'Dad’s Crew Didn't Show Up:' Man Spots a Cat Bulldozer at a Work Site. Then He Sees Who’s Driving It

It’s the joke that rings so true it makes women everywhere wince in familial recognition. She’s not just the eldest daughter, she’s the family crisis manager, logistics specialist, and in the case of a recent TikTok video, a pinch-hit bulldozer driver.

In the video, which has been viewed 10.5 million times on Rosalio’s (@rosalio798) page, a young dark-haired woman dressed in a skirt, shirt, and cardigan nonchalantly drives a massive CAT bulldozer down the side of the road.

Her expression? Unbothered.

Her posture: Casual, like this is just another errand on her list.

Almost 11,000 Comments & Counting

“That’s the eldest daughter who got a degree and has a corp job but her dad’s crew didn’t show up,” said @wanderandwitness. 

This sociological observation is backed up by @dahliajane55, who quipped, “That’s her father’s strongest son.” 

Another almost scholarly take comes from commenter @gerardorojas21. Posting in Spanish he wrote, “Nos Dio Barrio, Elegancia, Feminismo, espectáculo.” Translation: “She’s giving us neighborhood, elegance, feminism, spectacle.”

But most simply agree, she’s a “hembra alfa,” alpha female. 

Women In Construction

Watching this absolute baddie handle her business begs the question: how many women work in construction?

In America, women make up about 10% of the construction workforce, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is a number that’s been steadily growing since 2016. 

Of that number, about 2.3% are certified to operate heavy equipment, according to Heavy Equipment Colleges of America. But that’s a number, like women in construction, that is growing. 

In fact, a 2022 Washington Post article reported on the upward trend, saying, “Women surged into the industry starting around 2016, even as the number of men in construction lagged.” That same article noted that an aging workforce can contribute to chronic workers shortages. “For that reason, we need to reach out to different populations that have traditionally not considered construction,” notes Rose Quint of the National Association of Homebuilders.

One business owner, Guiomar Obregón, co-founder of Precision 2000, said though she initially faced skepticism in the construction industry, she’s typically at an advantage even during labor shortages. She finds talented workers in overlooked populations. “Women, in particular, are a major untapped resource,” the Post reported. 

Breaking In

For those looking to find a job in construction, there’s the National Association of Women in Construction. With over 120 chapters in 47 states, chances are there is one nearby.

And with 89% of construction firms reportedly having difficulty filling positions, particularly skilled trades positions, a great place to start might be with an apprenticeship program. After all, building things isn’t cheap.

Motor1 reached out to Rosalio via TikTok direct message. We’ll update this article as information rolls in.