How did you get started in your career? 

I moved to Denver in 1977 and started working as a secretary/bookkeeper for Wood Bros. Homes remodeling department.  I found the best way to learn how something is built, is to be involved in tearing it apart and making it better.   Eventually, I moved into the Warranty Department.  This was a true hands-on learning environment on many differing levels;  taking classes in Customer Service, and handling a myriad of homeowners, from the very nice to the very angry gave me valuable life lessons.  Within Wood Bros. I moved to the Production Department.  Here I processed all building permits, water and sewer tap applications, as well as working with all utility departments.  Once again gaining valuable career lessons as my position changed, moving me onward into the Purchasing Department.  In Purchasing I found the career I wanted and a job I truly enjoy.  The daily diversity within the position made it the right fit for me.  After close to 40 years in the construction industry, I can still say “I love my job”.

Has there been someone along the way that you credit with helping you get to where you are? And why? 

During my time at Wood Bros. one exceptional  woman became my mentor, Pat MacGregor.  She taught me a woman could indeed step into a traditional man’s role and not only be good, but be every bit as successful.  She gave me the confidence to compete in the traditional “boys club” and come out a winner.

What do you love about the Home Building industry? 

 I love, how what I do today, makes a difference in the future.  What other industry has such as lasting effect on people’s lives the way building a home does? To be on the builders’ side, orchestrating all of the trades and materials to create what we hope is a lasting, enduring, heirloom product – a home. What could be better?

Tell us 3 things about yourself that people don’t know.

1.)  I have two fantastic daughters, two great son-in-laws, an amazing grandson, a beautiful granddaughter, and a wonderful man to share my life.

2.)  I’ve recently taken up golfing.

3.)  I am an avid crafter, if it is a hands-on craft, I have probably done it; from sewing to stained glass.

Anything else you would like to share? 

This building industry we are part of, with all of its ups and downs, is one of the most rewarding industries to be in.  To walk away from a completed project and have pride in what was built, is priceless!