Laurel Winkel CTE grad and faculty member shares learnings from creating successful remodeling business
Posted February 9, 2026
When she graduated from Portland Community College in 2016, Laurel Winkel’s career path was already taking shape. After spending a year working as a kitchen designer for a boutique cabinet store, she took the leap into entrepreneurship, launching her own construction and remodeling business. It was a natural next step for a lifelong entrepreneur with a clear vision.
“Starting my own construction business was always the plan,” Winkel said.
What began as a solo operation designing and remodeling kitchens quickly grew. As demand increased, so did the team. Today, the company employs 10 people and completes roughly 30 kitchen remodels each year, balancing craftsmanship with business savvy.
Bringing the jobsite Into the classroom
Now a faculty member in PCC’s Building Construction Technology (BCT) program, she brings her firsthand experience into the classroom, connecting technical skills with real-world application.
“I enjoy bringing my real-world business and remodeling experience to my classes,” she said. “I hope to inspire BCT students to create successful businesses of their own or bring their knowledge into established businesses.”
That connection between education and industry is at the heart of Career Technical Education, where students learn skills designed to translate directly into the workforce.
Leading and Lifting Others in Construction
As a woman in construction, she has also become a visible advocate for increasing representation in the trades. Her leadership has opened doors to speaking engagements across the country, where she encourages women to consider careers in construction and remodeling.
She has served as a featured keynote speaker at events including the Professional Women in Building Conference, Remodelers on the Rise Conference, and the JobTread Conference.
“These opportunities allow me to share my story and show others that there’s space for women to thrive in this field,” Winkel said.
A Problem-Solving Mindset
Whether on a jobsite or in the classroom, her philosophy remains consistent.
“Every problem has a solution,” she said. “In construction we run into unexpected issues all the time, but everything has a solution — even if we have to think outside the box to find it.”
During National CTE Month, her journey from PCC graduate to business owner and educator underscores the power of hands-on learning — and how CTE continues to shape strong futures, one student at a time.
