March 2026
Celebrating Women in Construction Month
March includes Women in Construction Week, established by the National Association of Women in Construction to recognize the achievements of women in the industry and encourage more women to pursue careers in the trades. Throughout the entire month of March, Building Value will highlight the women training, working, and leading in construction.
At Building Value, we see that impact firsthand through the women participating in our Construction Training Program—individuals who are gaining hands-on skills and building lasting careers in the trades.
Over the past year, 61 people enrolled in our training program. Of those participants, 32 successfully graduated, and 32 stepped directly into long-term jobs in the construction trades. These outcomes represent more than just numbers—they represent real opportunities created for individuals seeking stable careers and meaningful work.
One statistic we’re particularly proud of stands out: 18% of our program participants were women—more than four times the national industry average for women working in skilled trades. In an industry where women have historically been underrepresented, that level of participation is a powerful sign that change is possible when the right support systems are in place.
We’re honored to train alongside these women and excited to see what they will build next.
If you—or someone you know—are interested in accelerating their career in construction, reach out!
Honoring a Trailblazer
Rainey Rohrmeier and the Legacy of Women in Construction
As we recognize Women in Construction Month, we’re proud to highlight the story of Rainey Rohrmeier, a Cincinnati native whose career helped open doors for women in the skilled trades—and whose values align closely with the mission of Building Value.
Rainey grew up in Cincinnati with a love for working with her hands. Drawn to woodworking, carpentry, and the satisfaction of building something tangible, she pursued a career in the trades at a time when women were rarely welcomed on job sites.
“It was just as new for me as it was for them. It’s totally different for me to be working in a trade like that… and it was totally different for them to have, all of a sudden, women coming on the job.”
Her path led her to become the first woman electrician at Mayers Electric, breaking barriers in an industry that had long been dominated by men. Later, she made history again as the first woman hired as an electrician at GE in Cincinnati.
These achievements were more than personal milestones—they represented meaningful progress for women seeking opportunities in the trades. By stepping into spaces where few women had been before, Rainey helped demonstrate that talent—not gender—is what defines a skilled tradesperson.
Rainey’s story recently intersected with Building Value in a meaningful way. When it came time to take down her home, she chose to partner with our team for a deconstruction rather than traditional demolition.
Standing on the site of the project, Rainey reflected on her own journey in the trades and what it meant to see Building Value’s crew at work. For her, the experience was about more than the materials being salvaged—it was about the people learning on the job. Watching trainees gain real-world experience through our Construction Training Program reminded her of the importance of apprenticeships and mentorship in the trades.
“I just loved working with (Building Value) because the idea that they reuse, they recycle, and they train people to do this work—that just fits right in with all the things I care about.”
We’re grateful that she trusted Building Value with her home, and even more grateful for the example she set throughout her career. Her story continues to inspire the next generation of builders, electricians, carpenters, and craftspeople who will carry the trades forward.
Watch our full interview with Rainey:
Vote for Building Value!
Cincinnati CityBeat – Best of Cincinnati 2026
We’re excited to share some great news: Building Value has been nominated in the 2026 Best of Cincinnati! Each year, the team at Cincinnati CityBeat invites readers across the region to vote for the people, places, and organizations that make our city special. Now in its 30th year, Best of Cincinnati has become one of the city’s most beloved traditions, highlighting everything from favorite restaurants to community leaders making a difference.
This year, Building Value is honored to appear on the ballot in four categories, and we would be incredibly grateful for your support.
Vote for Building Value
Under the “Shopping” category:
• Best Vintage Store – Building Value
• Best Thrift Store – Building Value
Under the “Arts and Culture” category:
• Best Local Instagram Account – Building Value
Under the “City and Nightlife” category:
• Person Who Makes a Difference – Terry Brueneman
We’re especially proud to see our Retail Manager, Terry Brueneman, nominated for “Person Who Makes a Difference.” Terry plays a vital role in shaping the experience customers have when they walk through our doors and has been a community resource for all things home improvement.
Voting is open now through March 22 on the CityBeat website
Save the Dates
Workshops Hosted by Do It Yourself Darlin
We love seeing salvaged materials put to good use, especially when they’re helping people build real-world skills.
Our friends at Do It Yourself Darlin are hosting a series of hands-on workshops this spring that teach the basics of home plumbing and electrical systems. Even better? Some of the sinks used for their recent Plumbing 101 workshop came straight from Building Value’s reuse inventory!
These workshops are designed to demystify how homes work, covering basic vocabulary, safety practices, and hands-on learning so homeowners and renters can confidently tackle small repairs and communicate with professionals.
Upcoming Workshops:
March 14 – Houses 101 at Cincinnati Recycling & ReUse Center ($40)
March 24 – How to Hang Sh*t on Walls at Cincinnati Toolbank ($55)
March 28 – Plumbing 101 at Cincinnati Toolbank ($55)
April 2 – Learn to Design with SketchUp at Cincinnati Toolbank ($40)
April 4 – Plumbing 101 at Cincinnati Toolbank ($55)
April 4 – Electrical 101 at Cincinnati Toolbank ($55)
April 11 – Drywall Repair at Cincinnati Toolbank ($55)
April 18 – Electrical 101 at Cincinnati Toolbank ($55)
April 25 – Drywall Repair at Cincinnati Toolbank ($55)
May 30 – Houses 101 at Building Value (Sliding Scale $20-$50)
