CAREER PROFILES

Andrew Panek
R3 Development
Director of Programs & Construction Services

Where you grew up:  Foxborough Massachusetts

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Personal hobbies:  Camping, woodworking, reading about philosophy.

What do you do in your profession?  I develop and administer all training programs. I also manage our rental properties and help plan construction activities around the community.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  Developing a Montessori-based training program for adult learners in technical careers. Also training instructors on a new method of instruction.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Always seek learning opportunities. Everything you do can be an experiment if you approach it with a critical mind. Be more curious than cautious. And most importantly, surround yourself with positive people, with a solution-focused mindset, who will champion your efforts.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  “I do not know where I am going, but I know how I will get there”.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  I sailed as a Merchant Mariner out of college, became a military spouse and lived in Germany, then transitioned careers into education and obtained a M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership. I never would have imagined this was my future, and yet I feel like I am exactly where I am meant to be.

Annalise Regan
iENG Design
Vice President

Where you grew up:  Larchmont, NY

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Villanova University

Personal hobbies:  Tennis

What do you do in your profession?  Mechanical engineering for commercial buildings.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I love designing high rise buildings.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Find a good mentor and learn as much as you can from them.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Speak up more.

April Lopinot
L. Keeley Construction
Vice President of Human Resources

Where you grew up:  Belleville, Illinois

Where you went to school or did technical training:  SIUE, PHR through UMSL

What do you do in your profession?  President of Human Resources for L. Keeley Construction, KDG, Keeley Companies aka In House Therapist

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Drive HR/Recruiting Strategy to build a better experience for our team members

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  My advice is to develop and grow a network of trusted professionals that encounters similar challenges.  Allow them to truly challenge you and provide a fresh perspective on your vision.  Take their input into consideration as you build a unique program that fits your culture and aligns with your specific goals.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  To tell myself to believe in myself sooner and trust my instincts.  It was daunting to develop a robust Human Resources Department for the first time, however, with passion, work-ethic, and dedication anything is possible. Confidence can go a long way.

Austin Terbrock
G. Terbrock Luxury Homes
Assistant Project Manager & Business Development Coordinator

Where you grew up:  Lake St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Mizzou, Washington University

Personal hobbies:  Indoor soccer & Music

What do you do in your profession?  I assist in the provision of general contracting and construction management services for high-end, custom residential projects in the St. Louis Area.  Additionally, I am involved in business development and marketing, as well as architectural design, modeling, and rendering.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream career is to lead the development, design, and construction of innovative and positively impactful projects in our community.  In this, I hope to work with others to contribute my capabilities to give back and make our built environment a better place for us all.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  My advice is to know yourself and know the people you want to surround yourself with. Be eager and ambitious, but be humble and patient.  Focus on your communicative knowledge and capabilities, and make sure you know your technical stuff.  Develop a genuine passion that promotes interest in learning new ideas and trends.  Build and maintain your relationships. Be a good person.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Don’t take the easy road.  Apply yourself to doing different things and do them the best you can.  Act like your future self is your best friend, and that you would do anything for them.  Don’t do things for other people’s approval, do them for your own.  Be comfortable and confident in who you are.  Just when you think you know it all or that you do something the best, you are very far from it in reality.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Empathy is my favorite word every young person should know.

Brady Gehring
Artori Group
Principal, Director of Capital Markets

Where you grew up:  Kansas City, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of Missouri – Columbia

Personal hobbies:  Sports (Go Chiefs!), all things food/drinks, music, travel, and real estate

What do you do in your profession?  I manage a private equity commercial real estate firm, with responsibility for underwriting and analysis of acquisitions/dispositions, in addition to management of a diverse debt portfolio and capital market functions.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream career consists of making an impact on those who work with/around me as well as bettering the community that I work
within. To a certain extent, I’m already working my dream career and strive to improve upon that each day.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Triple check your passion barometer and make sure it’s what your heart truly desires. Absent such passion, whether a real estate career or otherwise, you’ll find it difficult to genuinely love what you do. In my career, I find it most important to continuously keep learning and not be afraid to work tirelessly. You have to take the ups and downs in stride and don’t let your pride get in the way.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  SLOW DOWN and cherish every minute of the gift of life you’ve been given. Celebrate the good days, learn from the bad days, and know that you’ll almost always catch more flies with honey…

Brandon Elliott
CCIMW- Custom Coating Industrial Mid West
Apprentice-Second Year Painter

Where you grew up:  Alton, Illinos

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Attended and earned an Associate Degree at Lewis and Clark. Attended Ranken Tech and started my Heating and Cooling then completed that degree at SWIC. Currently in my second year term enrolled in the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

Personal hobbies:  Basketball and lifting weights

What do you do in your profession?  I am a commercial painter and specialize in protective coatings. Things such as oil-based paints, epoxy paints, and enamels. As a second-year apprentice, I am learning floor coatings, drywalling, blasting and wall covering.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  My dream career is to be successful. I would like to be a Foreman, then a Ridinboss. Eventually owning my own minority shop. I want to bring more minority people into the trades.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Come to work to work. You have to have thick skin for sure. Bring your tools and ask questions. Communication is the key.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  I would have tried a little bit harder. At the age of 16, I was only thinking about sports. If I had known about the trades earlier, I would have gone straight into it versus going into higher education.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Start your day each day being positive. Listen to anything that will motivate you and keep you uplifted.

Brandy Broeckling
Millstone Weber LLC
Project Manager

Where you grew up:  Florissant, MO (greater St. Louis area)

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Missouri University of Science and Technology

Personal hobbies:  Softball, golf, biking, snow skiing

What do you do in your profession?  Project manager for a heavy highway construction company.  Oversee all construction aspects for multi-million dollar highway and bridge projects.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Professional softball player.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, the possibilities of what you can do in construction are endless, there are numerous different types of opportunities world wide.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  It is okay to look at careers that don’t require a college degree.  For example going into the construction trades is a fine career path and pays a decent wage.

Brandy Scheer
Scheer Resources
Owner, CEO

Where you grew up:  St. Louis

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of Kansas

Personal hobbies:  Cooking, Crafts, Reading

What do you do in your profession?  I’m a connector, consultant, business developer and marketing professional who specializes in the construction industry.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I’m in my dream career right now, and I love creating strategic initiatives that bring people together to accomplish great things for them, their companies and the community at large.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Ask questions, do as many different types of work as you can, meet EVERYONE!

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  NETWORK EVEN MORE!

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  When you are passionate about helping other people and make that your goal each day, your business and professional goals will take care of themselves.

Branyea Jones
Clayco
Training and Development Manager

Where you grew up: St Louis

Where you went to school or did technical training: Lindenwood and University of MO – St. Louis

Personal Hobbies: Reading, teaching my girls, and cooking

What do you do in your profession? I train and develop all employees in their careers. I manage the Performance Review and Goal Plan processes for the Enterprise. I help managers and employees communicate a performance or team-building issues. I plan and execute community events while providing the opportunities Clayco offers for students to adults.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? My dream career is to educate and train c – the suite level on how to interact with the company, team, and employees. I would love to help companies develop a healthy and exciting culture.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you: Be yourself and understand some people need you to see in them, what they can’t see. Continue to show love to develop and stay open-minded to those who need the development.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? You are rare, unique, and needed in this world. You don’t know it yet, but many people will look to you for guidance and love. Don’t change your authentic and true to you, your process, experience and growth. You are only going to get better from here, but understand that there is no limit.

Brian Vaughan
Murphy Company
Engineering Manager – Industrial

Where you grew up:  St. Charles & North County. A brief stint in Panama City Beach Florida in 7th grade.

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Hazelwood Central High School & the University of Missouri.

