Whether it’s Women in Construction Week, International Women’s Month, or any day on the job, we recognize the valuable role women play in shaping the future of commercial painting and wallcovering. From detailed finishes to complex wallcovering installations, their craftsmanship speaks for itself.
Women continue to bring skill, perspective, and professionalism to the trades—helping to close the industry’s skills gap.
There’s a growing demand for skilled trade professionals. As the construction industry faces labor shortages, women have a unique opportunity to step in and lead the charge.
According to Labor Finders, only 11% of workers in construction are women, but that number is steadily rising. Organizations like Women in Construction Week and the U.S. Department of Commerce have highlighted how women in trades are:
The takeaway? Increasing female representation isn’t just good for women—it’s good for the industry.
At Cochran & Mann, we believe the future of construction lies in training, opportunity, and teamwork. Building a strong workforce—especially in commercial painting and wallcovering—starts with developing talent from all backgrounds.
That’s why we invest in training and growth opportunities that prepare our team for every challenge. Whether it’s installing a complex, custom wallcovering, or navigating the logistics of an exterior renovation, our crew is ready. We set clear expectations, encourage open communication, and ensure everyone has buy-in.
The result? A team that works in sync, tackles unique challenges creatively and delivers outstanding results on every commercial project. We don’t just meet industry needs—we exceed them with confidence.
At Cochran & Mann, we value the contributions of all our team members. For instance, Mary V., one of our skilled painters, finds fulfillment in the variety of tasks she performs daily—from meeting new people to exploring different places. She emphasizes the importance of demonstrating capability through action, stating:
“It doesn’t matter what people say if you know who you are and what you are capable of doing. That’s all. Demonstrate it with your work and not with words.”
Mary's perspective underscores the significance of dedication and resilience in the trades.
Similarly, Miranda Hobbs, who began her journey with us as an Assistant Project Manager during high school, has grown into the role of lead accountant. Reflecting on her experience, she highlights the collaborative environment at Cochran & Mann:
“Cochran & Mann is a great place to work because everyone cares about each other. We all help each other out and make sure no one person is taking on all the work. Teamwork makes the dream work!”
Miranda's story illustrates the opportunities for growth and the supportive culture within our company.
When we asked our team what drives them, the answer was clear: our clients and the communities we serve. Every member of our crew takes pride in contributing to projects that make a lasting impact.
“I love to see uniqueness, and I love to work on a project that's mission is deeply connected to what we do,” said Roger Cochran. “Every project our team works on has an enormous impact on the community—and it's amazing to see it go from just a vision to a final product that is used every day.”
Over the years, we’ve worked on projects that have become landmarks across the D.C. and Baltimore region—schools, museums, hospitals, and more. A few standouts that reflect our craftsmanship and care include:
These projects speak to the pride and precision our crews bring to every detail.
Sustaining success in this industry takes more than talent—it takes discipline and a drive to improve. At Cochran & Mann, we’ve committed to learning something new every day for over 30 years.
“Using lessons we’ve learned from previous projects—both good and bad—has enabled our team to elevate and maintain our high standard of excellence,” said Cochran.
We listen to our customers and our team. That internal feedback loop keeps us sharp, focused, and ready for whatever comes next.
The painting and wallcovering industry continues to evolve, and we’re evolving with it. From advanced techniques to shifting client needs, we stay ahead by holding firm to our principles—clear communication, hands-on leadership, and a passion for doing things right.
“Our team has mastered the skills required to do this work at the highest level and that will never change,” added Cochran. “But we must continue to grow, adapt, and deliver quality that exceeds expectations.”
The future of the trades is about teamwork, growth, and opportunity. Women in construction, along with every skilled team member, are building that future day by day with that mindset.
At Cochran & Mann, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve earned, the partnerships we’ve built, and the spaces we’ve helped shape. We look forward to many more years of excellence—powered by people painting with a passion.
About Cochran & Mann
Cochran & Mann is a family-owned business specializing in paint and wall coverings for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Though we've grown significantly since 1990, we remain a family-owned-and-operated business guided by transparency, reliability, responsiveness, craftsmanship, and loyalty principles.