The construction industry has long been viewed as a male-dominated field, but the landscape is shifting as more women take on leadership roles across the sector. Women in Construction Week 2026 Industry Leaders On progress highlight the growing recognition of female professionals who are shaping the future of building and infrastructure. One standout story is that of Jolene Logue, president of PacWest Machinery of Seattle, an Atlas Copco Power Technique distributor. Her journey from entry-level positions to the president’s office demonstrates what is possible when determination meets opportunity in the construction equipment industry. This article explores Logue’s career trajectory, the state of women in construction today, and actionable strategies for professionals looking to advance in this rewarding field.
The Journey from Entry-Level Roles to Executive Leadership
Jolene Logue’s path to the presidency of PacWest Machinery did not follow a straight line. After graduating from college in the early 1990s, she entered a tough economy with limited professional connections. Neither of her parents worked in construction, so she had no built-in network to rely upon. What she did have was a willingness to work hard and a readiness to try new things.
Starting Out with Temporary and Entry-Level Work
Like many graduates facing a tight job market, Logue began with temporary and entry-level jobs. She soon joined Ingersoll Rand (IR), where she would spend the next 15 years building her career. During her early years at IR, Logue held positions across multiple departments, which allowed her to develop a well-rounded understanding of the business.
Her early roles included:
- Rental coordinator, where she learned the equipment rental side of the business
- Equipment sales, which taught her client relationship management and closing techniques
- Marketing positions that built her skills in branding and market positioning
- Retail location management, where she oversaw the opening of new branches
This deliberate diversification of her skillset proved essential. By the time she moved on from IR, Logue had hands-on experience in nearly every major function of an equipment distribution business. Understanding how each department operates gave her a strategic advantage when she later moved into higher leadership roles.
Moving Up Through Industry Giants
After her tenure at Ingersoll Rand, Logue joined Volvo Construction Equipment as a regional vice president, overseeing both dealer-owned and company-owned stores. This role gave her exposure to the broader construction equipment landscape and deepened her understanding of dealer networks. She later returned to run 13 company-owned stores for IR before making the move that would define her career.
Her appointment as president of PacWest Machinery marked the culmination of decades of experience. PacWest Machinery is an Atlas Copco Power Technique distributor serving the Pacific Northwest. In this role, Logue oversees equipment sales, customer support, employee development, facility upgrades, and the introduction of new equipment lines.
The highlight of my career is when I joined PacWest Machinery. Our team has been able to develop a plan for growth, which consists of a high level of customer support, employee growth and development, equipment sales, updated facilities and bringing on new lines of equipment.
Jolene Logue, President of PacWest Machinery
Building a Diversified Skillset Across Construction Roles
One of the most instructive aspects of Logue’s career is how she systematically built expertise across different functional areas. Rather than specializing narrowly in one domain, she sought opportunities that broadened her business acumen. This approach is particularly valuable in the construction industry, where understanding the full lifecycle of a project can set leaders apart from their peers. Professionals who want to understand project workflows from start to finish can review Key Facts About Construction Project Life Cycle Phases to build foundational knowledge.
Why Cross-Functional Experience Matters
Construction equipment distribution involves multiple interconnected functions. A leader who has worked in rentals, sales, marketing, and operations can make better strategic decisions because they understand how each area contributes to the bottom line. Logue’s path demonstrates that moving between departments is not a sign of indecision but a strategic investment in leadership capability.
The key competencies that cross-functional experience builds include:
- Financial literacy – Understanding profit margins across rentals, sales, and service operations
- Operational awareness – Knowing how inventory management, logistics, and customer support interact
- People management – Leading teams with diverse skill sets and backgrounds
- Strategic vision – Connecting daily operations to long-term business goals
- Industry networks – Building relationships across manufacturers, dealers, and customers
From Rental Desk to President’s Office: Key Milestones
| Career Stage | Role | Company | Key Skill Developed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early 1990s | Temporary and entry-level jobs | Various | Work ethic and adaptability |
| Early career | Rental coordinator | Ingersoll Rand | Equipment knowledge and customer service |
| Mid career | Sales and marketing roles | Ingersoll Rand | Client relations and market strategy |
| Mid career | New retail location management | Ingersoll Rand | Operations and team leadership |
| Senior leadership | Regional vice president | Volvo Construction Equipment | Dealer network management |
| Executive | President | PacWest Machinery | Strategic planning and organizational growth |
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Women in Construction: Progress, Opportunity and Practical Advice
Logue became involved with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) during her time in sales. What started as a small group has grown into an organization with thousands of members nationwide. NAWIC plays a central role during Women in Construction Week, an annual event dedicated to highlighting opportunities for women in the industry and emphasizing their growing contributions.