Personal hobbies:  Family. Sports (Cardinals, Chiefs, Blues, MMA). Running (more like jogging). Heavy Metal Music. Collegiate Wrestling. Professional Wrestling. Bad Movies.

What do you do in your profession?  I lead a team on all aspects of the Pre-Construction phase of a project which includes: Sales, Estimating, Engineering and Design, and BIM (Building Information Modeling). I also support the operation groups during the Construction phase as required.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  My dream career would have been a Bad Guy Wrestler in the WWE. I recently got to work on a dream task which was the Mizzou NextGen Precision Health Institute project. I really enjoyed working for the University that I got my engineering degree. It also helped that the project went great and all team members are very happy with the outcome.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Work hard and overcommunicate! Soft skills are just as important as technical skills.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Puka shell necklaces are not cool and will never be cool….throw them away!

Bryan Matteson
Musselman and Hall
Cement Mason Finisher

Where you grew up: Troy, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  I went to Troy High School and did the Ag-FAA program. I enrolled in the Cement Masons Apprenticeship program in 2020.

Personal hobbies:  Working on my trucks-Chevy’s.

What do you do in your profession?  I work on commercial job sites pouring concrete for inside floors and paving outside work for curbs. I have worked on Boeing, Lambert, General Motors, and Mercy South jobs pouring floors and curbing gutter.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? I enjoy this job. This is my dream career. I have been doing finishing work ever since I was little. My dad was a finisher and we did jobs together. I find the work very interesting.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you: The advice I give to folks is you can and will make good money but it is hard on your body. You get the tools and equipment that you need to prevent injury to your body but it is hard work.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Find something that you can keep as a hobby and something where you can earn a good wage and benefits.

Carly Tribout
Geotechnology, Inc.
HR Coordinator

Where you grew up:  Millstadt, IL

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Missouri State University – Go Bears!

Personal hobbies:  Hanging out with my dog, Heinz, boating, exercising, sand volleyball, & traveling

What do you do in your profession?  Every day is different in HR!  My main responsibilities are assisting employees, recruiting, onboarding new employees, benefit administration, running our wellness program, employee engagement, and assisting with our safety program.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream job would’ve been to be a podcast/radio host.  I don’t have a specific dream “task,” but I love working on tasks that have a positive impact on peoples lives, such as Geotechnology’s Wellness Program.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Get your degree in HR, make connections with your professors, get involved with the Student/Local SHRM chapter, find a HR related internship and get exposure to as many areas in HR as possible.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take on challenges outside of your comfort zone.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Not to stress about the little things and that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.  Don’t get so caught up in what the future holds that you forget to enjoy where you are right now.

Cheryl Stoddard
TIE – Technology Integration Engineering
President | Principal

Where you grew up: Mason City, Illinois

Where you went to school or did technical training:  SIU-C and Washington University School of Engineering

Personal hobbies: Hiking, Pilates, Live Music, Books

What do you do in your profession? Technology Systems Planning & Engineering

What is your dream career and dream tasks to work on? My dream is to provide young women with career opportunities in the field of STEM

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Show up willing to learn, say yes to things outside your comfort zone, find a mentor, be a mentor, follow your gut instincts.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?Be willing to embrace change as it presents itself. Innovation naturally comes with change and progress, continue to educate yourself, explore new avenues to provide value.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. Become a leader of yourself – Journal all things that are important to you and keep those journals to refer back to throughout your career.

Christopher Ackels
Steel Solutions USA
Director of Business Development

Where you grew up:  St. Louis

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Mizzou

Personal hobbies:  Golf, chess, sports, reading, food, vinyl records

What do you do in your profession?  We specialize in high end casework for medical facilities, educational buildings, and the hospitality industry

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Dream career: run my own company in the e-commerce space.   Dream task: Edwards Jones Dome gets knocked down and we help with the new stadium for the new St. Louis football team.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Take the chance when the opportunity presents itself, you will never know everything and need to be constantly learning.  Don’t hold yourself back because you think you won’t know what to do.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Don’t care so much what other people think about you or what you are doing because they probably couldn’t care less.

Clay Arvola
Lockton
Vice President

Where you grew up:  Edwardsville, Illinois

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Indiana University, Finance Degree, SLU MBA

Personal hobbies:  I have three little girls I spend a lot of time with!

What do you do in your profession?  I lead the Construction and Real Estate Practice at Lockton and help contractors and developers with property & casualty insurance, employee benefits and bonding needs.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I love working on new developments that are reshaping St. Louis.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  “Do the job every day.”  Business development and sales can often lead to day to day frustration.  Never take days off and commit to your process!

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Find an industry you are passionate for and dive in!  No matter what your first job is you will learn more about the industry and your career path can evolve.  If you have a passion it makes going to work every day easy!

Cody Henderson
FSA, LLC
Associate Principal

Where you grew up:  Ste. Genevieve, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Ranken Technical College, then SIU Carbondale

Personal hobbies:  Playing softball, fishing, working on old cars, traveling

What do you do in your profession?  I am an architect and in charge of all laboratories and higher education facility projects that come into our office.  I am involved in the preliminary design through the end of construction.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Sometimes I feel like I am living it already.  I get to create spaces for others to enjoy while creatively problem solving.  I would like to design a full laboratory building with a budget that would allow for WELL Building accreditation for energy efficiency and wellness.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Architecture like many careers, is one that you get what you put into it.  Work hard and be dedicated and you will be rewarded.  Also, networking is important.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Network, go out and talk to people, make connections (even if it is uncomfortable).

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. I was a recipient of the 2021 AIA National Young Architect Award.

Cody Norbeck
Geotechnology, Inc.
Driller

Where you grew up:  Carlyle, IL

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Penn Foster

Personal hobbies:  Working on cars

What do you do in your profession?  Drill geotech soil borings, rotary wash, rock core

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Never really had a dream career. I want to be the best driller I can be.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  The job does get better.  Not all of the jobs are hard.  Don’t give up.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Definitely make better life decisions.

Darcy Latham
S. M. Wilson & Co
Project Engineer

Where you grew up: Bismarck, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Central Methodist University & Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Personal hobbies:  Sand volleyball, watching/going to sporting events, spending time with my dog.

What do you do in your profession? Currently, I help superintendents and project managers in both the field and the office. I primarily review and process submittals, draft and submit RFIs, track and document field progress, and other various tasks.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? My dream career is to be a Senior Project Manager for a general contractor. My dream project is hands down a sporting facility of some sort – sports venue, practice facility, arena, etc.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Do not think that just because you are a female wanting to go into construction that you are limited in any way. Ask lots of questions and be eager to learn your project and understand why things are done and how to properly do them.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Think about where you see yourself when you’re 30. While you may be good at schoolwork (math, comp sci, etc.) now, is being at a desk all day, everyday for the rest of your career really something you want to do? Or would you rather be out in the field doing something different everyday, interacting with your coworkers/subcontractors, and being a part of building something?

David Meglio
Meglio and Associates
Vice President

Where you grew up:  Hazelwood, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  UMSL & Missouri Technical College

Personal hobbies:  Videographer at St. Dominic High School for Varsity Football & Theatrical Productions

What do you do in your profession?  Owner of an electrical manufacturer’s representative agency

What is your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  I’m doing it! Helping customers solve energy & lighting problems. Making St. Louis a better place to live in by serving in the construction industry.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Don’t be afraid to get up and talk to people about something you are passionate about. Go for your dream!!

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?
1. Learn another language.
2. Take that computer class in college that you tried to dodge because it looked hard.
3. Take more of an interest in math & engineering.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  I love this city and its people. I want to see it thrive!

