Homes By Dickerson Celebrates Women in Construction Week
Homes By Dickerson is proud to celebrate the 24th Annual National Women in Construction Week, March 6-12, 2022! The purpose of this week is to highlight the women making a difference every day in the construction industry, to raise awareness about the opportunities for women, and to emphasize the growing role that women play in an industry that so significantly impacts the economy and society in general.
The Homes By Dickerson team is made up of many amazing women (almost half of our company!), each contributing her talent, knowledge, and skills to help our clients build the homes of their lives. They are incredible people to know personally, and we’d love for you to get to know a few of them, too!
Below you’ll hear from Lea Ricks, Kelly Smith, Cassie May, Susan Falcone, Kelli Gray, Rachel Morrison, Turner Hairr, and Rae’Shawn Norwood about what they love most about working in new home construction and being part of the Homes By Dickerson team.
Lea Ricks, Senior Project Manager
What do you love most about working in construction?
I love the fast-paced work environment. In my role, no day is ever the same which means there is never a dull moment!
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
I couldn’t imagine working anywhere but HBD. We work hard, but the team makes sure we play hard as well. Our leadership team has created an environment like no other to work in. As for my job, it is most rewarding to be able to take a client’s vision and make it a reality. Many of our clients are creating a “forever home” and it’s just the best feeling to turn over a house that is exactly that!
What are your favorite hobbies?
Really anything outdoors! I love the beach, the occasional hiking trip, and spending time with friends and family and of course, my dog.
Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?
Being a woman in construction has its share of challenges, but it is all about how you adapt to those challenges.
Kelly Smith, Client Care Representative
What do you love most about working in construction?
When I joined the military back in 1996, I wanted to be a Seabee. Seabees built new construction in the military. Instead of following this path, I got to be an Electrician’s Mate, which started my love of construction. Part of my job was to “chase grounds” throughout the ship. I got my hands dirty, solved problems, and made the vessel I traveled on, and at times lived in, safer. I knew once I left the military that I wanted to stay in the construction field. I have worked in numerous positions throughout my career, but my favorite has always been the warranty department. It is always about problems that need to be solved and process improvement to prevent these issues from occurring in the future.
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
What I love most about HBD is being able to help a client in need. It never gets old knowing that a homeowner is pleased with the warranty service they have been provided.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love kayaking, playing cards, concerts, hiking, and traveling cross country.
Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?
I want every woman who is considering joining the construction industry to know that this field is rewarding. Never second guess your knowledge just because someone doesn’t think you have the know-how. Stick with it if this is what you love!
Cassie May, Architectural Drafter
What do you love most about working in construction?
I love watching the process from beginning to end. Being able to see the preliminary stages of designing the home with clients up to the final stages is exciting. It’s also fun to watch our clients’ personalities come out in the design of their homes.
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
Everyone at HBD is not only welcoming but willing to sit down with you and help you learn and grow. Being straight out of college with a full-time job can often be very intimidating because everyone you’re working with already has experience over you. At HBD I have learned so much because everyone wants to help you succeed and grow in the company and as a professional. It’s not only a great company with quality builders but a team that values everyone within the company.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I’m really into re-organizing everything in my apartment right now, browsing Pinterest, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Susan Falcone, Creative Director
What do you love most about working in construction?
It is ever-changing and always interesting! Being on the design side and working one-on-one with clients in new construction can be incredibly challenging but also incredibly rewarding! You’re helping your clients take a new, blank canvas and turn it into something that feels like home and speaks to who they are, and I think at the end of the day that’s what I love the most – seeing so many different designs and combinations come together and how excited my clients are to see their visions come to life.
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
I honestly love my team and the people I get to work with day in and day out. We have figured out our groove and how we work best, and most days, it truly feels like a well-oiled machine. Despite the chaos that has been in the building industry during COVID, we’ve all done our best to help each other keep our heads on straight and put products on the market that we are proud of. They’ve got my back and I’ve got theirs!
What are your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with friends, family, my husband, and our two cocker spaniels, Stella & Archer!
Kelli Gray, Client Care Coordinator
What do you love most about working in construction?
I love being a part of someone’s journey in building their new home and seeing a permanent structure that I was a part of. It’s a new challenge every day, there is always a problem to solve! No day is ever the same. There are opportunities for growth and development all throughout the day, every day.
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
The construction industry is about people and good communication, that’s where quality and true craftsmanship come alive. I am so glad to be a part of a team of talented individuals who know, and appreciate, what it takes to build a dream home! Customer Service is a large part of the buyer’s experience and it’s not without dedication and commitment from everyone, that a great experience occurs! When someone chooses to build a home with you, one of the most stressful things you can do, and at the end, they had a great experience, well, your reputation precedes you – and that gives me an immense sense of pride!
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love to spend time outdoors: riding 4-wheelers, swimming, going on nature walks, playing games, and I have a passion for cooking and baking.
Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?
I love how unpredictable the nature of my job is, how it constantly keeps me on my toes. If you like excitement and a challenge, give it a try… you may just fall in love, as I did!
Rae’Shawn Norwood, Operations Administrator
What do you love most about working in construction?
One of the things I love most about working in construction is seeing a vision go from conception to fruition. I enjoy the creativity, time and passion that’s put into a project. It makes you feel proud of the final product and even more proud to share it with the family who’s going to enjoy it!
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to work with the team around me to reach a common goal. We truly have a great team! I admire HBD’s overall commitment to building beautiful homes for our clients.
What are your favorite hobbies?
My favorite hobbies include listening to music, cooking, and spending time with my family.
Rachel Morrison, VP of Operations
What do you love most about working in construction?
The technical challenges never cease, and each day presents a learning opportunity.
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
I work with a group of passionate people who strive for improvement for our clients and our team.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love a good puzzle!
Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?
Know your stuff. You can’t be a confident player in the game if you show up unprepared.
Turner Hairr, Director of HBD Interiors
What do you love most about working in construction?
I enjoy seeing how every home is different and how talented everyone in the industry is.
What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?
I love the people I work with on a daily basis and the fact that I learn new things everyday. Working on the design and furniture side of things allows me to be creative and see the finished product once clients have moved into their home. I love seeing how the homes transform even more once the client makes it their own.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love spending time with my family, taking trips to the beach, and decorating my home for the different seasons.
Happy National Women in Construction Week to ALL of the extraordinary women of Homes By Dickerson!
Learn more about our team here!