Building a Career in Construction: Elizabeth Hurd’s Inspiring Path

Elizabeth Hurd’s journey in the construction industry is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the opportunities available to women in the trades. From her early days as a laborer to her current role as a Project Coordinator at Morcon Construction, she has built a career defined by hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a commitment to hard work.

Laying the Groundwork in the Trades
Elizabeth began her construction career in 2012 when she joined the laborers’ union, gaining hands-on experience in the field. Early on, she contributed to several high-profile projects, including the revitalization of East Downtown and the Elliot Park neighborhood—a mixed-use development featuring offices, a hotel, apartments, and a microbrewery. She also worked on numerous multi-family housing projects across the Twin Cities Metro and participated in school renovations during the summer months.

During slower winter months, she took on work with Ramsey Excavating, contributing to large-scale projects like the transformation of the historic Schmitt Brewery into artist lofts. This redevelopment introduced her to the unique challenges of preserving and repurposing historic structures—an experience that deepened her appreciation for the complexity and craftsmanship involved in revitalizing old buildings.

Throughout her years in the field, Elizabeth leaned on her natural strengths—attention to detail, organization, and task management—to excel in her work. While she wasn’t the tallest or strongest on-site, she found ways to be an invaluable team member by leveraging the skills she did have. Her success proved that construction isn’t just about physical strength but also about intelligence, creativity, and teamwork.

Transitioning from the Field to the Office
When COVID-19 disrupted the industry, Elizabeth joined Morcon Construction as a field laborer, a move that eventually opened the door to a new opportunity. Curious about the broader construction process, she applied for a Project Coordinator position, eager to expand her knowledge beyond the job site. Bringing an understanding of on-site logistics, she quickly adapted to her new role, learning systems and processes with the guidance of experienced colleagues.

At Morcon, Elizabeth thrives in a fast-paced environment, coordinating multiple projects at once. On average, she supports anywhere from 10 to 20 projects, working closely with project managers Mason Blees and Chad Tjepkes. Since February, she has been on-site at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, contributing to the new Safety and Security Center project.

One of her most meaningful projects was the Minneapolis Convention Center lighting replacement. Having previously worked there as a laborer, she later had the opportunity to handle the project’s closeout as a coordinator, bringing her journey full circle. More recently, she coordinated the Rum River Campus Tunnel System demolition for Anoka County—a historically rich and technically complex project involving the removal and renovation of underground tunnels. Originally the Anoka State Hospital (1900–1999), the site has since been repurposed, with many buildings renovated. The project included demolishing tunnels, a power plant, and a maintenance building, followed by structural reinforcements, waterproofing, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and extensive site improvements.

As a Project Coordinator, Elizabeth manages a variety of responsibilities, including capturing job site photos, tracking design changes, ensuring updated plans are available, monitoring labor hours for winter conditions, pulling permits, and assisting superintendents with project documentation. She has embraced industry software like Bluebeam, demonstrating her eagerness to learn and continuously expand her technical skills.

Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Construction
Elizabeth acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She has had to prove her dedication and resilience, developing a thick skin to navigate the sometimes-brash nature of construction sites. She also recognizes the physical demands of the job, which at times require ingenuity and adaptability. However, she has never hesitated to ask for help when needed, emphasizing that teamwork is essential to success in any role.

Through it all, Elizabeth has received support and mentorship from colleagues who recognize her contributions and respect her dedication. She credits her coworkers for helping her grow, acknowledging the impact of their guidance on her career.

A Family Rooted in the Trades
Elizabeth’s dedication to construction extends to her family. She and her husband met when she was 20 and he was 21. At the time, he worked in non-union construction, but later, they entered the union workforce together, building their careers side by side. Today, he is a superintendent for another local general contractor.

Their eldest daughter has chosen a similar path, becoming a first-year electrical apprentice with Hunt Electric, currently working on a large data center project in Southern Minnesota. Their youngest daughter has taken a different route, studying nursing at St. Scholastica.

With their daughters now out of the house, Elizabeth stays busy with her career and enjoys spending time with their red lab, Millie. Though adjusting to this new chapter has been a change, she remains engaged and inspired by the work she loves.

Looking Ahead
Now one year into her role as a Project Coordinator, Elizabeth remains passionate about construction. She loves seeing projects come together and takes pride in bridging the gap between the field and the office. Her unique background gives her an edge in communication, allowing her to translate technical information and support her colleagues in meaningful ways.

Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder that construction is not just a viable career path for women—it’s an industry where they can thrive and make a lasting impact. With determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, women like Elizabeth Hurd are shaping the future of the built environment one project at a time.