Dawn Fleming
McCarthy Building Cos.
Carpenter (Commercial)

Where you grew up:  St. Louis

Where you went to school or did technical training:  MO College, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, and currently enrolled in Ivy Tech

Personal hobbies:  Traveling, going to the movies, exploring museums, and anything nature related

What do you do in your profession?  I am a carpenter.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Being a carpenter is my dream job.  I love that there are so many different opportunities to learn many different things.  I have so far put office furniture together, done finish carpentry work, concrete forming, and some framing.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Don’t ever limit yourself.  You can do as much as you allow yourself to do.  Be motivated.  Stay prepared.  Stay educated on how to better yourself for your profession.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  I wish I would have known about the apprenticeship programs.  I definitely would not have a student loan in a profession I never pursued.  Most importantly do not limit yourself.  Two of my degrees are in a profession that I picked because I was trying to be in a profession where women were expected, but that wasn’t where my heart was.  I’ve always had a passion for construction but just felt intimidated.  I had to build confidence and courage.

Demonta Cox
Hawkins Construction and Flatwork
Concrete Finisher

Where you grew up:St. Louis, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  St. Louis Job Corps.

Personal hobbies:  Play basketball and video games.

What do you do in your profession? My job is to make concrete look good. I work on commercial sites and work in the pour and drag it off to make the pad flat. On average, dragging can take a few hours. However, it is based on how long it takes the concrete trucks to get to the job site. You need a lot of patience with this job because you have to wait for others to fix it. Forms will blow out or the concrete is too wet.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? I am doing my dream job now. I enjoy doing the work as a concrete finisher. When I was little I always wanted to be in construction. I would watch the people build and we would drive by and I would say, “I want to do that”.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you: My advice to others would be to take a chance. You get a good wage and benefits. It’s important to show up on time and stay busy. You need to have a good mindset and stay focused. Stay clean and don’t get involved with those that have bad habits. A good bed is a must because it is hard on your back. Definitely save your money because at times you might get laid off during the winter months.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Make sure you stay focused and do good in school. Even if you don’t plan on attending college, math, communication, and grammar is important to learn in our profession.

Donte Haire
The Haire Corporation
President/Owner

Where you grew up:  Washington Park, IL

Where you went to school or did technical training:  HCCTP (East St. Louis) & CJAP Southern Illinois

Personal hobbies:  Framing and gaming

What do you do in your profession?  Acting as President/Owner and lead carpenter, I perform all duties needed to ensure a successful company.  I act as accountant, project manager, contractor and lead journeyman carpenter for all jobs.  The Haire Corporation is a small company, which is my dream come true, that will grow into a large minority owned business in the Metro-East area by completing quality work in a timely manner.  I will make a name for myself and my company!

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I am living my dream – I became a journeyman carpenter, working both commercial and residential jobs – honing my skills and dreaming of my future as a small business owner.  I now am on my way to achieving my ultimate goal of The Haire Corporation.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Be patient–it takes time to achieve your goals.  Have confidence in yourself.  If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.  Learn, learn, learn!  The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (funded by IDOT) offered by Southwestern Illinois College at the East St. Louis campus is a great place to begin.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  I would stay away from the “in-crowd”–other people don’t have your best interest at heart.  I learned the hard way.  I would be “open-minded” towards new opportunities and educational possibilities.  You never know what’s behind that closed door – open it and walk through.  Lastly, I would be aware of my personal standards and protect my status.  Always trying my best to live up to those standards and reputation!

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  The Highway Construction Careers Training Program is responsible for my start in construction.  There I learned the basic skills for the trades such as reading a tape measure, basic blue prints, welding and to operate power tools.  I was uncertain of what I wanted to do with my life and it showed me the endless possibilities of a career in the construction industry.  I chose carpentry and have never looked back.  I became a journeyman carpenter working both the residential and commercial sides and now I own my own business.  With all the training, hard work, dedication and pride, I am able to provide a better life for my family.  I envision a bright future for us!

D’Von Johnson
PM Leach
Painter

Where you grew up:  Ferguson, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  McCluer and North Technical High School

Personal hobbies:  Reading, searching for real estate, and working out

What do you do in your profession?  I am a commercial union painter which consists of mostly painting tilt ups and commercial real estate.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream career is becoming a successful real estate investor and owning a painting company.  As of right now I own two properties and I’m attending college for construction management.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Stay focused, professional and make sure you know how to deal with people that want to get under your skin.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  To go the exact route that I took to get where I am now.  I’m only 20 and can say it’s a blessing that I’m where I am now knowing what I’ve been through in my life.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Saving your money and investing it is a important key in becoming wealthy, forget the partying (do that later) and focus on building your foundation.  I’m not there yet but I can tell you that I will be.

Elvis Phung
Ameren
Low Voltage Planning Engineer

Where you grew up:  St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Missouri University of Science and Technology

Personal hobbies:  Exercising, reading, playing video games, and enjoying time with friends and family

What do you do in your profession?  As a low voltage planning engineer, I analyze how best to serve new customers based on their power requirements, assist in creating software models for conversion projects, and evaluate solar installation on residential and commercial buildings.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I currently enjoy what I do in my profession! It’s very exciting that I am a part of the renewable energy group that is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. My dream is to progress into a leadership role in the renewable energy sector.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Engineering offers a diverse field of disciplines to go into. My advice is to gain as much experience as you can through internships. Through internships, you will find likes and dislikes in your field which will help you decide on an emphasis area to go into.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Live in the moment. There is no need to rush to get to a destination, instead enjoy every moment of the destination.

Emily Thorne
ARCO Construction
Paralegal

Where you grew up:  DeSoto, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  St. Louis Community College

Personal hobbies:  Hiking, Kayaking, 4×4 trails

What do you do in your profession?  In my role today, I manage subcontracts, purchase orders and owner contracts.  I help our project teams coordinate their compliance documents, such as insurance and change orders for both subcontractors and clients.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  When I was younger I wanted to be a lawyer.  But my dream career isn’t too far from what I do now!  Seeing how I play a role in shaping the landscape of St. Louis and the people in the region is a dream task that I get to work on every day.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  I would say don’t limit yourself to the conventional learning path.  In any direction you choose, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to the world around you.  For me, the most important learning happens outside of a classroom.  Take advantage of networking and professional association opportunities.  Some of my best teachers were personal mentors I met along the way.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Slow down.  Dreaming about the future is great, but don’t forget to be who you are in the present moment.  You’ll constantly grow and change with every new phase of life, which shows progression.  Take time to check in with yourself and make sure you are growing into a person you can be proud of.

Any Other Comments or Information that you would like to include.  Never be afraid to approach someone you look up to, whether it be professional or personal.  Ask questions.  Get to know them.  More times than not, that person would love to help you reach your goals.

Erick Streeter
Banze Construction 
Concrete Finisher

Where you grew up:St. Louis, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  I attended University City High School and enrolled in Cement Masons Apprenticeship

Personal hobbies:  I enjoy walking.

What do you do in your profession?  I am responsible for doing all flatwork for residential construction. I tear out and replace old concrete with new. I started this profession at 22 years and moved into making pallets. I realized I missed the job and I didn’t complete my schooling. I wanted to complete my profession. I have good wages and wanted to finish what I started.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? My goal is to own my own business and have others work for me. I like giving advice and helping younger apprentices.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you: Stay focused and help each other. You can’t do this job by yourself. You have many on the job and you need to be able to work with all people.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Do you want to work hard or work easy? Stay busy and get motivated to work. Keep a level head and everything will be alright. Don’t overreact.

Georges Auguste
Ameren
Distribution Technical Advisor

Where you grew up: Port- Au- Prince, Haiti

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Washington University Saint Louis, MO

Personal hobbies: Long Distance Running.

What do you do in your profession? Provide technical expertise to restore power safely and timely to the customer, recommend Distribution Automation devices installation to prevent extended outage to our customers, etc…

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? I love what I am doing

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you: Get your engineering degree, have good social skills and stay focused.

