Celebrating Women in Construction: Empowering the Future of the Industry

technical • March 26, 2025

Each year, Women in Construction Week highlights the invaluable contributions women make to the construction industry. At Omni Commercial Group, we take immense pride in being a WBENC-certified business, actively supporting and advocating for the growth of women in the trades.

Breaking Barriers & Building Opportunities

Historically, construction has been a male-dominated industry, but times are changing. Women are stepping into key roles across project management, engineering, skilled trades, and leadership—proving that diversity strengthens the workforce. The demand for skilled professionals in construction continues to grow, making it the perfect time for women to explore career opportunities in this dynamic field. 

Spotlight on Women at Omni Commercial Group

At Omni Commercial Group, we are fortunate to have incredible women who contribute to our success every day. Their expertise, dedication, and leadership help drive our projects forward and inspire the next generation of women in construction. 

We proudly recognize: 

Christina Chwala, President/CEO/CFO

Heather Horton, Project Administrator/Accountant

Tara Bieniek, Project Administrator

Cyndi Nelson, Administrative Support

Brittany Price, Laborer 

These women exemplify the talent and leadership that make our industry stronger.


Team Member Spotlights

To celebrate Women in Construction Week, we spoke with two amazing members of our team—Christina Chwala and Brittany Price—about their journeys in the construction industry. 

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?

I have always been surrounded by construction. My father was a drafting teacher and worked on residential construction during the summers, so I grew up watching him grade student drawings, take on DIY projects, and bring designs to life. In college, I pursued a degree in accounting and management, which initially led me to a career in finance, working for an oil seals and bearings company. This experience gave me a hands-on understanding of managing a large business.

Later, I met my future husband and joined him in his facility maintenance company, where I applied my office and accounting skills to help grow the business. Together, we expanded into commercial construction, launching our second company, Omni Commercial Group. We learned as we went, combining our strengths to build something from the ground up. My journey into construction has been a blend of early exposure, business expertise, and a willingness to think outside the box and adapt to new challenges.


2. What do you enjoy most about working in the industry?

I really enjoy working with our clients and contributing to projects for well-known brands, as well as supporting emerging brands in their growth. It’s always fascinating to see which projects are in development, understand the reasoning behind them, and follow all the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into achieving a successful build-out. I have a deep appreciation for the construction process and take pride in ensuring a smooth experience for both our team and our clients.


3. What has been your most rewarding project or experience so far?

It’s difficult to name just one specific project or experience because we work with such a diverse range of clients—industrial, office, medical, retail, restaurant. Each project brings unique challenges and opportunities, and I find the most rewarding part to be transforming creative ideas into stunning realities. I truly appreciate the opportunity to bring these visions to life and contribute to each client’s success.


4. What advice would you give to women considering a career in construction?

The construction industry has evolved significantly over the past 40 years, offering women more opportunities across all aspects of a project—from architecture and project management to trades and design. The key is to find what you’re passionate about and pursue it with confidence.


5. How has being part of Omni Commercial Group impacted your career?

Starting this company 28 years ago—wow, who knew where the journey would take me? I’ve learned invaluable lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom, made mistakes along the way, but wouldn’t change a thing about the path my career has taken. At Omni, we’re more than just a team; we’re like a family. The work is fun, challenging, and sometimes exhausting, but in the end, it’s incredibly rewarding—just like family can be!

Brittany Price – Laborer

1.What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?

I have always known that I enjoy a hands-on and fast-paced work environment. After some research, I found that construction could be a perfect career for me to stay busy and constantly learn. 

2. What do you enjoy most about working in the industry?

The most enjoyable part about working in construction is how much I am able to learn on a daily basis. I also enjoy visibly seeing the progress that my work has made by the end of each day. 

3. What has been your most rewarding project or experience so far?

There have been many days when a project gets tough or it seems like nothing is going correctly. The most rewarding part is seeing the final results—better than you could have imagined—and knowing it’s that way because you didn’t give up. 

4. What advice would you give to women considering a career in construction?

I would say that a career in construction for a woman is not as “intimidating” as it may seem at first. Once you believe you can do it, so will everyone else. 

5. How has being part of Omni Commercial Group impacted your career?

Omni Commercial Group has given me an opportunity to grow in many ways—not only with work, but also as a person. The uplifting and motivating personnel at Omni make it even more enjoyable to do the work that I already enjoy doing. 

