Women-Owned Construction Safety Rails and Barrier Fence Systems
We’re excited to share that Hilmerson Safety has been recognized by Finance & Commerce as one of the “In the Lead: Best Women-Owned Businesses” in Minnesota.
This award highlights women-led businesses that demonstrate:
- Growth in revenue and workforce
- Dedication to empowering other women
- Success in traditionally male-dominated industries
- Proven track record of excellence and reputation
This recognition reinforces Hilmerson Safety’s commitment to innovation, quality, and creating safer worksites while continuing to break barriers in the construction safety industry.
Founded by Deb Hilmerson almost 30 years ago initially as a construction safety consultancy. Hilmerson has evolved – leading product innovation in the construction perimeter and leading-edge safety space.
Very few safety consultants or safety product manufacturers have field experience in the trenches. Because Deb does, she recognizes the inefficiencies, poor quality, and wastefulness in some safety practices and equipment. Falls are the #1 cause of death in construction. Never one to back away from a challenge, Deb and her team have been on a mission since 2016 to make leading-edge fall protection safe, lean, efficient, and profitable. With Deb’s real-world, boots-on-the-ground experience and the encouragement and input she received from project supervisors to trades personnel (“if you build it, we will buy it”), the Hilmerson Safety Rail System™ was born.
Deb didn’t stop there. At the request of a field superintendent with 40 years of experience, she was challenged to come up with an improved, robust perimeter control temporary fence system to protect construction sites. The problem with existing temporary fencing is that it’s not construction grade, is labor intensive, damages concrete barriers, and is basically inadequate to protect construction sites. Deb and her team designed and engineered the Hilmerson Barrier Fence System™, which is construction grade and comprised of lean design principles.
As part of the award submission process, Deb was asked to reflect on her journey as a woman business owner. Below are her insights:
What does it mean to you to be a women-owned business?
“When I started over 30 years ago women represented about 1% of the construction workforce. Today we are just over 10%. Women are emerging and leading. Recently, I was excited to visit the Allegiant Stadium project in Las Vegas, NV and met two women Project Superintendents from Mortenson. I’m happy to say, I am no longer the only one with the women’s bathroom key! I’m grateful for my career in construction and the support given to me from my brothers and sisters in the field through the years.”
What challenges have you faced as a women-owned business?
“Some of the challenges we originally faced included closing opportunities on larger scale projects. Gaining credibility took time, but we now have full support from many of the largest contractors throughout the country.
Other challenges have included securing funding for capital purchases and cost of insurance.”
How do you support women in your business and community?
Active member and supporter of:
- NAWIC – National Assoc of Women in Construction
- AWC – Assoc of Women in Construction
- Women in the Trades
- Frequent presenter at contractor and trade events that raise awareness and promote participation for girls and women in construction.
- Mentored numerous women in construction.
- Advocate for “simple” things like Blaklader’s women construction workwear.
What recent accomplishments are you most proud of?
“Hilmerson was recently awarded 8 patents for our product innovations.
Named “Industry Veteran – 2021 Construction Champion” by Construction Dive
Women in Construction: Minnesota Company to Watch by Finance & Commerce Magazine – 2020
450,000 linear feet of 2×4 was saved from landfill over the last five years, with the rollout of the reusable Hilmerson Safety Rail System™. Since 2019, for each rail panel sold, a tree has been donated to One Tree Planted for reforestation – over 5,360 trees!
In addition to these milestones, we take pride in seeing our products on some of the largest construction projects across the country, made in America by American workers.”
Support Women-Owned Business
A big congratulations to all the trailblazing nominees in Finance & Commerce’s Best Women-Owned Business Awards! Explore the full list and take the opportunity to support these exceptional, women-led companies driving change in their industries.