Halee Schermerhorn-Barnhart
Millstone Weber LLC
Quality Control Technician

Where you grew up:  Columbia, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  State Technical College of Missouri

Personal hobbies:  Hunting, Dancing

What do you do in your profession?  Ensure the quality of product that gets used throughout a construction project.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  As of right now I would say Quality Management or Project Management eventually.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Go for it, if you want to get into this field then all you have to do is try it out.  It’s pretty neat to say you’re part of something as big as building a highway or a bridge and see the final product of a project.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Focus more on school than outside activities, get excited about the engineering classes you were forced into.  Learn more about the field you’re going into (Civil), because I had no idea until I walked into my tech school classes on the first day.

Jacob Schaefer
Keeley Construction Group
Assistant Superintendent

Where you grew up: St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Southeast Missouri State University.

Personal hobbies:  Hunting, Riding ATVs, Hanging out with friends.

What do you do in your profession? I am currently an Assistant Superintendent on the Olive Crossing Development in St. Louis. I work with my project team to push schedule, budget, safety, and quality to deliver to best possible projects for our clients.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? My dream career is to be a Director of Field Operations for a large construction company in the St Louis area.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you: Talk to as many people as you can and ask questions. Listen to what people have to say and soak up as much information as possible. You don’t need a college degree for what we do. You can be taught in the field working alongside experienced professionals. Keep a positive attitude and build relationships with the people you work with and the people in your industry.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? The advice I would give myself would to be not hit the easy button. That you need to take the hard route sometimes and learn from the experiences. Don’t do things just to please other people, do what is right and best for you. Do as many internships as you can and focus on building relationships with people in the career field you are wanting to go into. It is not about what you know, it’s about who you know.

James Tillman
Tarlton Corporation
Superintendent

Where you grew up:  North St. Louis City

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School

Personal hobbies:  Cooking, Photography

What do you do in your profession?  Oversee general construction projects, work with owners, owner reps, architects, inspectors, and contractors (and the public on occasion)

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream career is to work for myself as a general contractor and on any project that is still standing years after I am gone.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Never stop listening to others, as a small amount of experience from another goes a long way.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Save for the future and make investments in your future.

Jane Meagown
Elastizell of St Louis
President

Where you grew up:  Saint Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of MO-Columbia

Personal hobbies:  Golf, Swimming, Walking dogs

What do you do in your profession?  I am the owner of a construction firm that specializes in Lightweight cellular concrete. I do just about everything that the business requires.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  My dream is to do anything that makes a positive difference and helps others with their needs and goals.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Don’t give up and follow your dreams and desires.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Know that you aren’t expected to have everything in life figured out. Learn as much as you can and follow your passions. Go out of your comfort zone and get to know as many people as you can.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Nobody is perfect and mistakes are a great learning experience. Focus on your core values and have them resonate in everything you do.

Jason Thorburg
Bamboo Equity Partners
Vice President | Development

Where you grew up:  St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of Florida

Personal hobbies:  Travel, Boating, Hiking, and Wine

What do you do in your profession?  Head development and construction for a real estate private equity firm, including conceptual layouts & underwriting, design coordination, entitlements & construction management.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream job is to become a wine sommelier!

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  My advice would be to focus on honing your leadership skills, building strong relationships with your team, and staying adaptable in a constantly evolving industry.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Embrace your uniqueness and don’t be afraid to follow your passions, even if they seem unconventional. Stay curious, keep exploring, and never underestimate the power of hard work and perseverance.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  No better career than being involved in the built environment.

Jeffrey Murphy
Drilling Service Co.
Executive Vice President

Where you grew up:  Florissant, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  The University of Missouri – St. Louis and my master’s degree at Washington University in St. Louis.

Personal hobbies:  I like to read but my favorite activity is spending time with my wife and four children

What do you do in your profession?  I run the company along with my two brothers. I’m involved in estimating, project management, banking, insurance, accounting, HR, and everything else

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  This job. I love my job and it’s the only job I’ve ever had. It gives me satisfaction knowing that our company provides a good living for everyone who works here and their families.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Do as well as you can while in school. Always do your best work for your company. There are occasional bumps in the road but it’s worth the effort.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  I started working at Drilling Service Co. when I was a kid. I used to sweep floors, cut grass, and empty trash cans. Now I’m one of the owners of the company. I didn’t get my undergraduate degree until I was 45 years old and my master’s degree when I was 47. I took an unconventional path but it worked for my situation. It’s never too late to start working on your goals.

Jessica McBride
BSA LIFESTRUCTURES
Senior Interior Designer

Where you grew up:  St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  The University of Missouri – Columbia (Mizzou)

Personal hobbies:  Bike riding/Hiking/traveling/yoga/art.

What do you do in your profession?  I am an interior designer. I help our clients reach their vision for the space however large or small the scope is. Together we accomplish their goals while maximizing design aesthetics. It is crucial I hear your concerns and address them appropriately while managing the logistics of how the overall form and function come to fruition! Your ‘return on investment is the way to understand interior design. I believe interior design has the power to make or break an atmosphere and can either lead you to stay longer or send you running for the next best hangout! Ambiance probes curiosity even if you can’t vocalize how it makes you feel and contributes to future visits. Don’t underestimate the power of “word of mouth” praise and the additional influx of people that will come to support that business/flex space/library/art museum/restaurant/casino/hospital, etc.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  I believe my dream career involves what I am currently doing. I have a simple mantra that I hold myself to: keep the client’s wishes close to your heart, provide them the tools to be successful. Repeat business will form organically when serving those around you. The rest falls into place, I am happiest when I see the client is pleased with the outcome! Dream task: I would love to lead someone with a similar passion as me towards understanding their potential and the impact of their future, specifically in interior design.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  I would say you need to possess great people skills. Half the battle of what I do is directly related to how you interpret your clients’ vocalized needs list and the other part is managing their concerns and not leaving them hanging in that department. You cannot sell an interior palette without doing your technical homework, with that being said, know that you will need to back up durability concerns, lead times, pricing, and daily maintenance on all interiors products shown. Materiality has a lot to do with the reasons why an interior space is failing and why facilities and clients want to renovate or create from new, building that will properly function for their latest concerns. Second, be passionate! That word is often overused but in this case, you will be required to share a particular level of energy and enthusiasm. This is a fun and fulfilling career where the sky is the limit. Allow yourself to be engulfed in the massing of the interiors. Allow for push and pull where needed to create the most potential for opportunity and variation of materials you select. Stretch your mind and capabilities and allow for endless opportunities to learn and educate yourself on the latest materials. Provide unique solutions instead of stamp and repeat what you already know. Be daring and create an experience within the composition and push your client out of their comfort zone to accomplish something greater together.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  I can’t say that I am not already doing everything I had hoped to be doing at that age. I was fortunate to know from a really young age that this is the profession and the avenue I wanted to pursue. For those who feel they wished they had known sooner what it is that they should pursue, I would say that you are more likely not alone in that. There are great resources to look into and groups or platforms to join to see if that sparks something in you to make a change that better suits your abilities and empowers you to wake up every day and love what you do! I don’t believe it is ever too late to find your true passion, you just need to be your own pillar to go accomplish that drive. Hard work, determination, and perseverance are attributed greatly to where I am today.