Encouraging More Women to Join the Trades

The construction industry offers stable, rewarding, and high-paying careers, yet women remain underrepresented in the field. Organizations like the WBENC and local trade unions provide resources, training, and networking opportunities to help women build successful careers in construction.

 

If you’re a woman considering a career in construction, now is the time to take that step! Whether through apprenticeships, union opportunities, or industry networking, the possibilities are endless. Omni Commercial Group supports and encourages women to explore these opportunities and help shape the future of construction.

Join the Movement

As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, let’s continue advocating for inclusion, mentorship, and career growth for women in the industry. If you or someone you know is interested in a career in construction, reach out to learn more about the opportunities available.



Together, we can build a stronger, more diverse future for the industry.

Construction worker looking at blueprints at a building site.
By technical February 18, 2026
Learn how early planning transitions into successful commercial construction execution. Omni Commercial Group shares how communication, experience, and partnerships drive results.
Person typing on a laptop with a hard hat and blueprints, titled
By technical January 19, 2026
Discover how early commercial construction planning at the start of the year leads to better schedules, controlled costs, and stronger results with Omni Commercial Group. Supporting Keywords: commercial construction planning, preconstruction strategy, tenant improvement planning, general contractor planning, Chicagolan
commercial construction Chicago, Omni Commercial Group, year-end construction review, tenant improve
By technical December 8, 2025
Omni Commercial Group reflects on a year of growth, partnership, and key project accomplishments, including pickleball courts at 150 N Martingale and the 540 W Madison Tech Connect space.
Omni Window building with logo, text:
By technical November 13, 2025
Omni Commercial Group celebrates its people, partners, and process. Discover how teamwork and communication drive success across Chicagoland commercial construction projects.
Commercial property winter preparation graphic: construction site, snow-covered steps, caulking window frame.
By technical November 1, 2025
Prepare your commercial property for winter with Omni Commercial Group. Learn expert strategies for renovations, maintenance, and safety planning to prevent costly downtime.
Omni Commercial Group in Chicago joins Crain's Top 25 WBEs list. Photo: Chicago cityscape, WBENC certified.
By technical September 18, 2025
Omni Commercial Group has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the Top 25 Women-Owned Businesses. With nearly 40 years of client-focused service, Omni continues to lead in commercial construction, diversity, and trusted partnerships across Chicagoland.
By technical August 13, 2025
Get ahead of the busy season with Omni Commercial Group’s guide to fall commercial construction planning. Learn how early scheduling ensures on-time, on-budget project success.
By technical July 12, 2025
At Omni Commercial Group, we take great pride in the work we do—but there's something uniquely special about projects that take place right in our own backyard. In the summer of 2024, we had the privilege of partnering with Larkin High School in Elgin, Illinois, to revitalize one of the most important spaces in their building: the auditorium. This project wasn’t just about construction, it was about creating an environment that uplifts performance, accessibility, and experience for students, staff, and the greater Elgin community. A Complete Auditorium Transformation The renovation touched nearly every aspect of the auditorium. Our scope of work included: Brand-new auditorium seating Durable and attractive epoxy flooring Upgraded carpeting for comfort and aesthetics ADA-compliant access ramp to improve accessibility Modernized auditorium electrical systems Upgraded house lighting to improve visibility and efficiency New electronic theatrical lighting control systems A completely overhauled audio system with new controls and speaker arrays Installation of a new 25-foot video screen and projection equipment The project was completed in August 2024, just in time for a new school year and performance season. Real Results That Resonate We were honored to receive glowing feedback from Adam Baxter, Auditorium Manager at Larkin High School, after the system upgrades were put to the test during their musical production. His message underscores exactly why we do what we do. “We're running our musical this weekend and the vocals are loud and clear in a way we've never been able to hear when competing with a full pit orchestra,” Adam shared. “Threshold took my notes about the challenges and limitations of the room and gave us a design that was exactly what this space needed.” Adam went on to praise the improvements made to the seating, lighting, projection, and infrastructure—areas that had long needed attention. But it was the new audio system that made the biggest difference for their performances. “The old speaker system was good for meetings and music playback but trying to get performer vocal mics louder than a full pit orchestra, jazz band, or rock show was full of challenges,” he noted. “This new system has been plenty loud with headroom to spare.” He closed his remarks with appreciation not just for the outcome, but for the collaborative approach Omni took throughout the process. “I really appreciate being able to contribute in the process… Feel free to pass along thanks to Mark