An Industry Ministry

The third generation of an asphalt family from Ohio, I always wanted to work in the industry and follow in my father’s footsteps.

And so I began my career in South Florida as a marketing director working with various construction associations and creating free networking events across South Florida, Orlando and Tampa. In 2009, I attended the World of Asphalt tradeshow, where I met a woman collecting money for a family of a fallen construction worker. I had no idea at the time how many fatalities there were in our industry. So, while working full time and planning events, I made the time to research this important topic.

Construction Angels partnered with BOMAG at CONEXPO 2020 in Las Vegas.

In 2011, I founded Construction Angels, a 501(c)3 that provides immediate financial assistance and grief counseling to the spouse and children left behind when a construction worker suffers a fatality on the job site. We raise awareness about fatalities and promote safety information through our affiliate partners. We also offer scholarship opportunities to qualifying students looking to further their careers in the construction industry or those who have lost a parent to a fatal accident on the job. We also offer educational funding to organizations teaching construction to students.

At first, I questioned whether this was my calling. Where would it take me? How would I accomplish this? I was overwhelmed. Nonetheless, I started with industry executives and construction associations in South Florida. We began hosting fundraisers for road construction workers. In 2014, we opened up financial assistance to families of all construction trades — vertical and civil — and grew into Ohio that year. In 2016, I resigned from my construction job and worked from home on a mission to grow this foundation to all 50 states.

I had indeed found a passion with a purpose.

We are primarily supported by companies, personal donations, 811’s, associations and unions. Over the past 10 years, Construction Angels has evolved and developed an infrastructure that has enabled us to expand into 17 states. Although COVID-19 shut down much of our fundraisers in 2020, it gave our team time to pivot our efforts from fundraising to expanding. My personal goal is to be in all 50 states by 2030.

Construction Angels is a ministry in our industry. According to OSHA, about 20% (1,061) of worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2019 were in construction – accounting for one in five worker deaths for the year. With the help of amazing leaders and volunteers, we will continue to grow and provide more support to one family at a time across the US.

About the author: Kristi Gibbs is the CEO & Founder/National Executive Director of Construction Angels.