In honor of Women in Construction, meet Maude Beaupied with Michel Beaupied Enterprises, Inc. in Rawdon, Quebec, Canada, where she is a specialized laborer and demolition robot operator.
Translated from French
What is your current job?
I am a specialized laborer and demolition robot operator.
When did you realize you wanted to focus efforts in the construction industry?
My family has been in the industry for many years, so I grew up immersed in this environment. It’s what I’ve always known.
I considered pursuing other career options, but one day, my father Martin Beaupied, convinced me to try the Brokk. I fell in love with the robots and ended up joining my father in the family business.
Who inspires you?
My father and grandfather inspire me because they have always worked hard for what they wanted. They never give up and always persist. Today, the company is as successful as it is thanks to their determination and perseverance.
What has been the most surprising part of being a woman working in the construction industry?
The men’s reactions to a woman on the jobsite surprised me—about half embrace and welcome having a woman as a colleague. The other half don’t. I am proud to work on a construction site and prove that a woman can excel at this type of work. I am a resourceful and independent woman, so when I’m on a construction site, all I want is to do my job fully and well.
What is your favorite part of your career?
We complete several different tasks with the Brokk robots, including breaking concrete, sizing material, drilling and breaking rocks, so there is a lot of variety. I’ve been on a construction site for months smashing rock with a Brokk robot, but every day is different. I also learn a lot about the why and how of the construction site.
What is your most memorable moment in the construction industry so far?
The opportunity to work with my father in the family business is memorable and something I wouldn’t trade for the world.
What is the biggest challenge of being a woman in the construction industry?
I think the biggest challenge is overcoming preconceived ideas about women doing this type of work. You have to give 110% at all times to avoid judgement. But, by pushing myself every day, I am made stronger. Yes, men will want to help a woman on the jobsite, but, sometimes, you must insist on doing it yourself, so you can continue to improve.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the construction industry since you started?
I’ve been in the construction industry for 3 years, so I haven’t seen a big change so far … just different working methods from site to site.
What advice would you give to a woman starting a construction job?
I would say trust yourself and show what you are worth. When you really want something, you can do anything. Also, find the branch you like and remember to have fun while working.
What would surprise us about you?
I am stronger than I look and have a lot of determination and will.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Always choose a profession that you enjoy and work hard. I would say that is the key to working anywhere!
About Brokk Brokk has been the world’s leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition machines and attachments for more than 45 years. Through continuous innovation in engineering and design, Brokk is able to offer unique solutions to multiple industries worldwide, including construction, demolition, mining and tunneling, cement and processing, nuclear and other specialty applications. For more, visit www.brokk.com. For more about Michel Beaupied Enterprises, Inc., visit mbeaupied.com.