Women at WIRC

In this episode of Women at WIRC, Candice Rania, president of LEFF Design Build, discusses the transition of the company to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) from a sole ownership model. With LEFF two years into this change, Candice shares insights into the cultural transformation, operational logistics, and goals for the company's future. She also delves into her personal journey from studying interior design to leading a company, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and determination. Additionally, Candice explains the workings of an ESOP, its benefits, and the impact it has had on LEFF's culture and financial transparency. Key challenges and strategies for maintaining growth within a changing market are highlighted, making this episode a valuable listen for those curious about alternative ownership structures in the construction industry. 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Candice Rania 01:52 The Transition to an ESOP 06:12 Cultural and Operational Changes Post-ESOP 12:55 Understanding ESOP Structure and Benefits 18:12 Advice for New ESOP Leaders 20:18 Conclusion and Upcoming Events LEFF: https://leffdesignbuild.com/ WIR+CC: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2024/ Custom Builder: https://www.custombuilderonline.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/

In this episode of Women at WIRC, Editor Caroline Broderick interviews Alaina Money-Garman, CEO and co-founder of Garman Homes (garmanhomes.com), who was honored as Woman of the Year at the WIR+CC Conference (womensconstructionconference.com). Alaina believes that accepting projects that don't monetarily move the company forward pays dividends by moving the industry forward. Garman Homes does this through its Operation Coming Home builds for Gold Star families, Habitat for Humanity builds, charitable donations, and a major project, The Farm at Penny Lane. Garman Homes built 15 tiny homes for individuals receiving support for mental health at The Farm at Penny Lane. Alaina shares insights on the impact of thoughtful design on mental health and the importance of community involvement in housing initiatives. 00:00 Introduction to Women at WIRC Podcast 00:18 Meet Alaina Money-Garman: Woman of the Year 00:56 The Farm at Penny Lane: A Special Project 01:23 Garman Homes: Building with Purpose 03:45 Designing for Healing and Connectivity 07:31 Challenges and Successes in Building Tiny Homes 12:12 The Team Behind the Project 16:34 Garman Homes' Commitment to Giving Back 21:37 The Broader Responsibility of Affordable Housing 23:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Women at WIRC, Custom Builder Online Editor Caroline Broderick interviews Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs, about the emerging field of neuroaesthetics. Ginger shares her personal journey through significant life challenges, including her daughter's leukemia and her own battle with breast cancer. She discusses how these experiences influenced her instinct to create beauty and embrace the role of neuroaesthetics in design. Neuroaesthetics, a combination of design and neuroscience, explores the profound impact of beauty on the human experience. Ginger also provides practical tips for incorporating principles of neuroaesthetics in various spaces. WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2024/ Urbanology Designs: https://www.urbanologydesigns.com/ Custom Builder: https://www.custombuilderonline.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Women at WIRC Podcast 01:17 Meet Ginger Curtis: Designer and CEO 01:32 Understanding Neuroaesthetics 02:01 Ginger's Personal Journey and Inspiration 04:26 The Power of Fractals in Design 06:44 Ginger's Story of Resilience and Design 13:42 Launching a Design Firm from Adversity 16:26 Practical Tips for Neuroaesthetic Design 18:04 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

In this episode of Women at WIRC, Bree Jones, founder and CEO of Parity Homes, shares her transformative journey from Wall Street to affordable housing development. Driven by incidents of racial injustice and gentrification in her Bronx neighborhood, Bree purchased and renovated an abandoned building in the Bronx, providing a deeply affordable home for three families. She had found her calling, created Parity Homes, and moved her efforts to West Baltimore. Parity Homes focuses on revitalizing abandoned properties to create affordable housing, preserving historical and cultural significance, and strengthening the community. 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Meet Bree Jones of Parity Homes 01:00 Bree's Journey from Wall Street to Real Estate 01:37 The Impact of Trayvon Martin's Death 02:33 Gentrification and Its Effects 03:39 Starting Parity Homes in Baltimore 05:23 Challenges and Successes in Affordable Housing 10:12 The Importance of Preserving Historic Homes 16:13 Future Goals and Mentorship 17:16 Final Thoughts and Conference Announcement Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2024/ Parity Homes: https://www.parityhomes.com/ Custom Builder Online: https://www.custombuilderonline.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/

