Name: Laura Reddy, NCIDQ

Title: Founder & CEO

Company Name: NuZine

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
I opened another company, aNu Facilities Company specializing in the management of commercial buildings up to 25,000 s/f. We are launching the website this week and I’m so excited for the next phase my team is taking on. I was afforded this opportunity by an amazing client and am running with it!

Why should women consider a career in construction?
There are so many opportunities in construction, ranging from engineering to specialty woodworking and everything in between: Design, project management, administration, sales, ownership, etc. Women are notoriously good at multitasking and this industry is in need of good multitaskers! On every project, I feel so much gratification of being part of building something beautiful people work, live, and play in, it’s wonderful.

What advice would you offer to other women getting into the construction industry?
Love what you do, don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try new things—that’s how we learn, and don’t be intimidated by anyone or anything!

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you?
My family: My father was an electrician, two of my brothers are carpenters, my mother was a talented seamstress and very house proud. My parents and five siblings have supported me throughout my career, when I started designing retail marketing and merchandising at 17, as a production artist and carpenter for film and special events, returning to school for interior design and starting my first company in 2002. They continue to be supportive and encouraging; I am very lucky and grateful.

Who within your own firm has helped you succeed within the construction industry?
Everyone; it’s a team effort and when one of us succeeds, we all do. I couldn’t do anything without my incredible team. Each staff member has a unique perspective, incredible talent, is hardworking and they are all so smart!