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Issue link: https://ccr-mag.epubxp.com/i/86028
INDUSTRY EVENTS Open Forum the work is steady, as opposed to trying to get 75 projects done in two weeks. It's tough. You have to be able to have projects defined and funded in advance. Kerri Keingstein, Boss Facility Services: Being on the project side we are facilitating roll-outs, refreshes, relocations, temp spaces, store closings, etc. Each have a unique timeline and scope of work. Understanding the clients' needs, time constraints and expectations is critical in executing the project. Our job is not to meet, but exceed our clients expectations with every job, big or small. Communication is a key factor and one of things our clients are always praising us for. When there are issues with time constraints, it's our job to roll with the punches and ensure we do everything possible to meet thedeadlines put in place. Things may need to be shifted internally, to accommodate a shift or push in schedules, but at the end of the day we make things happen. This year was a great year. We already have a ton of projectwork slotted for 2013. We are extremely busy right now, so our focus is on staffing, processes, procedures and internal controls to continue to sup- port the growth of our clients and the company. In October, we will be moving into a larger facility, which will enable us to better serve our current and future clients. CCR: What advice would you give about being a woman in the construc- tion industry? Kelley: You must have confidence in yourself. That's the most important thing. And don't be intimidated by what anybody has to say. King: Education, education, educa- tion. You have to be smarter. A good manager surrounds herself with peo- ple who are better at their jobs than she is. What your people do makes you look better. The type of person I want to work for recognizes that they need that. Gina Noda, Sargenti Architects: It's important you know what you are talking about. If you do, you are golden. If you don't, you have an issue. For 15 years prior to coming to the architectural side, I worked for a GC. I dealt with subcontractors all the time. As long as I knew what I was talking about I had no issues. I never had any issues with any man disrespecting me or speaking down to me. I wouldn't tolerate it either. Berry: I started in the industry 36 years ago – in architecture school. There were three other women in that class. Two of us graduated. It was a male-dominated industry. So, yes, education is You have to have thick skin, too. You have to be able to give back the jokes as much as you get them. Having a great sense of humor helps. — Courtenay James, Retail Design Institute absolutely a critical component of success. As a woman, I always felt that I needed to know a little bit more than the other guy. Being able to do what you say, and do it a little better, is a huge advantage. And you have to bring value to the job, not so much as a woman, but as the right person for the job. It's also about being able to stand side-by- side with that GC when there is a problem and you are both afraid that you're going to miss a date. You want to work together to accomplish the goal at hand. — Kelly King, Dollar General 54 Commercial Construction & Renovation September/October 2012