LEFF Design Build Director of Operations Morgan Thomas is tired of ineffective, boring meetings. At LEFF, Thomas has learned—and taught—how to maximize everyone's time through engaging, productive meetings. After all, design-build remodeling thrives on communication, so you better do it correctly. On this episode, Thomas shares her background in construction while providing the best practices for effective meetings. This includes how to train team members on facilitating, creating pre-meeting checklists, and how to wrangle in client meetings. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Morgan Thomas: From Project Manager to Director of Operations 1:11 The Evolution of Leadership and Team Dynamics at LEFF Design Build 1:58 No More Boring Meetings: A Passion for Efficiency 3:23 Inside LEF's Meeting Culture: Training, Structure, and Execution 6:53 The Art of Facilitating Productive Meetings 12:15 Handling Meetings with External Parties: Strategies and Challenges 14:07 Continuous Improvement: Rating and Reflecting on Meeting Effectiveness 15:00 Open Invitation for Meeting Innovation and Feedback

Stephanie Dailey of Steven Dailey Construction has more than 110,000 followers @stephaniebuildsit on Instagram—and most of that happened within the past year. On this bonus track for Women at WIRC, Dailey shares her Instagram growth story and actionable tips for contractors looking to up their social media game. 00:00 Opening Question on Social Media Presence 00:28 The Journey of Instagram Growth 01:47 The Power of Authenticity and Consistency 03:39 Turning the Camera Around: A Game Changer 04:38 The Real Value of Social Media for Business 05:39 Personal Connections Through Social Media 06:19 The Commitment to Social Media Success 07:14 Closing Thoughts: The Impact Beyond Followers

Every business needs a story. Steven Dailey Construction's story is its people, its reputation, and its community. On this episode of Women at WIRC, Vice President Stephanie Dailey shares how the contractor shares its story to gain clients through its website, community involvement, social media, and more. "We don't do any marketing. The most marketing that you'll see come out of us is my Instagram," says Dailey. "And even at that, you'll notice it's not a lot of promotion of our company. And it's definitely not purposefully directed to clients." Listen to the full podcast to hear the varied ways Dailey showcases the contractor's unique value propositions. 00:00 Meet Stephanie Dailey: A Construction Industry Innovator 00:32 From Architecture to MTV: Stephanie's Unique Journey 01:10 Returning to Construction: A Family Legacy 01:53 Building a Reputation: The First Female President of Utah Valley Home Builders Association 02:15 Innovating with Jobsite Codes: A Tech Venture 04:24 The Power of Storytelling in Client Relationships 07:08 Unique Business Practices: Setting Steven Dailey Construction Apart 11:51 Revamping the Website: A New Approach to Marketing

On this episode of Women at WIRC, Bridget Bacon, development manager at Red House Design Build (https://redhousecustombuilding.com/), discusses the journey she underwent to systematize the pre-construction process at the Rhode Island-based remodeling company. Bacon identified issues all contractors have faced: slippage, a delayed design process, and low pre-construction team morale. On this episode, Bacon outlines each step she took to turn each issue around. Listen to see how and why Bacon interviewed every team member, created new project timelines, and ensured each team member's understanding. Using this new system, the company saw a significant improvement in morale, efficient task management, and financial performance. Learn More: Red House Design Build: https://redhousecustombuilding.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Women in Residential+Commercial Construction Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:14 Identifying the Problem 03:11 The First Steps to Improvement 04:28 Interviewing the Team 05:27 Creating the New Process 06:54 Implementing the New Process 08:06 Addressing Troublesome Areas 10:04 Lessons Learned and Advice 11:00 The Results and Benefits 12:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Laura Burnes is the director of project planning and design at Adams + Beasley Associates in Carlisle, Mass. On this episode, Laura delves into her approach to leadership and project management, which relies on an emphasis of effective communication, in addition to sharing insights into the company's winning culture. Laura shares insights into conflict resolution, communication styles, and the company's commitment to diversity, highlighting the strong representation of women in leadership and project management roles. Follow Us: www.proremodeler.com www.probuilder.com www.adamsbeasley.com Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference: www.womensconstructionconference.com About Us: Women at WIRC is brought to you by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines. On this podcast, we, the editors, talk to standout women in residential construction to share their professional insights and highlight the amazing things these female leaders are doing. Be sure to rate and review, and like and follow our brands on all social media channels to stay up to date on everything women in res.

