Room A309 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit https://metalcon.com/metal-mimosas/.

Metal and Mimosas is sponsored by AMS Controls, ATAS International, Cidan Machinery Group, Drexel Metals, H.B. Fuller/GSSI, Metal Coffee Shop, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, MetalForming, Mill Steel Company, Pacesetter, Sheffield Metals International and Triple-S Steel.

Stacee Lynn, known as The Barndominium Lady, will present “The Intentional Accidental Business,” sharing her experiences and challenges that got her to where she is today. Stacee Lynn defines a Barndominium as a “custom-designed, steel frame and single-family residence with metal roofing and siding.” When people learn about Barndominiums, she says they will never look at a metal building the same way again, helping people live the laid-back life they want.

“Since I was a child, I have always been attracted to architecture and design,” Stacee Lynn says. “I got a very late start in this space because when I was in high school, a teacher told me that I would never cut it as an architect. She said I was weak in math, but I am, in fact, very strong in math. However, that comment sent me down another creative path in marketing and communications that would affect me in my current business as well.

“So, I would design my home projects just for fun for my family. As it turns out, two of my homes ended up on the covers of real estate magazines when they were sold. When I lived in Austin (Texas), I designed our family home. The builder entered that home into a local design competition … we beat every architect in Austin except one!! I did all this outside the industry. My family continued to encourage me to jump into this space, but I waited.”

Stacee Lynn says she jumped in with both feet during Covid 19. “I had designed and built a Barndominium style home that I shared on social media,” she says. “Via social media and a following that has grown to 1.7 million people, it is fair to say that our clear span, residential designs caught the public eye and a design business was born. There is something about a unique, useful, beautiful space that you can call home. There is something about residential steel that beats a traditional stick build every time. We make steel sexy!”

Becoming a successful woman in the metal construction industry had some hurdles, but Stacee Lynn says everyone deals with that in most fields. “Construction is still a predominantly male-dominated industry across virtually every segment. From designing to dirt work, to general contracting, subcontracting and even supporting products, men are a significant percentage of the workforce,” she says. “But women, who like, understand and excel in this space are making incredible headway.”

Stacee Lynn’s satisfaction comes from being a part of the process, witnessing every Barndominium evolve, from idea to finished project.

“There are few finer feelings than to see one of our designs escape the world of paper, rendering and virtual reality to float across a client’s property, land on the build site and beginning to take form,” she says. “To know that a client has poured foundation, ordered steel and begun building is exciting. The only thing better than walking and touring a project in progress is walking that same project when it’s finished and knowing that our ideas are a client’s dream come to life.

“We have a chance to impact and change lives daily. We affect our clients’ lives and lifestyle. We help them build and live their dream. That notion makes being the Barndominium Lady and the leader of our team a fabulous thing. I love it and our team loves it.”

Michelle Kettering, the founder and CEO of LTD Exteriors of Spring Lake, N.C., and the Sales & Training Coordinator for Sheridan Metal Resources of Reading, Pa., will be on the METALCON tradeshow floor, as a trainer in the TrainingZone. Kettering will be one of many trainers from across the country rounded up by John Sheridan for a second year at the show. They will be showcasing different tools, techniques and materials, providing attendees the opportunity to see, feel and try out the tools and techniques.

Kettering admits her goals and ambitions were certainly heading in a direction nowhere near construction.

“Construction was not a love at first sight thing for me,” she says. The construction industry was not something I had even considered as a career path. However, in 2000, my brother-in-law introduced me to construction when he hired me to assist in the operations of his new roofing company. Although I enjoyed learning about the industry, I had other goals at the time. Through the years, my roles in different industries continued drawing me back to construction until it became a passion of mine.

“While challenges remain, the overall attitude toward women in construction has become more positive and inclusive. People are generally more supportive and accepting now, recognizing that women bring significant value and unique perspective to the construction industry.”

Kettering says she enjoys the work and the people in the industry. “Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to educate and empower others with information and/or solutions regarding their projects,” she says.

Women are making their mark in the metal construction industry and there is room for more.