Carlson, Threshold, Omni, and anyone else involved.” Collaboration in Action One of the key reasons this project succeeded so well was the collaborative effort between the Larkin team, Threshold, and our crew at Omni. We believe construction is most effective when it's grounded in communication—when every stakeholder has a voice and every challenge is met with creative, technical solutions. We’re especially proud of how our team listened to and integrated feedback from those who know the space best—like Adam. His insights were crucial to creating a performance-ready environment that truly met the school’s unique needs. Building for Our Community As a union-affiliated , woman-owned business headquartered in Elgin, working on a project like this for Larkin High School holds personal meaning. It’s more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to invest in the future of our own community and create spaces that serve, inspire, and elevate. At Omni Commercial Group , we’re passionate about building better environments. Whether it’s an auditorium, office space, retail location, or public facility, our commitment to craftsmanship, safety, and communication remains at the heart of everything we do. Let’s Build What Matters—Together Have a community, commercial, or educational facility that needs a refresh ? We’re ready to bring your vision to life—just like we did for Larkin .
A group of people are working on a synthetic grass field.
By technical June 18, 2025
Summer is here—and with it comes the busiest construction season of the year. While warm weather offers ideal conditions for building, it also brings unique challenges that can disrupt schedules and drive up costs. At Omni Commercial Group, we understand how to navigate these summer hurdles to keep your project moving forward, on time and on budget. Here’s what you need to know about managing commercial construction during peak season—and how Omni’s expertise and proactive approach can help your project thrive. Why Summer Brings Unique Construction Challenges Summer might seem like the perfect time to build, but it also creates intense demand for labor, materials, and equipment. This surge often leads to labor shortages, as skilled crews are in high demand across multiple projects. Finding and securing experienced labor becomes much harder during the busy summer months, making early planning critical. Material delays are another common challenge. Suppliers often experience backlogs and longer lead times, slowing down delivery schedules and increasing costs. Even small delays in material shipments can have a cascading impact on project timelines, pushing schedules off course and leading to costly change orders. While summer weather is generally favorable, sudden storms and extreme heat can impact job sites and strain crews. High temperatures require careful scheduling and safety measures to protect workers and maintain productivity. Key Strategies to Keep Projects on Track The key to successful summer construction lies in proactive planning, strong relationships, and clear communication. Starting early with project planning and scheduling can make all the difference. Securing crews and establishing a realistic timeline before summer arrives helps avoid the scramble for resources once the season begins. At Omni, our decades of experience in the Chicagoland market allow us to anticipate these seasonal demands and plan accordingly. Material procurement should also happen as early as possible. Ordering materials ahead of time helps minimize the risk of delays and price fluctuations. At Omni, we leverage long-standing relationships with suppliers to ensure that materials arrive on time and at competitive costs, even during the busiest months. Communication is another critical factor. Our use of advanced project management tools like Procore, combined with our proven OmniCPM methodology, keeps all stakeholders aligned. From real-time updates on progress to swift issue resolution, these tools ensure that no detail is overlooked and that any potential problems are addressed before they can impact the schedule. Finally, safety and productivity go hand in hand, especially during the summer. High temperatures can push crews to their limits, so we prioritize safety training and hydration protocols, ensuring that everyone stays healthy and focused on quality work. How Omni Keeps Projects Moving Forward For nearly four decades, Omni Commercial Group has delivered projects during the peak summer construction season without missing a beat. Our team includes union-trained carpenters, laborers, and project managers who know how to navigate the challenges of summer construction while maintaining high standards for safety and quality. Our leadership team has deep experience handling the complexities of summer construction—balancing tight schedules, budget constraints, and changing site conditions. We tailor every project plan to meet client goals and ensure that no detail is overlooked. What sets Omni apart is our commitment to collaboration and communication. We work closely with owners, architects, and trade partners to maintain momentum and protect your investment. Whether it’s a small remodel or a large-scale expansion, we bring the same dedication to keeping your project on time and on budget, even during the busiest building season. Let’s Build Together This Summer If you’re planning a commercial construction project this summer, Omni Commercial Group is ready to partner with you. From early planning to final walkthrough, we’re committed to delivering results that exceed your expectations and minimize costly delays. Contact us today to learn more about how Omni can bring your summer project to life—on time, on budget, and with the quality you deserve.