Joe Darmody
Geotechnology Holdings, Inc.
Vice President – Safety & Risk Management

Where you grew up: St. Louis, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training: St. Louis University; Central Missouri State University

Personal hobbies: Trout fishing

What do you do in your profession? I develop and manage safety, risk management and loss prevention programs designed to protect our employees and the assets of the firm.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? Being an educator is my dream career. As that relates to the construction industry, I enjoy developing and delivering training of all kinds – practical and hands-on safety programs, as well as educating people on the business and financial advantages and opportunities of safety, risk management and loss prevention.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Gain a firm understanding of all aspects of the business and operations of the field you are in. Talk to individuals throughout your organization about what they do and how you can help them succeed safely. Search for resources outside of your firm to obtain additional business knowledge and acumen. Armed with this knowledge, strive to merge the “practical” with the “ideal” – they are often just different shades of the same color.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Be open to all possible paths in front of you. Your career may change many times throughout your life; that may likely be for a purpose. Identify that purpose and pursue it with passion and faith.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. There is such a wide diversity of opportunity in the construction industry; that’s what makes it both interesting and challenging. Even though my role is not really operational in the traditional sense, it’s rewarding to see completed projects that Geotechnology has contributed to and think, “We helped build that.”

John C. Bostwick
Geotechnology Exploration, LLC
Vice President, Central Region Drilling Manager

Where you grew up: St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training: Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Personal hobbies: Sports, Coaching, Home Projects

What do you do in your profession? Manage drilling projects, administrative duties, supervise and schedule 6 drilling crews (approx. 15-20 employees).

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? My dream career would have been to be an astronaut.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Work hard in school in a science or engineering degree. Subsequently, have a detailed focus on the role you wish to achieve.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Spend more time with my parents. They taught me so much and I didn’t realize it at the time.

Ebony & Jonathan McGee
McGee Masonry, LLC
Co-Owners

Where you grew up: Saint Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Hickey College

Personal hobbies: Spending time with family, cooking, and reading

What do you do in your profession? Brick, block, and stone work. Tuckpointing, new construction and restoration

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? McGee Masonry! Taking it to the next level. Giving back to the community and not only having a brick masonry company but also a mentorship program

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Keep going, the bad times don’t always last but that’s when you grow the most!!

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? The decisions you make today effect who you are tomorrow

Justin Schmeltz
Parsons
Engineer I

Where you grew up: Newburgh, Indiana

Where you went to school or did technical training: Saint Louis University

Personal hobbies: Weight lifting and exercising, volunteering and community service, church activities

What do you do in your profession? I am a bridge engineer, meaning that I work to design and assess either existing or new bridge structures. I work on all components of the bridge, from deck to foundation. I also work with other engineers to coordinate large scale projects and make sure that things can be built easily by the contractors per the schedule.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? My dream task to work on is a large scale suspension bridge, similar to the Stan Musial Bridge. My dream career is to be involved in large scale projects that will be impactful to the community and recognizable to the world.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Make sure to study hard in math and physics classes. Fundamentals from those courses hold true throughout engineering, so a good foundation from those courses will help throughout a career in structural engineering. Take any opportunities to either meet with professionals in the industry or any internship or part time positions available. A little bit of experience and exposure goes a long way.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? When it comes to applications and future planning, get things moving earlier. There are no downsides to getting applications in early, but a lot of upsides. Planning in advance also opens up opportunities for greater collaboration, whether for a future in graduate school or for scholarship opportunities. Relevant experience is invaluable, so making sure that internships translate toward a future career is a good move as compared to just finding a position that pays.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. Bridge engineering is a great field which allows for problem solving on a large scale. It’s fun to be a part of big structures, and designing each component and making sure the pieces all fit together. Engineering provides a large diversity of opportunities and professions, and exploring one will give you the ability to see the others.

Kara Wurtz
Clayco
Senior Financial Analyst

Where you grew up: St Louis area

Where you went to school or did technical training: Creighton University in Omaha

Personal hobbies: Biking, hiking, traveling, and cooking

What do you do in your profession? Main focus is on the budgeting and forecasting for my company. I also work with business leaders to gather and review different metrics and operational analysis for various construction projects and sales.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? Dream task would be putting together a system that promotes biking and walking within a city. Something that includes green space and artwork.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Diversify your education courses or experience. I took more than just finance and accounting classes and it helped me see business on a larger level and allows me to work well with leaders in every department from Institutional projects to internal IT or marketing.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Don’t make decisions for anyone but yourself. Follow what makes you happy and the rest will fall into place.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. I’ve always found it crucial to find ways to get involved with my community. Through non-profits, local government, or other organizations. It’s a great way to not only give my strengths in a way that improves my community, but a way to meet new people, explore new areas of my city and learn new things.

Keith Howell
Keeley & Sons
Carpenter General Foreman

Where you grew up:  Belleville, IL

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Southern Illinois Carpenter Joint Apprentice and Training Program

What do you do in your profession?  I am responsible for hiring carpenters needed for a particular size and type of construction job.  I manage the day-to-day operations of the job, overseeing the apprentice and journey workforce adjusting as needed as tasks arise.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I am living the dream I have had since my installation into the Carpenters Union.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  If you do not understand something–ASK!  Watch the journeyman and mimic what they’re doing.  Try to learn as many aspects of the trade as possible, it will increase your employability as a tradesman.  Take each day as a learning opportunity, never get complacent as there is always someone who knows more than do or has a better idea!  Enjoy your “work” and it will not become a four-letter word.  You can certainly make a good living wage, but you need to look forward to coming to the job.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Stay on the path you’re on.  It may wind, dip, perhaps even make you climb sometimes, but in the end it will get you to where you want to be.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. After 40 plus years as a carpenter I have seen a lot.  I’ve survived during recessions where there was little work, as well as boom times when I could  pick the job I wanted to do.  I’ve worked jobs I loved and jobs I haven’t, but I’ve always tried to learn something positive from the experience.  I consider myself very lucky, as I’ve worked many more jobs where I’ve felt fulfilled and am proud to say “Yeah, I built that” than those I did not.  I look back and realize I chose a vocation that I am good at and more importantly–I love.

Linda Denison
ATON Environmental
Environmental Manager

Where you grew up: Newark, Ohio

Where you went to school or did technical training: Purdue University

Personal hobbies: Girl Scout leader, camping, and reading

What do you do in your profession? I manage the environmental permits and reporting requirements for environmental remediation sites across the US.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? I love what I do right now. There is always something different to work on and new challenges to solve.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learning about a new project site, regulation, or process is what keeps the job interesting.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Push yourself to do the things you find hard. If it’s too easy, there won’t be any challenge, and nothing is worse than being bored in a job.

Luke Ducey
Geotechnology, Inc.
Business Development

Where you grew up:  Small 3,000 person town of Tolono, IL ~ 15 minutes south of Champaign, IL

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Holy Cross Elementary, The High School of St. Thomas More, and Saint Louis University

Personal hobbies:  Hanging out with my two French Bulldogs, Nola and Chiclet, playing Settlers of Catan, trying new beers, running 5Ks and half marathons, playing softball (3 nights a week), DIY woodworking projects, and traveling!

What do you do in your profession?  That’s a great question because every day is different and that’s what makes work fun. As a geologist, I spend a lot of time behind the drill rig logging rock and soil as well as testing the samples in the soils lab. I also assist with deep foundation inspections and, quarterly groundwater sampling events for landfills/ash ponds. One of my favorite responsibilities is operating our one-of-a-kind CPT rig which has taken me to 12 different states over the past few years. I assist our drilling department when they need a hand, manifesting soil, underground storage tank pulls, Phase I’s and many more tasks. Recently, I have been learning more geophysics practices and recently had to complete a bat survey study!

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I have always wanted to work in and for a quarry doing underground mining. I have worked in a lot of mines and got a little taste of that dream job. One of my personal dream tasks has actually already happened: working on some high-profile jobs within the St. Louis Area including the drilling and observation for the St. Louis Arch Grounds, The Muny Stage renovations, and out at the Lambert airport!

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  When you’re in college, make sure to find related internships during the summer or the last couple years of school. This will help you get a job and make your resume stand out when you start applying for jobs. I also really wish I would have taken a water or hydrology class in college. Also, I would say to be open to new experiences. I never saw myself doing exactly what I do today and a lot of my responsibilities seemed impossible at first, but if you stick with it and are open to being curious and learning, you will be set up for success.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Enjoy being 16! This is the only time in your life you have very few responsibilities and can explore everything. Get out there and make friends, try new things, and soak it all up. I would also say to spend more time with your parents and grandparents and cut them some slack, they are doing their best!

