Jennifer Rennie and Lauren Mancuso of Stalco Construction discuss their career influences

Jennifer Rennie I am a project manager at Stalco Construction, Inc. My responsibilities include: Vast duties throughout the firm, including: close-out of all projects, management of companywide computer systems and network, maintenance of all submittals, RFI and permits for all SCA projects, implemented company-wide CSI system and trained all employees on standards of operation, created new working procedures for all employees to increase efficiency in areas of contracts, change orders, submittals, meeting minutes, RFI filing, etc. Review and check compliance of all new and executed change orders and purchase orders throughout the firm. Responsible for all electronic filing company wide. I have received the following awards/recognition: 2009 'Women of Influence' Real Estate New York; vice president NAWIC Chapter 240; 1998 Student of the Year for SCCC (valedictorian). Some of my career achievements are: First women project manager for Stalco; first women project manager for Candor Construction and LGB Construction; first women project executive for VMS Consulting. Rennie is affiliated with National Association of Women in Construction. Who/what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? My mother is a marine biologist, a pioneer in a predominantly male industry. She taught me from a very young age that women could do whatever they set their minds to. In college, I took the chance to follow her lead and pursue a career I truly loved - civil engineering. Although very difficult at times, the choice to follow my dream of being a commercial builder has never wavered. Now, 13 years after I took my first step onto a construction site, I am a project manager, mother, wife and daughter. I have fulfilled my dreams of womanhood as well as my career. My mother inspired me throughout the entire process. Jennifer Rennie is a project manager at Stalco Construction, Inc., Islandia, NY Lauren Mancuso is the director of marketing and business development at Stalco Construction, Inc. Her responsibilities include: new business development, increasing Stalco's brand recognition in both public and private sectors, developing and implementing marketing strategies, maintaining client relationships, producing proposals, and internal communications. Mancuso is affiliated with LIREG, USGBC and LIBI Who/what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? I entered the industry recently, after graduating with a BS in Public Relations and Marketing. I never imagined myself working in the construction industry. This changed when I joined the Stalco. Each day, I am surrounded by passionate individuals, who live and breathe construction. Stalco principal Kevin Harney runs a tight ship, yet each employee feels a part of a family. Employees very rarely leave the company and Harney ensured no one was laid off due to the economy. Harney inspires everyone to develop professionally, take pride in one's work, and most important, enjoy the experience. Six months since joining Stalco, despite my initial naïve view of the construction world, I have developed a passion for the field. The credit goes to my mentor, Harney. Lauren Mancuso is the director of marketing and business development at Stalco Construction, Inc., Islandia, NY