Remodeling goes through ups and downs, depending on the economy. It's inevitable. But not everyone can withstand those ups and downs. But Medford Remodeling can, as long as they follow their plans. The company uses its airtight systems, detailed analytic tracking, and thorough scale up and scale down plans to prep for contraction and expansion. On this episode of Women at WIRC, CEO Kourtney Davis tells us all the details, plus how the approach worked out to help the company prepare for what's happening in the market today. Find Us: Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/ Medford Remodeling: https://remodelmm.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/

On this episode of Women at WIRC, Alison McLennan joins us to talk about making the decision to strategically grow a remodeling business. Though McLennan co-founded the business, McLennan Contracting (https://www.mclennancontracting.com/), with her husband, she remained in a supporting role for the first 15 years of operation. But five years ago, when the two decided it was time to either shut the doors or grow strategically, Alison took the helm as president and is now directing the company on its path from $2 million in revenue to $5 million. "I think a lot of people decide to grow a business because they're either looking at, 'We want to increase our income,' or, 'We just we want to build this thing that we can be proud of, and leave a legacy.' have to be completely honest, and say that was not where our heads were, we were very much in a place of burnout, and kind of desperate to find a solution," says McLennan. More about Women at WIRC: On this podcast, we, the editors, talk to standout women in residential construction to share their professional insights and highlight the amazing things these female leaders are doing. Find Us: Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/

Dolores Davis of CG&S Design-Build (https://www.cgsdb.com/) joins us on this episode of Women at WIRC. Dolores chats about her approach to transitioning out of the business through developing leadership teams. We talk about the best ways to get buy in from employees, why this approach works for her company, and what her role looks like as she transitions. Stay updated on all things women in construction: www.proremodeler.com www.probuilder.com https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/

Jessica Cargile is the Co-Owner & CFO of North Ridge Contracting Inc, a Custom Home Design/Build firm operating out of North Idaho, which she and her husband Dale own and operate together. That dynamic requires an ongoing effort to strike a healthy work/life balance, especially when running a business in challenging times. Learn more: North Ridge Contracting: https://www.homesbynorthridge.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/

As head of marketing, operations, and investor relations at Togal.AI, Karlie Fike is introducing artificial intelligence to the home building industry as a tool that she says isn't meant to replace jobs, but to make them easier. "AI is not going to replace you, but the person using AI will be the one to replace you," says Fike. Learn more: Togal.AI: https://www.togal.ai/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/

Repeat and referrals are everything for a remodeling company, and with a great customer experience comes a great reputation. On this episode of Women at WIRC, Heather Tankersley of Tankersley Construction shares how her and her crew goes the extra mile to ensure superb customer service. "One of the things we always talk about with with potential clients is, you can hire a guy in the truck, but is the guy in the truck going to be there in a year, or two years, three years? For us, you're hiring a company," says Tankersley. Learn more: Tankersley Construction: https://www.tankersleybuilds.com/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/

Today, we're defining profitable growth with April Bettinger of Nip Tuck Remodeling (https://niptuckremodel.com). Keep listening to learn more about April, her business, and key elements to successful financial planning. "that's really the mindset, I think that a lot of contractors don't have is that you can have 10% profit, no matter what you're doing, you just have to actually plan for it, it's a purposeful event, it's not going to happen by accident that you are profitable. And growth takes money." And! Stay in the know with all things Women in Construction: WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/ Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIRCtogether

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast featuring influential women in the residential construction industry, brought to you by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines. On this episode, we talk to Allison Iantosca, owner and president of F.H. Perry Builder. Allison recently published her first book, Leading with HEART, a collection of essays from her company newsletter reflecting on life and leadership.

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast brought to you by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines. On this podcast, the editors talk to standout women in residential construction to highlight the vast experiences and expertise women in the industry offer. On this episode, we talk to lawyer Karalynn Cromeens. Listen to learn how to control the never ending punch list, a lawyer's advice for handling cancellations, and believe it or not, a way to limit negative reviews. Karalynn's Podcast: https://thecromeenslawfirm.com/podcasts/ Sign up for our Women in Residential Construction (WIRC) monthly newsletter: https://sgc.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=PFR_prefs&pk=PFRLAND Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Women in Residential and Commercial Construction Conference (WIR+CC): https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/index.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIRCtogether

Diana Pauro loves process. The founder of Rebel Builders in Newton, Mass. brought much of her passion for process from the construction industry in Argentina. One way she improves process at her company is through applying lean thinking. We welcome Pauro this episode who talks to us all about how she runs lean process meetings, which involve every team member and concludes with leaner, more efficient project timelines. Learn more: https://www.rebeldesignbuild.com/ www.proremodeler.com www.probuilder.com

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines highlighting standout women in residential construction. Today, we welcome a special guest, Emma Wilson. Emma is a 19-year-old foreman whose journey into carpentry was highlighted by Mike Rowe, and whose story garnered a lot of support online. This conversation shows a different perspective on what it's like to both be young and a female entering the trades, and her story of being hired by her boss, Joe Drew, shows the importance of encouragement and mentorship. And head to Pro Remodeler.com or look at our latest issue to read Emma's story and other stories from female tradesworkers. Find Us: proremodeler.com http://www.marathoncraftsmen.com/

Anya Chrisanthon is the Chief Brand Officer at Anewgo. Anewgo helps home builders carry out their shopping journeys online with interactive digital content, data analytics, and sales conversion tools. Anya is a host of Anewgo of New Home Sales—a weekly podcast where she discusses the hottest innovative sales and marketing technologies for the home building industry. She brings her combined experience as a new home salesperson, marketing strategist, and technologist to improve the way we sell new construction. Anya is the recipient of numerous industry awards including NAHB's One To Watch and Pro Builder's Forty Under 40, and she is recognized as one of the top influencers in the home building industry. Learn more about Anewgo: https://anewgosell.com/ Sign up for our monthly WIRC newsletter: sgc.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omed…R_prefs&PK=LAND

By asking the correct questions and listening at the correct times, you can filter out red flag clients fast. Allyson Anderson, owner of Chicago and Michigan-based Integro Builders, says it can be difficult for contractors to deny potential clients, but by doing so, contractors will save themselves time and money. On this episode of Women at WIRC, Anderson sits down with Pro Remodeler's Managing Editor Caroline Broderick to talk client red flags and the questions that will reveal all. Find Us: proremodeler.com integrobuilders.com

Mollie Elkman is the owner and president of Group Two, a full-service marketing partner for homebuilders. She is the author of the best selling children's book, The House That She Built, published by NAHB BuilderBooks in collaboration with The Professional Women in Building Council and NAHB's workforce development team. She was recognized at The 2022 International Builders' Show as the National Sales and Marketing Council's (NSMC) Sales and Marketing Professional of the year. By focusing specifically on housing, Group Two understands the industry and is specialized in connecting builders with buyers. With a complete range of creative and technical capabilities, the team weaves the builder's unique brand story throughout every buyer touchpoint. Learn more about Group Two: https://www.grouptwo.com/ Sign up for our monthly WIRC newsletter: sgc.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omed…R_prefs&PK=LAND

Lisa Sten is CEO of the Palo Alto-based Harrell Remodeling. The iconic company is undergoing a rebrand, so Sten sits down with Pro Remodeler Managing Editor Caroline Broderick to give insight into the decision. "It is a namesake brand, but we're in many ways a different company, and in many ways, the same company," says Sten. Join Sten and hundreds of other women at the Women in Residential Construction Conference this October in San Diego: https://pbprwomen.com/2022/ Remodelers are also welcome to The Pinnacle Experience this September in Arizona: https://www.proremodelerpinnacle.com/ Find Us: https://www.harrell-remodeling.com/ https://www.proremodeler.com/ https://www.probuilder.com/

Nancy Keenan has led expert design teams in the development of architectural and planning solutions across three decades and multiple continents. The president and CEO of DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors, Nancy is passionate about finding thoughtful, creative ways to infuse the soul of design and livability into residential projects while also addressing the realities of elusive housing attainability and a challenging entitlement environment. DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors is widely recognized for its expert, sustainable design of site-specific housing types as well as its diverse urban and suburban development track record. The firm's numerous TOD, urban redevelopment and affordable housing projects demonstrate a steadfast commitment to prioritizing sustainable land uses and building designs. Learn more about DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors: www.dahlingroup.com/ Sign up for our monthly WIRC newsletter: sgc.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omed…R_prefs&PK=LAND