Any other comments or information that you would like to include:  When picking a career or job make sure it is something you love and has some variety otherwise you will get burnt out on it very quickly and struggle to enjoy every day. If you are able to look at work as something you GET to do every day and not HAVE to do, it will never feel like work.

Maggie Farrell
S. M. Wilson & Co.
Diversity & HR Manager

Where you grew up:  O’Fallon, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  St. Louis University

Personal hobbies:  Exploring all that STL has to offer, listening to audio books on Libby, lounging & watching TV with my dog Neiko.

What do you do in your profession?  As the Diversity & HR Manager, I am responsible for leading the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts both internally and externally. This involves coordinating professional development opportunities, collaborating with project teams, trade partners, and accrediting agencies to achieve M/WBE diversity goals, monitoring participation, and implementing community engagement initiatives through SKILLED and #SMWill.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I would love to work on a construction project fully led by women and People of Color, from the project team to the trade partners and workforce.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Grow your personal and professional network by getting involved in various community and industry organizations, volunteering, taking on leadership roles, showing up, and being your authentic self.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Explore a variety of careers, be open to opportunities, travel, and apply for as many scholarships as possible.

Mary Rotter
G&S Architectural Products
Sales Representative

Where you grew up: Saint Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of Missouri – Columbia

Personal hobbies: Travel, Cooking, Gardening, Cycling and Yoga

What do you do in your profession?  I work with designers, architects and contractors to create, develop and deliver various solutions (Div 9-12) for any type of commercial project.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? Still figuring out my dream career but know it’s headed toward Business Development and the C-Suite. I am also passionate about equally in the workplace and making sure women are represented, respected and advancing in this industry.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Go to as many networking events as you can – it’s a great way to meet people and connect! Volunteer or join a board of a local organization.

Michael Loseille
Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT)
Senior Engineer

Where you grew up:  St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Saint Louis University

Personal hobbies:  Playing the keyboard, video games, watching Anime (One Piece is the best!), spending time with family and friends

What do you do in your profession?  I work in the Surface Transportation department where I design different roadways for clients. I am also a construction inspector. During construction, I go to the field with the plans that we designed and make sure the contractor is building everything according to plan and specs.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream career is to work on a big construction project that would be recognized by everyone from now and years into the future. I want to design and build a new globally recognized monument.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  The simple answer…GO FOR IT!! Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from pursuing what you want to do. There will be rough times, but it’s nothing you can’t get through if you really want to be an engineer. To be able to design a project from scratch and see it through full construction is really something, especially if you are out in the field and observing it being constructed. You can look back years from now look at your project and tell your kids, “I did that!”

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  My advice would be to tell my 16-year-old self to STUDY and LEARN as much as you can. Don’t think that just because YOU think you are smart that you don’t need to study anymore. Always seek out new things and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. Be more involved also whether it’s in some sort of school club or in a sport. That experience really builds character and helps with teamwork and communication.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  “Follow your dreams.” We hear it all the time. What we don’t say enough is to not give up on your dreams when everything and everyone is against it. Doubt sets and then you start questioning YOUR dreams. So “Follow your dreams” and “Don’t give up on them.” The dream only ends when YOU don’t believe it.

Nick Arb
Guarantee Electrical Company
Vice President, Market Strategy

Where you grew up:  St. Louis – South County

Where you went to school or did technical training:  St. Louis University High and Santa Clara University (Bachelors in Business)

Personal hobbies:  Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Hunting, Cooking, Running and hanging out with my 2 year old.

What do you do in your profession?  My role is to help guide marketing, sales, business development and preconstruction strategy. This boils down to understanding the markets in which we operate, identifying partners who can benefit from our services and delivering exceptional service.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I think I’m living it. I am passionate about St. Louis and seeing my community thrive. I believe that I am helping this area grow in my own way through redevelopment, new construction and sustainability initiatives.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  I didn’t set out to be in this field or set on a specific career path. My advice would be to try many things, invest in yourself and give yourself a diverse background of experiences. This will make you dangerous/valuable. You don’t necessarily have to have a profession that aligns with your passions (that certainly doesn’t hurt). Just set out to be the best at whatever you do.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Don’t take it too seriously. The future will be here before you know it so enjoy the ride.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  I would be happy to connect with anyone looking to explore career paths within the construction industry or who just wants to see what’s out there.

Nickie Kopp
Intelica
Director of Construction Management

Where you grew up:  DeSoto, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Jefferson College

Personal hobbies:  Hiking, Painting, and Reading

What do you do in your profession?  Lead a team of project managers and manage construction projects throughout the country.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I feel I am where I am meant to be now. I would love to work on larger scale commercial construction projects as an advisor for owners to help improve costs and construction schedules.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Never become complacent. Strive to always learn more and stay on top of new and changing protocols/codes/processes.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Never become complacent. Strive to always learn more and stay on top of new and changing protocols/codes/processes.

Nicole Laurain
Hilti
Regional Manager

Where you grew up:  Florissant, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of Toledo

Personal hobbies:  Running, working out, plant enthusiast, crafting

What do you do in your profession?  Support contractors in achieving their goals through Hilti’s innovative solutions and services.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  Any career that allows me to be myself and is a proponent of work/life balance

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Always look for ways you can expand your network.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Say “yes” to all of the opportunities that come your way; no matter how intimidating they might seem.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Don’t EVER let anyone tell you you’re not good enough or that you can’t do something. “When someone says you can’t do something, do it twice and take pictures.” -Anonymous

Paul Heidbreder
McClain Construction
Vice President

Where you grew up:  St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of Missouri – Columbia

Personal hobbies:  Photography, Mosaics, Home Improvements

What do you do in your profession?  Estimating and Project Management

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I enjoy what I have always done in the construction industry. I am glad my career has gone this direction.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Stay engaged in your work and don’t just ‘put the time in’. Stay positive.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Keep your head up and stay confident in yourself. Always remain respectful of others. Don’t assume you know what kind of situation the other person is in or currently dealing with.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  No better career than being involved in the built environment.

Quinton Bellamy
Ameren
Engineering and Construction Supervisor

Where you grew up:  Tallahassee, FL

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Florida A&M University

Personal hobbies:  Weight Lifting, Chess, Golf, Community Service

What do you do in your profession?  Supervise construction job sites, Review and approve design drawings, Manage project schedule and budget, Quality control & quality assurance.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  To manage the engineering and construction of a large skyscraper building in a big city such as Miami or Atlanta.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Always set goals that are challenging but achievable. Never “chase” the money in your career instead seek innovative experiences and the money will come exponentially.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Invest in your long-term goals and success early. Don’t get distracted by peer influences or temporary trends that may derail your success.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Stay hungry and thirsty for personal success but be humble once success has been achieved.

Rachel Boemer
Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI)
Program Director

Where you grew up: South St. Louis County

Where you went to school or did technical training: Lindbergh, MO State, UMSL

Personal hobbies: traveling, coaching sports, reading

What do you do in your profession? I am the director of CCDI which is a nonprofit with a mission of bringing diversity and inclusion to the design and construction industry. I help to facilitate construction education, mentorship, real-world experience, job placement, academic scholarships and to build an awareness of pathways in the construction industry.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? I am living my dream! Prior to taking over the CCDI program, I spent 7 years teaching history and career development in St. Louis Public Schools. I’ve always dreamed of being able to impact my students lives beyond the classroom and now I get to do that in a very big way! My most memorable moment has been surprising a CCDI student with a car!

