A roofing entrepreneur in Santa Fe proves that a degree isn’t always required.
For many, the idea of climbing onto rooftops and working with power tools might sound intimidating. But for 51-year-old roofer and business owner, Bridgette Tena, it’s a dream come true. Tena has joined a small group of women in construction, earning over $70,000 annually through her company, B. Barela Construction, and real estate work. She hopes to expand her business full-time, inspired by the growing demand for skilled roofers nationwide.
Why roofing is considered a high-risk profession but offers remarkable opportunities in the United States
Roofing is listed among the most hazardous jobs, with the U.S. Department of Labor noting its second-highest rate of fatal work injuries. Yet it also ranks as one of the fastest-growing industries, projected to add about 15,000 jobs each year over the next decade. Tena credits her success to perseverance and a willingness to tackle these risks head-on. She began repairing roofs four years ago to learn more about home construction, building a client base in Santa Fe that helped her launch her own venture in 2021.
Want to know if roofing might be right for you? It’s not just the physical demands you should consider—location, licensing, and training can all affect your earning potential. Here’s a quick look at some typical costs and requirements:
| Requirement | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Local licensing | $50 – $500 (varies by state) |
| Apprenticeship or training | $0 – $3,000 |
| Safety equipment & tools | $500 – $2,000 |
How a determined professional scaled a side hustle into a thriving business without a bachelor’s degree
Tena spent her early career in real estate, but she always felt drawn to hands-on work. After apprenticing with a contractor, she secured her New Mexico general contractor license during the 2020 lockdown. With a few weeks of focused study, she completed the required exam and practical experience, then launched B. Barela Construction.
What made this shift possible? Tena’s local connections and dedication to quality played a huge role. She developed a reliable network of builders and foremen who needed her services. In 2023, she also attended a free two-week training course tailored specifically for women, adding specialized skills like shingle installation and roof coating to her business offerings.
Below is a brief list of factors that helped Tena gain ground quickly:
- Community support from Santa Fe locals
- Continuous training and licensing upgrades
- Emphasis on safety gear and best practices
- Family involvement, including her mother and daughter
Demand, fulfillment, and the future of an underrated career path
Tena believes more people—especially women—should explore roofing. She highlights how every home and business relies on a strong roof, meaning roofers often enjoy steady demand. Although balancing unpredictable work hours can be challenging, Tena says the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. “You’re protecting what’s most important to people—their homes,” she explains.
She now leads a crew of employees and contractors, many of whom are women, hoping to create an inclusive environment in an industry still dominated by men. Tena’s journey proves that, with determination, it’s possible to thrive in a high-risk but highly rewarding field—even without a traditional four-year degree.