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Linda Rosati began her career in the early 1990s as a cartoonist, after learning the skill from her father and taking a high school class on the subject.
His first assignment at a local design firm was technical writing of maintenance manuals for welding accessories. During this job, he learned AutoCAD and attended college at night to earn his bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing.
“I lived on my own at a young age and I wanted to be able to continue supporting myself, so my choices were more about survival,” he said. “I had a keen interest in mechanical design, I loved math and algebra, and I had good instincts.”
After several stints with companies as varied as Ingersoll Rand’s ergonomic handling division, Heller Machine Tool, The State Group and Commercial Contracting Corp., Rosati joined The Boldt Co.’s Detroit office. in 2021.
she was promoted to vice president of business development earlier this year, a role in which he provides both organizational and strategic leadership to expand the contractor’s customer base in the automotive industry.
Here, Rosati talks to Construction Dive about the onshoring boom, shaping a meaningful career, and her experience as a working mom.
Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Immersion in CONSTRUCTION: What do you do in your current job?
LINDA ROSATI: I lead the development of large-scale construction projects for companies primarily related to advanced manufacturing and automotive/mobility by developing relationships with owners, design partners, business partners, community leaders and philanthropic organizations. I also work with leaders in our markets outside of manufacturing, such as energy, food and beverage, and healthcare in Michigan to grow our market share.
What are some of your favorite projects to work on and why?
The mobility projects that I liked the most are those that are transitioning the power train from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. If you had asked me five years ago if I expected to see more major manufacturing plants built in our country, I would have easily said no. The amount of investment in automated manufacturing processes and onshoring in our country is incredible.
Boldt’s involvement in advanced manufacturing projects as well as innovative building designs including prefab and modular and the use of design principles for fabrication and assembly in construction have brought me back to my roots. in the manufacture of automobiles.
As a mother of two, how have you balanced your work and family commitments?
Linda Rosati
Permission granted by Boldt Co.
I was working at Ingersoll Rand when I was pregnant with my first daughter in 2001. I loved my job, but having my daughter gave me multiple ideas for different work combinations to keep my job and being a mom .
In 2001, no idea was considered. I had two options in my head, return in exactly the same capacity or “leave your key and credit card with your resignation”. I decided to stay home and try to be a stay at home mom. In 2003 I had my second daughter. My daughters are my #1 priority; however, he was not completely satisfied with being at home all day.
In an effort to try something new, I got my real estate license. I started selling residential real estate part time and eventually went full time selling in luxury custom home communities.
I continued to build on my AutoCAD skills by drawing custom designs that we would send to the architect for home buyers when they visited me in the sales office.
What are the benefits of working in construction?
It’s a field that has endless possibilities, if you like numbers you can love or you can work in accounting or be a field project controller. If you are creative, you can work in any department, if you like to solve problems and create value, there is a place for you.
If you just like doing the same thing every day over and over again, there’s a place for you too. If you dig deep and look at every job you can have in a construction company, most people can be fulfilled.
Although women are still in the minority in this industry, the construction industry offers competitive wages and a seat at the table. Our voices are being heard and we are changing history by being part of some of the most amazing developments our country has ever seen. Our opinions and knowledge about projects are valuable and should be shared and incorporated for better project outcomes.
What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
My advice is to find a company that has respect for people and wants to make you part of the team. If you can’t find it at the first company you come up with, keep going.
Find one that likes your vision, opinions and work ethic. I also suggest finding male and female mentors, who will help you develop in places where you may have a gap. We all have a gap in different things and an outside perspective can be very useful for professional development.