Santa Barbara-based Allen Construction focuses on sustainable construction, and they've made it a strong part of their company culture. On this episode of Women at WIRC, CFO Lindsay Helmick talks the benefits of a uniting core value, strengthening it within the company, and women's role in sustainability. "Every year we'll survey what are people excited about. What makes you excited to come to work?" says Helmick. "Number one, two, or three is always going to be being at the forefront of the green building movement by all employees. It really lives and breathes in our culture." Helmick discusses new initiatives, such as a sustainability rating system and company-wide award program, which improves culture and morale. Learn more: Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ Allen Construction: https://www.buildallen.com/ Women in Residential Construction Conference: https://pbprwomen.com/2022/

On this episode of Women at WIRC, Lena McNally of HIVEX Basement Finishing Co. shares her perspective of her family company's ownership transition and how she made the company her own. Changes include going from an all-encompassing home improvement company to a specialty basement contractor—a result of recognizing an opportunity gap in her market. The outcome has benefitted the company's revenue, project time, and customer satisfaction. Registration is Open for Our Upcoming Events: U40 Leadership Summit for Young Professionals: https://under40summit.probuilder.com/2022/?123 Women in Residential Construction Conference: https://pbprwomen.com/2022/index.html

On this episode of Women at WIRC, Pro Remodeler's Director of Content Erika Mosse takes over with guest Jenny Rice, co-owner of Chicagoland-based Icon Building Group. Rice's work at Icon resulted in a 300% backlog increase in just two years, and on a day-to-day basis, she focuses on sales and design for the company's remodeling division—which she started from the ground up. Mosse chats with Rice about her process of qualifying leads and discussing budgets in today's market (don't miss her pro tip about including paint in an estimate!). Find Us: Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/ Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/ Women in Residential Construction Conference: https://pbprwomen.com/

Stephanie Martin currently serves as the Controller of 84 Lumber Company. In this role, she is responsible for the controllership and financial reporting activities for 84 Lumber Company and its related entities. 84 Lumber is located in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania and is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials. As a female-led business, 84 Lumber is lauded for its inclusive workplace, which offers a number of career opportunities for women in construction. Learn more about 84 Lumber: https://www.84lumber.com/ Sign up for our monthly WIRC newsletter: sgc.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omed…R_prefs&PK=LAND

From graduating high school early as Valedictorian to getting hired at the Kennedy Space Station because of her persistence, Kareena Gray has always strived for finding the best and most efficient way to do things. This has allowed her to shine in residential construction and project management, and she recently won a CoTY award for project manager of the year at her local NARI chapter. "We always have adversity in front of us," says Gray. "It's how you step back, take a deep breathe, and bring all the parties together, and just come up with a solution. I don't need to have the solution myself." Today, we learn more about Kareena, talk the importance of processes, and what makes an effective operations manager.

Cindy Cipriani loved working with her father on remodeling projects when she was young, and that upbringing spun into business ownerships, with the most recent being co-owner of Ciprani Remodeling Solutions. Cindy also happens to have a professional background in grief counseling and personal coaching, both of which come in handy as a designer and designer salesperson. She talks about handling hard client situations and how she approaches her client relationships. Learn more about Cipriani Remodeling Solutions: https://ciprianiremodelingsolutions.com/ Sign up for our monthly WIRC newsletter: sgc.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omed…R_prefs&PK=LAND Visit us: www.proremodeler.com

Nora El-Khouri Spencer didn't come from a construction background, but her experience working in HR for Lowe's gave her tools—literally—to start home repairs and eventually making renovations a side gig. Remodeling is where Nora's strengths and passions were able to shine. She desired a way to become a “vessel of social change,” as she's said, so she left Lowe's and began grad school for social work. She had witnessed the opportunity gap for women in construction, and saw it even when she interned at a homeless shelter during grad school, where women wanted to explore construction careers but had 0 clue how to start. That was the spark that would become North Carolina's first standalone women's trade training program. Hope Renovations launched in July 2020, and now Nora joins us to share a bit about the journey and what she's learned about how to make the industry and jobsites better suited for more women in the workforce. Learn more about Hope Renovations: www.hoperenovations.org Sign up for our monthly WIRC newsletter: https://sgc.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=PFR_prefs&PK=LAND Visit us: www.proremodeler.com

Lindy Oliva, president of PulteGroup's Houston division, entered the industry through a finance position, but it was embracing each opportunity that came her way that got her to where she is today. After years as a residential construction leader, Lindy has settled into her own leadership style and as division president, she adds to PulteGroup's nationally recognized work environment. She chats with us today about what a good leader is and her experience.

