Kamloop Truss Ltd.’s head office at 464 Chilcotin Road in Kamloops
KAMLOOPS – In an industry often perceived as male-dominated, Kamloops Truss Ltd. stands out—not just for its innovative solutions in building and design, but also for its commitment to breaking the gender barrier.
With over 20 women playing pivotal roles from the production line to the executive suite, Kamloops Truss is reshaping what leadership looks like in construction.
At the helm of this transformative approach is Rikki Paquette, a co-owner whose leadership and vision have been central to the company’s growth. Working alongside Rikki is Trish Hudson, the Executive Director, whose strategic acumen drives operational excellence across the board. They are supported by Gina Talarico, the Executive Coordinator, whose coordination and management skills ensure that company projects and initiatives are executed flawlessly.
Human Resources, Safety, and Administration are expertly managed by Heather Roberts, whose role is critical in maintaining the wellbeing and safety of all employees, reflecting the company’s commitment to its workforce. The promotion of Dina McCulloch to Project Coordinator Supervisor and Jasmine Bigham to Design Supervisor highlights the company’s dedication to recognizing talent and leadership potential from within.
Some of the female office staff at Kamloops Truss Ltd., gathered around owners Ryan Lodermeier and Rikki Paquette
In the production arena, Abby Baird stands out as a truss builder, with Kamloops Truss actively working to scale up the presence of women in production roles, with two more women expected to join shortly. This commitment to diversity extends to project management, where Chantal Cadorette and Cindy Cherneski bring a combined wealth of knowledge and experience, demonstrating the significant impact of women in leading complex construction projects.
In project coordination, Aran Cavanagh and Brooklyn Favell exemplify the meticulous planning and client engagement that are critical to project success.
The administrative backbone of Kamloops Truss is uniquely female-led, with Shelby Piva, Melisa Mann, Cheryl Andrews, Michelle Robertson and Ida Victor ensuring that every facet of the business runs smoothly.
A Kamloops Truss crane lifting trusses on a job site
“Our design team also has exceptional female talent,” notes Gina Talarico. “Alongside Alicia Badesso, we have recently expanded our team to include three accomplished female senior designers—Karen Keep, Shannon Cundle and Debbie Townsend. Each brings a wealth of expertise and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that our designs consistently meet Kamloops Truss’s rigorous standards for quality and innovation.”
The story of Kamloops Truss is not just about women working in construction; it’s about women leading, innovating, and defining the future of the industry.
“Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace not only enriches our company culture but also drives our success, proving that the future of construction is undoubtedly inclusive,” Gina states.
“As Kamloops Truss continues to grow and lead in the Thompson Okanagan region, we remain committed to championing the role of women in every area of our industry, inspiring a new generation to build a career in construction.
“The success of every project we undertake is proof positive that when women succeed, the industry thrives.”
Business Examiner Staff