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Nonprofit management is a unique sector in St. Louis as so many entities work in silos. My advice would be to study the landscape of groups already out there and find ways to partner and support each other, network like crazy along the way (build that LinkedIn page!!), but most importantly be passionate about your mission and wake up every single day ready to break down barriers and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? I would tell my 16 year old self to not live my life on a timeline, to not rush and feel unaccomplished if I didn’t hit a goal by a certain age, that all things happen when they are supposed to and to always search for the meaning behind the lessons we are given.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. “So rather than struggle against time and waste it, let’s dance with time and redeem it, because we don’t live longer when we try not to die, we live longer when we are too busy livin.” –Matthew McConaughey, Greenlights

Rebekah Serna
Green Street Management Group
Commercial Property Manager

Where you grew up: All over (military brat) – Most of high school in Waterloo, IL, but graduated in Naples, Italy

Where you went to school or did technical training: Illinois College (Bachelors in Accounting), UMSL (Bachelors in Early Childhood Education), Webster University (Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language)

Personal hobbies: Reading, playing with daughter, Netflix, singing at church

What do you do in your profession? Everything! 🙂  A lot of project accounting and administration – payment applications, billings, contracts, subcontractor paperwork, process invoices, lien waivers, process employee time sheets and expense reports, executive assistant to Vice President. I am also our on-site IT for easy fix computer issues.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? Counselor. I somewhat fill that role here by being a patient listener helping people talk through project problems and personal issues. In terms of construction, accounting has always been a love of mine, and I love working with contracts and the team to present the numbers in a neat package.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. If you follow the project administrator/account career path, get a comfortable chair! However, don’t let yourself be constricted to that chair. Stand up for yourself to get added to the projects and get out in the field to meet the superintendents, project managers and engineers. Get to know them personally, so when you need an answer, they will get back to you quickly. Be personal and respectful with everyone on your projects.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? It’s okay to make different choices and career paths. You don’t have to be stuck with just one. There are so many choices in construction. I wanted to be an accountant, and I thought I was stuck heading down a CPA path, but when I entered the construction world, there are many different paths I could follow, and even more I can learn outside of accounting.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. Ask a lot of questions and be open to new ideas. Always take every moment as an opportunity to learn or to mentor. You are valuable!

Richard Kinsey
Green Street Building Group
Project Manager

Where you grew up: Arnold, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training: Missouri University of School & Technology

Personal hobbies: Woodworking, grilling/cooking, house renovation

What do you do in your profession? Quarterback and conduit of the work to happen. In between for financial/contract side to the day-to-day operations of the project. A good steward of the project’s goals.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? I love my career! I want to keep following my career path up and get my hands on more of the back end duties going on. Dream task – another large tower job.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Be as versatile as you can while moving up. Wear as many hats as you’re allowed to.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Focus on real world knowledge that you can and learn/do more!

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. It’s ever-growing, and one of the biggest industries affected by the technology boom. It’s a huge part of our day-to-day activities. Construction takes all different kinds of minds.

Robert Grossmann
Murphy Company
Senior Estimator

Where you grew up:  St. Louis Metro – North County and St. Charles County

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Jennings / Wentzville HS; Missouri S&T

Personal Hobbies:  Music, Hiking, Skiing, Photography

What do you do in your profession?  Primarily estimating / sales but also technical assistance for projects. We review drawings, specs, models, and site conditions to come up with cost estimates and prepare proposals for our customers. In addition to my regular job, I am also on the Sheet Metal Contractors (SMACNA) Board and sit on various committees within the local construction industry on behalf of the Sheet Metal Contractors.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I’ve always enjoyed problem solving. Construction offers a pretty steady diet of problems to solve. In commercial construction, we never or rarely build the same thing twice so every project presents it’s own unique set of problems that need to be resolved.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Learn the “why” not just the “how”. When we understand why things are done a certain way or why things work a certain way, we can extend that knowledge to situations that we maybe haven’t experienced before. It’s great to know how to do something but when the conditions change, we may not understand what we need to do differently. Learn to be a problem solver. Understand how to define the problem and determine what information you need to solve the problem. The world will always need problem solvers.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Always do the extra credit. Don’t just do what is asked. Always see if you can do a little extra. The extra is what people will notice and that can be what sets you apart.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Construction offers many great career choices. It nice to be able to drive around and point out projects that you had a hand in. The construction industry needs a wide variety of personality types and training backgrounds. It needs people that are skilled with their hands as well as their minds. It needs engineers, accountants, craftsmen, CAD operators, planners, safety professionals, sales people, quality control professionals, …

Russ Thompson
Negwer Materials
Business Development

Where you grew up:  North County (NoCo. to the locals.)

Where you went to school or did technical training:  UMSL & University of Missouri Columbia

Personal hobbies:  Wine, motorcycles, martial arts, stocks.

What do you do in your profession?  I wear a lot of hats. I do product education and promotion to architects and end users on everything from EIFS, Doors, Steel Truss’ Acoustical Solutions, and more. But to be clear, we have experts in those areas, I just look for the opportunity for our awesome team to provide solutions and win customers for life. I do some field measurements for our door division and am directly responsible for a regional market segment including hospitals, education and others with their own facilities divisions. I am the main contact for our Division 10 products. Together with my wife who is a Negwer Architectural rep, we are involved in many professional organizations.

What is your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  As I approach retirement age, Sommelier. Or teaching young people about compound interest and investing.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Push your comfort zone. Opportunity knocks, but it doesn’t knock on your door. You have to knock on doors to make opportunities. Make an appointment, tell the owner what job in the company you want. Get comfortable speaking in front of people. Ask people about themselves. Sharpen your saw. Listen to motivating professionals on YouTube. Get better, make genuine relationships, solve people’s problems and business follows.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?
The next several years will be hard, but you are going to be fine, dig in, trust yourself. You don’t have to do it all yourself, asking for help isn’t weakness, people want to help. Fun is great, but balance is better. Go to bed, nothing spectacular is going to happen after midnight. And buy those Stevie Ray Vaughan tickets, he won’t be coming back through.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Work to your strengths and let go of what you don’t excel at. Carve your successes in stone in your head and write your failures and mistakes in sand to be washed away by the ocean. Not the other way around.

Samantha Campbell
Clay Piping Systems
Estimator/Piping & Plumbing/PM Trainee

Where you grew up:  East Saint Louis, Illinois

Where you went to school or did technical training:  East Saint Louis Senior High, Ball State University

Personal Hobbies:  Playing volleyball and relaxing outdoors

What do you do in your profession?  Understanding job cost reporting, job tracking and the review of budgets. I follow the process of creating an estimate Sub-contractor management. I physically visit job sites within the COVID -19 allowances. I work to understand Accounts Receivable reports and the collection of funds as well as understanding the itemized cost of labor and overhead. I also keep track of submitted and returned lien waivers for various jobs through Reconcile Vendor statements in the accounting system.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Project Manger/Estimator for a construction firm

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Don’t ever give up, always keep your options open. It may seem like a tough path but it is one that you believe in and must keep going.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Start making connections now. In this industry nothing is ever given to you, you earn it!

Scott Faulkner
Geotechnology, Inc.
Staff Scientist

Where you grew up:  Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Missouri S&T

Personal hobbies:  Hiking, fishing, woodworking, soccer

What do you do in your profession? Environmental sampling of soil and groundwater, and due diligence activities for various projects.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I think I’m still figuring that one out, but it would still be something in a public health-related area.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  This field is constantly changing, so be on the lookout for new opportunities and don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are in the industry.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Start saving for college sooner.