Michelle Lamb, owner of Better Home Texas in Dallas, discusses how she made the “Baby at Work” policy for young mothers, designing a healthy company culture, and the best platforms to find specific hires.

Elizabeth Evans, CEO and founder of E2 Homes and E2 Roofing, grew her businesses, attended the Joint War College, and was promoted to Colonel all during the pandemic.

Sarah Lawson only wanted to improve S&H Construction (https://www.shconstruction.com/), the company she worked for as a project manager for nearly a decade. Having had experience owning her own construction business, she pushed her hesitations aside and drew up a proposal to become S&H’s new owner, as its current owners were nearing retirement. The transition took some guts, time, confidence, and a well-designed plan. But most importantly, it took Lawson believing in her abilities.

Greta Bajrami, CEO of Golden Group Roofing, shares her journey to home improvement, tips for hiring the right team, and her vision for the future of roofing.

Jackie Graniczny and her brother grew up on the jobsite with their dad. She says construction is something she has always been around, but when she wanted to pursue her own career in design, she never expected to end up in construction, despite her upbringing. Now, her design skills and choice to carve her own path has brought her to where she is today: design director and partner of Sublime Homes (www.sublimehomes.com), a semi-custom to custom home building company, run by Granizcny, her brother and cousin. She brings in a tremendous amount of value thanks to her design education and work background, giving the company an edge above the competition. Listen to see what she has to say about taking risks, home design, and more. If you like what you’re hearing, and want us to keep putting out new episodes, it would help us a lot if you would leave a rating and review wherever you get your audio. Even a short review helps show support for women builders, designers, and business managers who are killing it at work and beyond. Women at WIRC is now available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and anywhere else you get your audio. If you like what you’re hearing so far, I’d love it if you took a minute to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use. Our next episode will feature another female professional who is making some serious moves in her industry. Until then, follow us on social, and keep on WIRCing.

Our guest today is Ana Borden, the founder and principal of AMB2 Architecture (http://amb2architecture.com/). A daughter of two immigrants, Ana always loved design and drawing. She has now found her niche in Historic Renovations and the complex restorations and retrofits required of the historical city of New Orleans. We’ll learn how she chooses the right materials, the history lessons historical architecture can give, and how she uses watercolor painting as a design tool. If you like what you’re hearing, and want us to keep putting out new episodes, it would help us a lot if you would leave a rating and review wherever you get your audio. Even a short review helps show support for women builders, designers, and business managers who are killing it at work and beyond. Women at WIRC is now available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and anywhere else you get your audio. If you like what you’re hearing so far, I’d love it if you took a minute to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use. Our next episode will feature another female professional who is making some serious moves in her industry. Until then, follow us on social, and keep on WIRCing.

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast for and about the women of remodeling and construction, brought to you by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines. With the International Builder’s Show, IBSX, coming up virtually and our newest class of 40 Under 40 about to be announced, it’s been a hectic end to a hectic year. How do you get through it all? Incorporating system building doesn’t hurt. We’ll hear from Mark Miksch, a former 40 Under 40 winner and design consultant at the Neil Kelly Remodeling firm in the Northwest, on how to create systems in design, trending designs, and more. But first, a quick request from me: If you like what you’re hearing, and want us to keep putting out new episodes, it would help us a lot if you would leave a rating and review wherever you get your audio. Even a short review helps show support for women builders, designers, and business managers who are killing it at work and beyond. And onto the show! Even as a child,Mary Miksch loved design so much that her parents had to limit her to rearranging the furniture only once every six months. But while some children grow away from their dreams, Mary made them a reality, moving from studying architecture at Notre Dame and in Rome to designing high-end real estate in Chicago before joining the Neil Kelly team. Thanks to Mary for joining me on the podcast, and to all of you for listening. A link to more information about Neil Kelly is in the show notes. NeilKelly.com Women at WIRC is now available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and anywhere else you get your audio. If you like what you’re hearing so far, I’d love it if you took a minute to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use. Our next episode will feature another female professional who is making some serious moves in her industry. Until then, follow us on social, and keep on WIRCing.

