After being hired by Skyline in
February 2011, Bell spent two years working
as an in-house engineer at the corporate
office. When her managers approached her
with an opportunity to try out different
roles around the country, Bell didn’t hesitate
to accept.
“I signed up because I wanted to see
what else was out there,” said Bell, adding
wryly, “You can only design so many sheet
pile walls before you want to try something
else.”
Skyline, a subsidiary of Nucor
Corporation, is a medium-sized company
with a staff of nearly 500 people and
regional offices all over the country.
Bell was transferred to the company’s
Chicago sales office, where she
spent six months working with the sales
team to manage inside sales functions.
The California native followed this up
with a second six-month stint, this time at
Skyline’s Atlanta office, where she worked
on product development for the geo-structural
division.
She was then promoted to her current
position and relocated to Washington
where she oversees a territory that includes
the Pacific Northwest, Utah, Colorado,
Alaska and Western Canada.
“As a business development associate, I
wear a lot of different hats, but essentially I
work with engineers and contractors to find
the most economical solutions for their projects.
I try to bridge the gap between design
and construction by educating the community
on our products and capabilities,” said Bell.
Acting as the connection between
Skyline’s engineers and its sales team, Bell
educates Skyline’s customers on the technical
aspects of the company’s products and
on how to use Skyline steel more efficiently
and cost effectively.
Involvement with PDCA
As a Skyline representative at PDCA’s
events held in the northwest, Bell is frequently
involved with PDCA.
“Going to PDCA conferences and
seminars is a great way to network with
others in the pile driving industry. This
industry is small, and these events give you
a chance to have a face-to-face meeting
with people who you may have only ‘met’
over the phone. It’s also a great opportunity
to learn about the innovative ways they’re
solving problems in other parts of the
country,” she said.
Bell says that the she’s happy that she
landed in the northwest, where there are
a lot of interesting projects. She is even
happier with the industry she’s chosen
and becomes effusive in praising the many
industry veterans that have always been
so generous in sharing their wisdom and
experiences with her.
“I have many mentors, including those
who work directly for Skyline, customers
and PDCA event attendees. That’s one of
the reasons I love this industry – you can
bounce ideas off anyone. Everybody wants
to help you succeed,” Bell said.
Women in construction
When asked about her experiences as a
young woman in a traditionally male-dominated
industry, Bell’s response is sanguine.
“There are a lot more women on the
consulting side of the industry. On the
construction side, those who are out in
the field, it’s still heavily male dominated,”
Bell said.
She thinks that a major part of the
historically low representation of women
in the construction industry has to do with
the different degrees to which young boys
and girls are exposed to the traditionally
male discipline.
“Growing up, there is a distinct difference
between what boys and girls are exposed
to. It’s great to see this change as we move forward
as a society. Equal exposure to all career
paths is important,” she said.
Bell is encouraged by the efforts of
PDCA YOUNG GUN
“That’s one of the reasons I love this
industry – you can bounce ideas off anyone.
Everybody wants to help you succeed.”
– Errynne Bell, Business Development Associate, Skyline Steel
Continued on page 116
114 | QUARTER 3 2015