Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Building Confidence, Breaking Barriers

In honor of Women in Construction Week, Jodi Rodgers shares how resilience, mentorship, and self-belief helped her grow into a confident leader in a male-dominated field.

For Jodi Rodgers, a career in construction wasn’t something she initially sought out—but once she stepped into the industry, she never looked back. Starting in accounts payable in the oil industry, she became familiar with rental invoices, and when an opportunity arose to work at the rental counter for Texas First Rentals, she took it. That decision led to nearly 12 years in the construction equipment rental business, with the last seven dedicated to her role as a Key Account Coordinator.

What keeps Jodi passionate about her work is the people — both the customers she serves and the colleagues she collaborates with daily. “I love interacting with people in so many roles and finding solutions to get our customers taken care of in the best way,” she says. The relationships she has built, both internally and externally, have made all the difference. “I’m grateful to work with an amazing team who share knowledge freely so we can all be better.”

Throughout her career, Jodi has been fortunate to have mentors who shaped not just what she does, but how she approaches her work. She credits Priscilla Fuentes and Guy Clumpner for helping her understand the importance of purpose. “Most people can teach you what to do and how to do it, but these two mentors helped me see why we do it,” she explains. While her early career was focused on learning everything she could to be the go-to person for answers, she has since embraced a leadership mindset — guiding others to find solutions on their own. “It can be stressful at first, but it’s rewarding to see others step up and take the lead.”

Jodi believes Texas First Rentals and HOLT Group are at the forefront of breaking misconceptions about women in construction. “HOLT Group is a leader in putting women in roles that men have traditionally held,” she says. By working alongside a network of skilled and knowledgeable women, she has seen firsthand how expertise, dedication, and a willingness to learn shatter outdated stereotypes.