Even when Julie Schafer is not at work, she’s spending much of her free time working in the industry, primarily with her local Professional Women in Building Council. As chair of her local PWB last year, Julie started an after school program in collaboration with a non-profit to get elementary school-aged girls excited about the construction industry. Last year, she won the award for Outstanding Council of the Year from the National Association of Home Builders’ PWB Council, among other awards, for her non-profit work. Though it may be hard to believe, in the beginning, Julie entered the industry without a bit of knowledge on residential construction. She credits all of her success to the support from her fellow PWB members. Aurora Builders: https://aurorabuilders.com Professional Women in Building Council: https://nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Councils/Professional-Women-in-Building-Council

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast for and about the women of remodeling and construction, brought to you by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines. Hi, I’m Annie Cebulski, associate editor for Professional Remodeler. 2020 is coming to a close, and what a wild ride it’s been. But for our guest today, Tanya Donahue, owner and president at RI K+Bath, this isn’t the first storm she’s weathered. We’ll hear how she’s moved beyond the buzzword and actually implemented transparency while creating a winning company culture to survive through tough times. But first, a quick request from me: If you like what you’re hearing, and want us to keep putting out new episodes, it would help us a lot if you would leave a rating and review wherever you get your audio. Even a short review helps show support for women builders, designers, and business managers who are killing it at work and beyond. Thanks to Tanya for joining me on the podcast, and to all of you for listening. A link to more information about Neil Kelly is in the show notes. Women at WIRC is now available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and anywhere else you get your audio. If you like what you’re hearing so far, I’d love it if you took a minute to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use. Our next episode will feature another female professional who is making some serious moves in her industry. Until then, follow us on social, and keep on WIRCing.

Everyone’s journey looks different, but Rachel White’s path to the remodeling industry is truly unique. After getting a PHD in religious studies, she started off as a CLIENT for byggmeister in Newton, MA before working her way from project manager to CEO. We’ll learn how Byggmeister centers itself around sustainability, the company’s approach to diversity hiring, and why Rachel views the home itself as her second client. Thanks to Rachel for joining me on the podcast, and to all of you for listening. Links to more information about Byggmeister and the 2020 WIRC conference which PR and PB will be co hosting this year can be found in the episode’s show notes. Women at WIRC is now available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and anywhere else you get your audio. If you like what you’re hearing so far, I’d love it if you took a minute to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use. Our next episode will feature another female professional who is making some serious moves in her industry. Until then, follow us on social, and keep on WIRCing.

If there were two words to encompass Rachel Taylor, they would be determination and trailblazer. A former consultant and professional banana bread maker and current role as a self-made carpenter, Rachel has this remarkable ability to leap headfirst into new pursuits, pushing through the fear and self-doubt to rise above. After teaching herself how to design and build custom furniture, she opened her own carpentry business in Los Angeles, California. We’ll learn how she uses her start-up background to keep the books in line, harnesses social media to promote her business, and connects with other minority tradesmen and women. OUTRO Thanks to Rachel for joining me on the podcast, and to all of you for listening. Links to more information about Rachel’s custom furniture business and the 2020 WIRC conference which PR and PB will be co hosting this year can be found in the episode’s show notes. Women at WIRC is now available on iTunes, Google Play, and anywhere else you get your audio. If you like what you’re hearing so far, I’d love it if you took a minute to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use. Our next episode will feature another female professional who is making some serious moves in her industry. Until then, follow us on social, and keep on WIRCing.

Holly Slevcove, project manager for the New Home Company (https://www.nwhm.com/), was a team member when TNHC won Professional Builder’s Builder of the Year in 2019. A risk-taker, she specializes in project management and land acquisition for residential home building, primarily focused on the Inland Empire and Orange County. How did she get from college graduate to project manager in under 3 years? It wasn’t easy. It took hard work, perseverance, and another woman who believed in her from the start. Thanks to Holly for joining me on the podcast, and to all of you for listening. Links to more information about the New Home Company, Professional Builder’s Builder of the Year, and the 2020 WIRC conference which PR and PB will be co hosting this year can be found in the episode’s show notes. https://www.probuilder.com/2019-builder-year-new-home-company https://pbprwomen.probuilder.com/2020/ Women at WIRC is now available on iTunes, Google Play, and anywhere else you get your audio. If you like what you’re hearing so far, I’d love it if you took a minute to rate and review the show on whatever platform you use. Our next episode will feature another female professional who is making some serious moves in her industry. Until then, follow us on social, and keep on WIRCing.

