Every small city has a story, and people like Kayla Fruth help write it. With a background that spans well drilling, laboratory leadership, and project management, she brings both technical expertise and heart to every community she serves. Women remain significantly underrepresented in this industry. In Minnesota, they make up only 17.4% of the construction workforce, and nationally, women represent just 5–6% of water and wastewater operators. Kayla has built a career defined by grit, precision, and purpose, and her journey stands out in a field where women are often one of only a few. Her story reflects not only technical leadership but also the heart of Bollig’s purpose: Neighbors Serving Neighbors. In this conversation, Kayla shares how her hands-on experience, mentorship, and commitment to small cities have shaped her approach to leadership and community-focused construction.
Kayla’s Career Path
Q: Can you tell us about your roles before joining Bollig Engineering?
Kayla:
During my time in the well industry, I installed and tested a variety of wells including monitoring wells for environmental sampling, recovery wells for remediation, and dewatering wells for construction sites. I primarily worked as a Driller Assistant, but often stepped into the Lead Driller role when needed, managing daily operations, coordinating teams, ensuring safety compliance, and making key decisions to keep projects on track. Many of our projects were for organizations like MDH and MnDOT, and I was proud to be part of large efforts like highway reconstruction and soil and water sampling around the US Bank Stadium expansion.
Later, as Director of the Water Laboratory, I organized and prioritized sample processing, trained lab technicians, and led the lab through a major recertification when our company relocated. Those experiences taught me the importance of leadership, organization, and quality, these values I still carry into my work today.
Discovering a Purpose in Water & Wastewater
Q: How did you get interested in the construction services field, and specifically to water and wastewater projects?
Kayla:
Growing up on a dairy farm near several lakes gave me a strong appreciation for how vital clean water is, not just for agriculture, but for communities. I always loved being outdoors and wanted a hands-on career that made a difference. When I learned more about water and wastewater operations, something just clicked. The field is so broad and essential, from construction and treatment operations to protecting natural resources. I realized this work is about safeguarding something everyone relies on every single day.
Joining Bollig’s Construction Services Team
Q: What drew you to the Construction Services team at Bollig Engineering?
Kayla:
I was drawn to Bollig because of their mission to help small cities. Coming from a small-town background myself, that really resonated. I wanted to work somewhere that valued both technical expertise and relationships and a place where I could apply my degree in Water/Wastewater Operations while making a difference for real people. At Bollig, that purpose isn’t just a slogan. Neighbors Serving Neighbors shows up in everything we do, from the way leadership supports family life to how we collaborate with clients. Working here has reinforced my belief that community-minded engineering can make a huge difference.
Mentorship & Motivation
Q: Did you have mentors or role models who encouraged you along the way?
Kayla:
Yes, absolutely. One of my earliest mentors was Angela S., my manager when I worked as a Lab Technician. She encouraged me to explore the Water/Wastewater Operations program at SCTCC, and her support really set me on this path. Angela taught me what it means to balance professionalism with humanity. She’s a teacher, a mother of six, and a farmer, and she showed me it’s possible to do meaningful work and still have a full life outside of it. I also look up to many seasoned operators and engineers in this field. Their practical wisdom and dedication inspire me to keep learning and improving every day.
The Rewards of Small-City Projects
Q: What motivates you most when working with small cities?
Kayla:
It’s seeing the transformation. Every small city faces unique challenges, but watching a community evolve from the beginning of a project to the end is incredibly rewarding. For many communities, these upgrades are once-in-a-generation. When residents see their new water tower or treatment system for the first time, there’s this moment of pride and relief. People often say, “Our town really needed this.” Helping residents understand how their water systems work and why maintenance matters empowers them to take ownership of their infrastructure. That’s what makes it meaningful.
A Career of Impact
Q: What has been the most rewarding project or moment in your career so far?
Kayla:
The City of South Haven stands out. It was a five-year project that completely transformed their infrastructure including two new wells, new well house, new water tower, new lift station, new underground water main and improvements to streets and roads. Managing that scale of work in a small community was both challenging and rewarding. Hearing residents say things like, “You’re doing great and taking care of business,” meant a lot. It reminded me why this work matters because we’re not just fixing pipes, we’re improving lives.
Women in the Construction Service & Engineering Industry
Q: What unique perspective do you think women bring to construction services and engineering?
Kayla:
Women bring a valuable perspective. We often approach challenges differently, anticipate long-term impacts, and see the broader picture. That diversity strengthens teams and leads to more thoughtful outcomes. When women step into leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated spaces, it helps shift perceptions and inspire the next generation. It’s not just about representation – it’s about showing that skill, dedication, and leadership come in many forms.
Facing Challenges & Building Confidence
Q: Have you faced challenges being in a role where women are underrepresented?
Kayla:
Without a doubt. I’ve been in meetings where people didn’t know how to engage with me, or situations where my ability was questioned just because of my gender. But those moments didn’t break me, they fueled me. I learned to stand tall, speak up, and prove myself through action. Over time, that earned respect. In this industry, consistency is key. If you show up prepared, treat people fairly, and deliver quality work, it changes minds. That’s how you build credibility.
Industry Changes Ahead
Q: How do you see the future of women in this industry changing over the next decade?
Kayla:
The future is bright. We’re going to see more women not just entering the field, but leading it. Stereotypes are fading, and people are realizing that leadership comes from skill, not gender. Every time a woman succeeds in this space, it opens a door for someone else — and that’s progress worth celebrating.
Advice for Young Women
Q: What advice would you give to young women considering careers in engineering or construction?
Kayla:
Go for it. This industry is full of opportunity — and it needs more voices, more perspectives. You’ll face challenges, but you’ll also get to make a tangible impact on the world around you. Find mentors, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Every project you touch will teach you something valuable. This field isn’t just about hard hats and blueprints. It’s about impact. It’s about leaving your mark on the world in ways that last for generations.
“This field isn’t just about hard hats and blueprints. It’s about impact.
It’s about leaving your mark on the world in ways that last for generations.”
Unseen but Essential
Q: What do you wish more people knew about the work you do in water and wastewater construction?
Kayla:
Most people never think about their infrastructure until something stops working, but what we do keeps every community running. It’s not just pipes or pavement; it’s the foundation of public health and safety. When residents see road construction or detours, I hope they recognize those moments as progress. Every project represents years of planning and collaboration to make systems safer and stronger for generations to come. The next time someone turns on a faucet or drives down a freshly paved street, I hope they remember, someone made that possible. And it wasn’t easy.
Thank you, Kayla!
Kayla’s story is one of courage, connection, and community – the same qualities that define Bollig’s work across Minnesota’s small cities. Her leadership shows that progress in water and wastewater isn’t just about technology or funding — it’s about people working together to create lasting change. We’re grateful to Kayla for sharing her story and insight, and for the dedication she brings to the communities we serve and our team! If you want to learn more about our careers and culture at Bollig Engineering, check our our careers and job openings!
Interested in learning more about Bollig’s work in water and wastewater infrastructure? Contact us to learn how we help small cities strengthen, preserve, and transform their future.
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