How the Industry Has Changed
According to Logue, it is significantly easier for a woman entering construction today than it was 20 to 30 years ago. The industry has shifted its focus toward what individuals bring to the table, regardless of gender. This change reflects broader cultural shifts and the proven track record of women who have succeeded in construction roles.
Logue notes several factors that have contributed to this positive change:
- Industry organizations like NAWIC that provide networking and professional development
- Company diversity and inclusion initiatives that create pathways for advancement
- The growing recognition that diverse teams produce better business outcomes
- Increased visibility of successful women in leadership positions
- A cultural shift toward merit-based evaluation rather than gender-based assumptions
Qualities That Drive Success for Women in Construction
Logue observes that the women she has worked with who are successful share common traits. They are practical, eager to learn, and able to confidently apply what they have learned. These qualities matter more than formal credentials in an industry that values results over appearances.
Our industry is pretty down-to-earth, and if you are genuine and want to work hard and learn, I believe there are a lot of people who will open doors for women or for any other capable person. Our industry is also small and so many know each other. So, if you are good at what you do, you are going to be remembered.
Jolene Logue, President of PacWest Machinery
The construction equipment and building sector rewards competence and reliability. Professionals who consistently deliver quality work build reputations that follow them throughout their careers. This is especially true in the tight-knit construction community, where word of mouth and professional networks drive opportunities. Understanding how different sectors operate is also important. Professionals moving between sectors can benefit from reading Key Facts About How Commercial Construction Differs From residential building to identify where their skills transfer best.
Mentorship and Career Growth Strategies for Construction Professionals
When asked what advice she would give to young professionals entering the construction industry, Logue pointed first to mentorship. Finding experienced people who can provide guidance and advocacy is one of the most important steps a young professional can take.
Why Mentorship Matters
Mentors serve multiple functions in career development. They provide industry knowledge that is rarely found in textbooks, offer candid feedback on performance, and advocate for their mentees when promotion opportunities arise. Logue specifically emphasizes seeking out good mentors who have experience in the industry and a genuine interest in helping others grow.
Effective mentorship relationships in construction typically involve:
- Active listening – Mentors who listen before offering advice provide more relevant guidance
- Honest feedback – Constructive criticism that helps professionals improve their blind spots
- Network introduction – Opening doors to industry contacts and opportunities
- Career modeling – Demonstrating what a successful career path looks like in practice
- Accountability – Holding mentees to high standards and encouraging consistent progress
Practical Steps for Career Advancement
Based on Logue’s trajectory and the broader lessons from women succeeding in construction, professionals can take several concrete actions to advance their careers:
- Seek roles in different departments early in your career to build a diversified foundation
- Join industry organizations such as NAWIC to expand your professional network
- Be willing to take on assignments outside your comfort zone to develop new competencies
- Cultivate a reputation for reliability, practicality, and eagerness to learn
- Document your accomplishments and track the metrics that demonstrate your impact
- Stay current with industry trends, equipment technology, and construction methods
The Power of Reputation in a Small Industry
One of Logue’s key observations is that the construction industry is remarkably interconnected. Professionals who distinguish themselves through quality work and professional conduct become known across the industry. This reputation effect amplifies career momentum over time, as opportunities come to those who are remembered for their contributions.
For women entering construction today, the pathway is clearer than it has ever been. Organizations like NAWIC provide structured support, companies are increasingly prioritizing diversity, and the proof of women’s capability in construction leadership is well established through executives like Logue and many others. The key ingredients remain the same: hard work, a willingness to learn, strategic skill-building across functions, and the guidance of experienced mentors.
Women in Construction Week serves as an annual reminder of both the progress made and the opportunities that remain. As Logue’s story demonstrates, climbing the ladder in construction is achievable for anyone with the dedication to build a career step by step, role by role, and skillset by skillset.