In the last few years, jobs in the US have changed a lot. There is now a greater demand for high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree.
Bridgette Tena’s story, a 51-year-old woman from Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands out in this context as an example of how women can be successful in fields that are not usually associated with women.
As a roofer, Bridgette has built a successful business by combining her passion, hard work, and smart business planning in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men.
They say that being a roofer is not only one of the most dangerous jobs, but also one of the ones that is growing the fastest.
People who are willing to take on the challenges of this job, which requires technical skills and physical stamina, will have a lot of opportunities.
Bridgette makes more than $70,000 a year as a business owner and real estate agent together. This shows that barriers based on gender and education can be broken with drive and vision.
Bridgette’s case also shows a growing trend: people want to work in jobs that are stable financially and have a clear purpose. She found not only a way to make a living but also a sense of personal fulfillment by directly improving people’s lives.
What job does this woman have to earn $70,000 a year?
Bridgette Tena became a roofer just four years ago, at first as an extra job on top of her real estate job. During the pandemic, she took the time off to become a general contractor.
She then started her own business, which she named B. Barela Construction in honor of her grandfather, who had inspired her to work in construction.
Working on both residential and commercial projects, he has been able to make more than $200,000 a year for his business since then.
Even though there are problems with the job, like a lot of injuries and the fact that working at heights is inherently dangerous, Tena says she really enjoys it.
His normal day starts early, at 6 a.m., and can go late into the night, especially when there are emergencies like roof leaks or damage to buildings. The women on her team are mostly different from her, and her mother and daughter help her with bigger projects.
It was not easy for Bridgette to get ahead. She was a real estate agent for more than ten years before she started roofing. That job gave her a lot of contacts and experience in the housing market, which she now uses to her advantage.
He always felt like he belonged “outside, not in an office,” though. This, along with her love of construction, made her decide to go into an area of work that has been called “a man’s world” in the past.
It took a lot of money for her to get started in the business—around $20,000 in her own savings—but it paid off quickly.
He also took part in programs like the GAF Roofing Academy, which gave him specialized training and a certificate in installing roofs and coatings. This helped his business offer more services.
Tena says that his job is “underrated” but has a lot of earning potential and makes him happy, even though it might not be the most popular choice among young professionals.
She talks about how stable this job can be in the long run by saying, “People will always need a roof over their heads.”
The story of Bridgette Tena shows that you do not always have to take the usual route to success. In fields that do not require college degrees, you can do well if you stick with it, learn useful skills, and have a clear vision.
You just need to be determined and love what you do. Even though it is hard work, the roofing industry is a good choice for people who want to be financially stable and find meaning in their work.