Rachel Brown is the owner/CEO of Rachel Brown Homes, a custom home builder in Huntsville, Alabama. Her company was recognized for its high ethical standards by the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama. And fun fact: she was one of the WIRC Speakers for 2019. Speaking of which, you can register for the next WIRC conference now! https://www.cvent.com/events/women-in-residential-construction-2020/registration-2c33eb347f8849eb8640cb58ff54b6bf.aspx?fqp=true Rachel caught our eyes for this podcast with her strong sense of self and a warm, friendly professional style that is unique for the industry. We’ll learn about how she learned to be both feminine and fierce, and succeed even with the odds stacked against her, taking over her father’s business at just 26 after his unexpected death. Rachel is driven, she’s self-made but a team player. And she isn’t afraid to speak her mind while wearing her favorite shade of lipstick. Later in the episode, Rachel will also share her surprising trick for building confidence and unwinding after a long day at work that will inspire you to get up and move.

I was lucky enough to spend the day with Sheila Lanier a few months ago. I was flying into Arizona a day early for our Women in Res conference, so I reached out to Homework Remodels to see if they’d let me be a fly on the wall for the day. It’s something that the Pro Remodeler team tries to do often, at various remodeling and home improvement companies across the country. It gives us a chance to get out of the office and immerse ourselves for a day in the work our readers do. Sheila, along with Steve Shinn, the owner of Homework Remodels, walked me through the ins and outs of their company—most notably, how they’ve structured their unique hiring processes. They were in the midst of hiring a new project manager and looking to grow their team further, so it was front of mind. Homework Remodels takes the DISC assessment a step further—an approach I hadn’t seen before but one that I now can’t believe more companies don’t use.

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast celebrating the vast experiences women can have in the remodeling and construction industries, and the unique skills and approaches each woman brings to her role. Ashley Wainscott piqued my interest at the Women in Residential Construction conference last year when she introduced herself to the room. The fact that Ashley’s company, Simply Sold, is 80% women-owned and operated caught my attention for obvious reasons, but on top of that, she carries herself with an air of authority and power without being intimidating. She’s also a Millennial, who graduated with no intent of joining this industry, yet here she is, happy and thriving. I knew I wanted to talk to her.

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast for and about the women of remodeling and construction. Joining us today is Liysa Callsen, the chief communications officer for CJC Carpentry in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Liysa and I met last year, when I was writing a profile of CJC Carpentry, the custom carpentry business that Liysa and her husband Carl own and operate together in Wisconsin. I’ve been lucky enough to keep in touch with Liysa since then, and I’m very excited to give our listeners a glimpse into the life of an improv loving, marketing-minded, sign language interpreter who one day found her way into the trades. To learn more about Liysa and CJC Carpentry, head to www.cjccarpentry.com. Liysa's local women's networking group can be found at www.facebook.com/womenwhiskeywine/. All episodes of Women at WIRC can be found on iTunes, Apple Music, and wherever else you get your pods. For more information about the podcast, the host, or Pro Remodeler, check out www.proremodeler.com/women-at-wirc, or find us on social. This episode was written and produced by Kaitlin Schuler, with editing by Erika Taylor.

Welcome to the second episode of Women at WIRC, a podcast from Professional Remodeler magazine for and about the women of remodeling and construction. Today we hear from Allison Iantosca, of F.H. Perry Builder, speak about how she grows her business, networks inside and outside the industry, and decides how to structure her days. To learn more about Allison and F.H. Perry Builder, head to www.fhperry.com. All episodes of Women at WIRC can be found on iTunes, Apple Music, and wherever else you get your pods. For more information about the podcast, the host, or Pro Remodeler, check out www.proremodeler.com/women-at-wirc, or find us on social. This episode was written and produced by Kaitlin Schuler, with editing by Erika Taylor.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Women at WIRC, a podcast from Professional Remodeler magazine for and about the women of remodeling and construction. Today we hear from Melissa Kennedy, of Meadowlark Design Build, about how she got to where she is today and what keeps her going when motivation is low. To learn more about Melissa and Meadowlark, head to www.meadowlarkbuilders.com. All episodes of Women at WIRC can be found on iTunes, Apple Music, and wherever else you get your pods. For more information about the podcast, the host, or Pro Remodeler, check out www.proremodeler.com/women-at-wirc, or find us on social. This episode was written and produced by Kaitlin Schuler, with editing by Erika Taylor.