Submitted by Folan Waterproofing & Construction Co., Inc.
As a leading masonry and waterproofing subcontractor in the Northeast for more than 55 years, the leaders at Folan have always invested in their team and treated everyone as part of the family. Folan is a women-owned and operated enterprise and is proudly certified as a WBE in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
To each project, large or small, Folan brings the ability, the understanding, and the quality necessary to remedy and enhance the life of a building. Folan understands the many peculiarities and diverse scenarios associated with a building’s character or potential problems, and are well equipped to analyze and deal with the physical forces which affect a structure’s performance.
Folan was established in 1969 by the late Patrick J. Folan and his wife Noreen. Both were immigrants from London, England and Galway, Ireland, respectively. Noreen sold her hair salon in Hyde Park, Mass. to help fund the operations of a newly-formed company. Core to their success and to the succeeding generations is the values they bring to every project, which has been instilled over the five decades, being operated as a women-owned, family run organization.
Holly Brookes, president, stated, “I was exposed to the construction industry growing up my whole life, but never did I think it was a place for a woman until I saw female family members paving the way, making an impact and becoming successful leaders in such a male-dominated world. Now I am committed to making sure my daughters, and the generations of young females to come, know that we have an opportunity to play a big part and become leaders in the construction industry.” She is the driver of strategic initiatives such as Folan’s participation in various women industry groups. She is also a board member for the Boston chapter of Tools & Tiaras, which is a nonprofit aimed at exposing girls aged 6-13 to careers in the union trades.
Her sister, Aimee Foley, and brother, Patrick J. Folan III, both started their careers in the field having gone through the Local 3 apprenticeship program. This year Aimee received her 25 year anniversary pin from Local 3. “Being a female entering the Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Apprentice School gave me great pride. I know that I can make a difference by continuing to grow as a person and my skillset to empower new females entering the construction workforce. We are good at details, tenacious, curious learners, don’t give up and show-up. I think this is really appreciated and much needed in the industry,” she said.
Patrick leads Folan’s business development efforts and oversees the field operations to ensure successful completion of all projects. “Having grown up around such strong women, I am committed and Folan’s top supporter to do everything in my power to bridge the gap in our industry. There is a place for women in the industry whether becoming an architect, engineer, joining a union or even on the operations side,” he said.
