Fontaine Bros., Inc.

To close out #ConstructionInclusionWeek, we wanted to share some powerful words from our Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Impact, Elizabeth Wambui, along with pictures from a student tour this morning, hosted by Superintendent Matt Wilder, at our Crocker Elementary School jobsite.   To highlight the ongoing importance of our work, Liz shares, "After all we’ve learned and accomplished during Construction Inclusion Week, you may be wondering—what’s next? Each of us has an important role to play in making our firm and industry more diverse and inclusive. Every day brings new opportunities to ensure that everyone around us feels a sense of belonging.   We are fortunate to work in an exciting industry driven by innovation, creativity, and hard work. As we continue our work, let’s also consider how we can inspire and develop future builders. Take time to share your experiences with the young people in your life. If possible, invite them to visit a job site or the office to see your work firsthand.   Look for ways to connect with community partners who offer opportunities to engage with students or individuals seeking a career change. Together, we can—and must—do everything in our power to make our industry more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming, building a brighter future for everyone."   Liz’s words remind us that the work of fostering diversity and inclusion is ongoing. Today’s photos reflect her message: creating welcoming spaces, sharing experiences, and inspiring the next generation to see the possibilities in our industry. By making our sites more inclusive today, we’re shaping a brighter, more diverse future for tomorrow. #diversity #inclusion #studentengagement

The Worcester business community truly is an extraordinary collection of game changers! We were proud to sponsor the morning keynote speaker, Secretary Lauren Jones from the Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development. And Elizabeth Wambui joined our good friends at the Worcester Public Schools and the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development for a panel discussion on building tomorrow’s workforce. 

For Day Four of #ConstructionInclusionWeek, the focus is on workplace culture. In line with this theme, our very own Elizabeth Wambui and Tracy Routhier proudly hosted the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) of Greater Worcester's inaugural 'Coffee and Conversation' event, where industry professionals gathered at Fuel America to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.   As Tracy, our Director of Internal Operations, emphasized: “It is embedded in Fontaine’s culture that we continue our commitment to creating an inclusive and positive workforce that fosters a wide range of knowledge and experience. We recognize that every person brings their own experiences to a team, creating positive impact and providing a well-balanced, robust, and dynamic team. Fontaine leads the way by attracting and hiring the industry’s best and brightest women and promoting them within.”   This event was a perfect opportunity to share ideas and reinforce our commitment to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives. We are proud to be a part of this conversation and to support efforts that move the industry forward. #WorkplaceCulture

To honor today’s #ConstructionInclusionWeek theme of supplier diversity, our Vice President of Preconstruction Services, Chelsey Mutrie, shares how our preconstruction team is driving diversity and inclusion forward. To learn more, take a look at our graphic highlighting four key ways we actively engage M/WBE companies throughout the bidding and procurement process. #SupplierDiversity #DiversityInConstruction

Today marks the beginning of #ConstructionInclusionWeek 2024, and we’re excited to kick off this important week dedicated to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry.   Since the beginning, this initiative has grown tremendously, both regionally and nationally, reflecting the strides being made toward a more inclusive future. In the words of David Fontaine, Jr., "As a construction company, we’re more than builders of structures; we’re the architects of an inclusive and diverse workforce and supplier base, spanning our offices, our projects and the entire State. In a world that’s rapidly evolving and where our industry encounters daily challenges, it’s never been more critical for every individual to feel truly welcomed within our workforce. Together, we are on a journey to explore fresh ideas, engage in dialogues, and take impactful actions to propel our mission forward." #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion”

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a Geotechnical Engineering class at our University of Massachusetts Amherst SPHHS Hub project site!   Our Geotechnical Engineer, Haley & Aldrich, provided the students with a brief overview of the geotechnical work happening on-site and shared insights into the engineering design behind this important project. It’s always a rewarding experience when students can see their studies in action and connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.   Once completed, the SPHHS Hub will be a dynamic space where students from the UMass Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences can collaborate, receive advising, access support services, and enjoy new classroom and seminar spaces. #GeotechnicalEngineering #Students

This past Friday, the women of the Fontaine Team enjoyed a memorable Ladies Day Out, a cherished tradition that has grown over the years from just a handful of women working for Fontaine to an amazing 18!   The day kicked off with a fun party bus ride to the Scenic Heritage Riverboat Cruise in Northfield, MA, followed by a delicious lunch at the @Country Club of Greenfield. The event was filled with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories! #WomenInConstruction #LadiesDayOut

Recently, our David Prouty project team, led by Nicole Ferreira, Ed Kopec, and Molly Clark from JONES WHITSETT ARCHITECTS, INC., hosted a tour for 14 Environmental Science Students and their teacher. The students, currently studying soils and building materials, received a firsthand look at how the concepts they're learning in the classroom are applied in the field. They observed the progress made since the spring and had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the project team. As several students expressed an interest in the construction industry, our team members were able to share insights and advice on pursuing careers in the trades. The David Prouty jobsite offers a unique learning experience for Environmental Science students, as the school is being constructed using Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction. This energy-efficient building method, widely used across the Midwest and other parts of the country, is still new to New England, giving students a firsthand look at this innovative and sustainable construction technique. #EnvironmentalScience #ICF #Students

We couldn’t be prouder of our very own Elizabeth Wambui for being named one of the 2024 Outstanding Women in Business by the Worcester Business Journal!   From the moment Liz joined the Fontaine Team in 2021, she’s brought passion and purpose to her work by breaking barriers in the construction industry for women, veterans, and people of color while ensuring our workforce truly reflects the communities we serve. Her leadership has been instrumental in the success of The Fontaine Community Foundation, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local and regional nonprofits, creating real change where it matters most.   Liz, your dedication inspires us every day. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! #OutstandingWomenInBusiness #DEI #CommunityImpact https://lnkd.in/dKuScdJH

Recently, the Fontaine Team and our families gathered for our annual company picnic at Sonny's Place in Somers, CT. The day was packed with laughter, go-kart races, laser tag battles, and quality time spent with colleagues and loved ones. It was the perfect way to enjoy time together and build memories beyond the jobsite. #CompanyPicnic #TeamBuilding