Vanessa Reven says that seeing big projects from start to finish, with the big picture always in the back of her mind, is rewarding, and exciting. “Working with Elm Grove and knowing we can take an old building and make it something that will benefit Manchester and the surrounding community is great to see and be part of.”

Like many, Elizabeth Morse, Project Manager with Lewis Builders Development, Inc., grew up with her family in construction. She said she loved driving around with her parents and touring construction sites. "Seeing the finished product was always something to look forward to. One thing that really drove me to following in my family's steps was the idea that they were all able to say, "I built something from ground up." I never really understood the statement completely, until I began working for Lewis Builders."

Karen Massone, Director of Human Resources with Fulcrum Associates, chose construction because she loves the idea of working to build something that a client will rely on for years to come. "When we work on a school or hospital, we can look back and know we played a role in ensuring access to education and healthcare for our community."

Karen Long, Senior Safety & Health Officer with Charter Contracting Company, LLC, was a hazardous materials and marine safety officer in the Army. She says, "When I got out it was a natural transition to move into the environmental and marine construction field."

As the Director of Health, Safety and Risk Management with ReArch, COVID-19 has been Holly LeClair’s responsibility. She took the position only three weeks before the stay at home orders in VT were issued. She says this has been the most rewarding, yet challenging aspect in my 25+ years in health and safety. “I have learned to pivot in a way I never dreamed I would.”

Heather Leahey, Office Manager with Fulcrum Associates, says she enjoys construction because there's still so much to learn. "Home improvement has always been of interest to me so it made sense. I have done roof repair, electrical, plumbing, painting, drywall and floor installation since owning my house 20 years ago. And, I love using power tools any opportunity I can get."

Darlene Cassidy, Construction Technology Manager with Fulcrum Associates, chose to pursue a professional career in the construction industry because she would like to see the country’s infrastructure grow. 

Haley Frazier started out as a project coordinator with a company who focused on renovating and developing large apartment complexes throughout the south. She says, "I loved the work and found it very rewarding and challenging. From there I knew I wanted to pursue a career in construction management."

I was working for a CPA in New Hampshire that had a niche in construction accounting and I had to work with all kinds of construction companies. When I decided to leave public accounting and go into the private sector, construction seemed like a good fit for me. Also, growing up in Connecticut, my dad owned a ceiling and drywall construction company, so he's very proud that I am at Denron now.

Construction offers a tangible outcome that will exist for years, decades, in some cases centuries. When you work in construction you have an opportunity to leave your mark on the world. Additionally, the work is always interesting with endless opportunities for growth and development. As a military spouse I moved often so I am thankful the skills I have developed in construction are transferable.