A construction site with the sign
By technical June 4, 2025
At Omni Commercial Group, we believe that construction is more than assembling materials or meeting deadlines—it’s about building environments where people and businesses can thrive. For decades, we’ve earned a reputation for delivering high-quality commercial projects that stand the test of time. From retail developments to financial institutions, office buildouts to mixed-use spaces, our work reflects not just technical expertise, but a deep commitment to safety, sustainability, and client service. These core values aren’t just part of what we do—they’re who we are. A Legacy of Commercial Excellence Founded as a woman-owned, family-led business, Omni Commercial Group has become a trusted name in commercial construction. Our roots in the region give us a unique understanding of the local market, building codes, climate considerations, and most importantly, the expectations of our clients—many of whom manage high-value properties and portfolios that demand efficiency, quality, and professionalism. Over the years, we’ve completed a wide range of projects, from national retail brands to regional banks, healthcare facilities, and office spaces. We’ve worked in live environments, navigated tight schedules, and collaborated with multiple stakeholders—all while maintaining clear communication and delivering results that align with our clients’ strategic goals. Every job is approached with a mindset of ownership. We treat our clients’ spaces as if they were our own, knowing that the decisions we make today will affect how those spaces perform for years to come. Our reputation is built not just on what we build, but how we build it—with integrity, precision, and people-first values that have carried us through every phase of growth. Safety Is Our Standard—Not a Slogan Safety has always been—and will always be—a non-negotiable part of how we operate. In the construction industry, safety isn’t just a regulation—it’s a moral responsibility. Our team understands that every tool we use and every site we manage must be governed by a culture that puts people first. That’s why we maintain strict safety protocols, regular training sessions, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. We don’t wait for issues to arise—we plan ahead, communicate clearly, and empower every team member, subcontractor, and site visitor to take responsibility for their surroundings. Our safety culture is visible from the moment you step onto any of our job sites. From protective gear and clear signage to routine inspections and site-wide accountability, we create environments where everyone feels supported and secure. “A moment of safety awareness can prevent a lifetime of regret.” This principle guides everything we do. It’s how we protect our workforce, reduce liability for our clients, and ensure the smooth progression of every project. We believe safety should never come at the expense of productivity—and when done right, it never does. In fact, our strong safety practices are one of the reasons clients trust us to deliver even the most complex builds on time and on budget. Sustainable Construction for a Smarter Future As builders, we have a responsibility not just to our clients and crews, but to our communities and the environment. At Omni Commercial Group, we integrate sustainability into our construction practices in a meaningful way—from pre-construction planning to final turnover. Sustainability is more than installing LED lights or choosing recycled materials (though those are important too). It’s about thoughtful planning, energy efficiency, and waste reduction at every step of the construction lifecycle. We work closely with suppliers and design teams to ensure that every decision—from HVAC systems to flooring—contributes to long-term performance and environmental responsibility. Our approach also includes minimizing site disruption, optimizing material use, and ensuring our methods align with evolving standards in green building and LEED-conscious construction. “Construction should leave a positive legacy—not just on people, but on the planet.” For our clients in commercial real estate and property management, sustainability isn’t just a preference—it’s increasingly a priority. Our team brings expertise, transparency, and innovation to help you meet your environmental goals without compromising cost or quality. Built on Relationships What truly sets Omni apart is our commitment to relationships. We view every project as a partnership and every client as a long-term collaborator. Whether you’re managing a national retail rollout or a local office renovation, we bring the same level of care, attention, and expertise. Our communication is clear and proactive. We understand the unique challenges that come with managing commercial spaces—tight timelines, complex logistics, multiple tenants, and demanding operational needs. Our goal is to make the process seamless, so you can focus on running your business while we take care of the build. As a woman-owned and family-led company, we value transparency, responsiveness, and service. These values aren’t just buzzwords—they’re lived out in every site meeting, phone call, and milestone we reach together. Ready to Build What’s Next At Omni Commercial Group, our history is rooted in building structures that last—and our future is focused on building relationships that thrive. As commercial property managers and real estate professionals look for reliable construction partners, we continue to deliver value, safety, and sustainability on every project. We’re not just here to build spaces—we’re here to support your success, long after the final inspection. Let’s build what’s next—together.