If there is one lesson MMAC Networking Forum member Bridget Fritz has learned as both a business development professional and recently published author, it is that you can achieve anything when you are confident in yourself. This same lesson will be instilled in children everywhere, thanks to her book, Bea’s Magical Hard Hat.
Fritz was born and raised in Menomonee Falls. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she received her bachelor’s degree in marketing. Following graduation, she returned to the Milwaukee region and began working as a campus – that is, until Fritz’s dad offered her a marketing position at his construction company.
Mike Moore launched Moore Construction Services in 2007, shortly before the Great Recession.
“The company started from humble beginnings, and I think that history shapes how we operate today,” said Fritz. “We’re intentional about maintaining a small business, family-oriented feel for our customers, even as we continue to grow.”
The Menomonee Falls-based company specializes in construction management and design-build. Fritz joined Moore Construction Services in 2019 as the director of business development.
“Construction was a new industry for me, so I made it a priority to immerse myself,” she said. “Through networking events, conversations with industry peers, time spent in project meetings and visits to job sites, I focused on learning from those around me. People in the industry were generous with their knowledge, and asking questions helped me build a well-rounded understanding so I could represent the company effectively.”
Her deep dive into the construction industry led her to a realization:
“If a daughter of an owner of a construction company didn’t know all the roles in construction, how would any other young girl?”
From that realization came Bea’s Magical Hard Hat.
The story follows Bea, a girl with big and bold dreams. When Bea begins work on her Mimi and Papa’s construction site, she is too small to use the tools. But when the power goes out during night shift, her sparkly pink hat lights the way for the other workers. Thanks to Bea, the construction job is completed!
“She learns that her light is actually from within. It’s no one else,” said Fritz. “Her perseverance helps her find her way.”
Fritz sprinkled personal anecdotes throughout the book. For example, her father always dreamed of having a job big enough to require a crane tower. There is a crane pictured in her book as a nod toward her father’s achievement of this goal. Her parents inspire the “Mimi and Papa” described in the book. Additionally, the church Bea helps build reflects the values that shape her family and where she draws her inspiration.
Fritz began drafting the book in 2019. Over the course of four years, the story’s plotline, phrasing and illustrations evolved into the creative, heartwarming and educational piece that it is today. Bea’s Magical Hard Hat was officially published in February, followed by a March launch party that aligned with Women in Construction Week.
The story is available for purchase through Barnes & Noble, Walmart and Amazon.
“It would be cool if kids started a career in construction or showed interest, but really [the book] shows that they can follow any path and follow their dreams,” said Fritz. “…your sparkle will keep you chugging along and lighting the way for yourself and others.”
