51-Year-Old Makes $70K+ in a High-Demand Job—No Degree Required!
Bridgette Tena has a job many would consider too dangerous, but she couldn’t be happier. At 51, she works as a roofer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where less than 10% of construction workers in the U.S. are women.
Despite the risks, she’s thriving in an industry that most would describe as male-dominated and physically demanding.
Roofers face one of the highest rates of fatal work injuries among all professions, yet the field is growing rapidly, with thousands of new positions opening every year. Tena finds joy in the challenges of her work, calling it the “coolest job ever” and one that’s deeply rewarding.
Her journey into roofing began four years ago when she decided to supplement her income as a real estate broker. Curious about the construction side of the housing market, Tena started taking on roofing projects as a side hustle.
By February 2021, she had officially launched her own business, B. Barela Construction. Last year, her company brought in $180,000 in revenue, and it’s projected to exceed $200,000 in 2024.
With a combined income of over $70,000 from her roofing business and real estate work, Tena is optimistic about scaling her company into a full-time career. She hopes her success inspires others to pursue their passions, even in intimidating or unconventional industries.
Tena’s interest in construction wasn’t entirely new. Her uncle and grandfather were general contractors, and the industry always had a certain appeal.
However, breaking into the field wasn’t easy. She didn’t see many women working in construction, which made the idea of pursuing such a career daunting.
Before roofing, Tena explored different career paths. She attended Santa Fe Community College on and off for seven years but never completed her degree. She eventually became a licensed real estate broker and worked in the field for over a decade.
Despite her success in real estate, she found herself drawn to the outdoors and hands-on work. That’s when she decided to leap construction.
Her roofing journey officially began in 2016 when she apprenticed with a general contractor. The pandemic gave her the time and motivation to obtain her general contractor license, a process that only took a few weeks. In her backyard, she practiced roofing techniques, researched business names, and prepared for her company’s launch.
Naming her business B. Barela Construction was a nod to her grandfather, Lino Barela, who inspired her love for construction.
In 2023, she expanded her skills by attending a specialized roofing academy for women, where she earned certifications in shingle installation and roof coating. These skills have helped her business grow and offer a wider range of services.
Starting a roofing business requires an initial investment in training, licensing, and equipment, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Tena spent $20,000 of her savings to get started, a decision that’s paid off as her business continues to grow.
Experienced roofing contractors can earn over $100,000 annually, and running your own business offers even more earning potential.
Tena attributes part of her success to her network in Santa Fe, which she built through years of real estate work. Her connections with builders and contractors helped her quickly find customers.
She also works with a team that includes many women, creating an inclusive environment in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Tena’s typical workday starts at 6 a.m. and can last until 4 p.m., with evening and weekend hours for emergency repairs. Her job involves climbing ladders, removing old roofs, and installing new materials, often at heights of 30 feet or more. Safety is a priority, and she wears protective gear to minimize the risks.
Despite the challenges, Tena loves her work. She’s proud to provide an essential service that protects people’s homes and families. Roofing, she believes, is an underrated career with high demand and job stability. Her story is proof that you don’t need a college degree to find success and fulfillment in a career.
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