Sean Gabris
Phoenix Solutions
Director of Business Development

Where you grew up:  St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  UMSL

Personal hobbies:  Playing/Watching Soccer (YNWA), STL Craft Beer

What do you do in your profession?  Mitigate IT Risk on End-of-Life Technology, including(but not limited to) Data Destruction, Asset Tracking, Landfill-FREE IT Recycling, Reverse Logistics, and Philanthropic Impact. I connect with IT Professionals and Philanthropic minded C-Suite executives in industries such as construction to form goals for nonprofit contribution through ITAD(IT Asset Disposition) processes. This includes removal of old equipment through a refresh, aging equipment, etc.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  Connecting companies with and helping further Social Impact and Philanthropic Goals for corporations.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Have a heart for making an impact and knowing what you do impacts others for good. Learn to communicate effectively, Immerse yourself in technology and never stop learning.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Start learning sooner, there are opportunities and tools at your disposal that allow you to build your knowledge if you dig deeper than the surface level. There are SO many people out there willing to help young people. Be bold, make the ask, others will see this.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Challenge yourself daily!

Sh’ Kuri Richardson
Show Me Industrial 
Cement Mason Finisher

Where you grew up: St. Louis, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  St. Louis Job Corps Center.

Personal hobbies:  Walking and playing video games.

What do you do in your profession?  I polish and stain epoxy floors for commercial buildings. It is a specialty training that takes a lot of time to learn and you have to have a lot of patience. I also do a lot of grinding of the floor with polishing pads that have a grit of 50, 100, 200, and 400+. These polishing pads can go up to 4,000. Every floor I have completed is different and looks different. The prepping of the floor is the same which is why you have to know your measurements and the amount of material (resin and hardener) that needs to be added to the epoxy floor.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? At first, I wanted to be a firefighter but now I really enjoy what I do. I love that I can walk by and know that I built that. The benefits are amazing and the people I get to meet are amazing.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you:Always stay busy and be prepared to work. At times there is a lot of hard labor and you need to stay focused. Definitely try to learn something each day.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?Don’t worry because it will work itself out.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include:  I would encourage anyone to become a cement mason. It is worth all of the challenges and a good trade to learn.

Sheena Jones
Jarrell Mechanical
Sheet Metal Worker

Where you grew up: St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training: UMSL, technical training at SMART Local 36 JATC

Personal hobbies: Teaching youth how to sew

What do you do in your profession? I install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems on commercial projects. I also work in a fabrication shop from time to time.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?My dream career is one where I am able to own a sheet metal company.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Be persistent in learning. Always have a positive attitude because it will carry you a long way!

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Follow your heart. You are the only guardian of it.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include. I am extremely thankful for the BUD Program and MOWIT for the training and support I have received in my journey as a tradeswoman.

Sondra Rotty
Tarlton Corporation
Vice President, Operations

Where you grew up:  St. Louis (Oakville), MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of MO – Rolla (Missouri S&T)

Personal hobbies:  Learning, Reading, Running

What do you do in your profession?  My main duties include supporting our teams as they build great projects for great people while solving complicated problems. Additionally, I work on a team who develops strategy for the company as we continue to evolve to adapt to the social, physical, and economic conditions of our community, hoping to help make it better. To get here, though, I spent 15 years as a project engineer and manager.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I am fortunate to be living a bit of a dream. While construction is hard, it’s amazing to know the impact it has on our community. I have gotten to build some pretty awesome projects for some of the greatest institutions in the St. Louis region, and it’s hard to top that.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  As my parents taught me, hard work is never wasted. No matter where you are starting, work hard and be open-minded to advice and direction provided by your peers and those with more experience. St. Louis’ depth of skilled tradespeople is a resource any emerging builder can tap for knowledge, if you are willing to listen.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Be comfortable not knowing; take advantage of as many free educational opportunities as you can possibly fit into your schedule; by your mid-30s, you will look back at these struggles and appreciate them for the character they will bring you; cut out toxicity, as it doesn’t help either party; sit up straight and eat your vegetables.

Stephanie Guion
S. M. Wilson & Co.
Special Projects and Warranty Coordinator

Where you grew up:  Fenton, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  SIU- Edwardsville

Personal hobbies:  I like to read and have taken up gardening.

What do you do in your profession?  I handle all the warranty claims on completed projects for the duration of the warranty period. I am also the Project Assistant for our Special Projects group so I work on contracts, change orders, and billing for our projects that are 3 million and under.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  My dream career would be to own my own banquet hall and help people plan special events.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Be persistent in what you want, be sure to observe and learn from others and soak up as much knowledge from others as you can. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. If you do not know always ask someone is always willing to share their knowledge.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Don’t ever give up, keep moving forward and take it a day at a time. You can do anything you want in this life.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  I have been in the Construction industry for over 20 years and being a woman is this industry has given me great confidence to know that I can do anything I put my mind to. When I started it was very unusual to see a woman as a project manager on a job site and to get a lot of push back from other people in the industry but if you know your stuff you can do anything.

Susan Bowen
Rosemann & Associates Multifamily Architecture
Director of Business Development

Where you grew up:  Kansas City/Jefferson City, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  University of Missouri – Columbia

Personal hobbies:  Baking; Golf (though not very good!); raising 2 sons; entertaining friends

What do you do in your profession?  Connecting people in the AEC/CRE industries with each other; finding sites for developer clients; connecting clients with our architecture firm; Client Relations/Business Development

What is your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  Develop Workforce & Affordable Housing in communities in need. (single-mom housing)

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Be a trustworthy client advocate and communicate well. Always see the positive in any situation! Learn every aspect of the AEC/CRE industry as Business Development ties them all together.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Do not stress — everything ALWAYS works out! Learn from all experiences.

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  Thank you for recognizing the amazing women in this industry. Wonderful to see the % of women growing each year. (and noticeable success of the industry as a whole because of the increase of women handling projects).

Taylor Lammert
Green Street Real Estate Ventures
Marketing Designer

Where you grew up: St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training: Webster University

Personal hobbies: Art & photography, walking & hiking, and camping

What do you do in your profession? I assist with daily administrative activities, including marketing, accounting, and report development.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? I enjoy the work that I do now. I get to work on a little bit of everything from accounting and technical writing to marketing and design. My dream is to progress to a management and leadership position in the future.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to ask questions. Being able to multi-task is important too. It is better to thoroughly understand what is expected from you rather than assume that you are doing a task correctly.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Strive for things that scare you or seem difficult to achieve. It is important to experience new things that are out of your usual comfort zone. You will surprise yourself if you just take a leap of faith.

Terry Crotty
Oakline Studio
Director of Interior Design

Where you grew up:  St. Louis, MO

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Mississippi University for Women

Personal hobbies:  Home Projects, Gardening, and Reading

What do you do in your profession?  Commercial Interior Design

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  I am living my dream career in commercial design. I like every aspect of projects from initial concept to drawings that tell the contractor what to build to seeing the project complete.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  You need to be passionate to be successful.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  You need to be passionate to be successful.

Thomas Auer
Oakline Studio
Carpenter (Commercial)

Where you grew up:  Cleveland, Ohio & Youngstown, Ohio

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Ohio State and University of Texas

Personal hobbies:  Woodworking, Travel, and Hiking

What do you do in your profession?  Architect

What is your dream career and dream task to work on?  Being an architect – my dream since I was 12.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Go for it!

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Don’t buy that Camero Z28!

Any other comments or information that you would like to include.  No better career than being involved in the built environment.

Tiffany Jones
IBEW Local Union One
Journey Tech, Communication

Where you grew up: St. Louis

Where you went to school or did technical training: SEMO

Personal hobbies: Puzzles, binge watching shows, anything

What do you do in your profession? Shipping, receiving as a material handler. In 2015, I was an inside apprentice, changed classification to telecom tech apprentice in 2017/2018, then changed classification again to material handler in 2021.

What is your dream career and dream task to work on? I never had a dream career. I just want to get paid enough to enjoy the activities after work.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you. Everything is entry level, so you’ll learn everything on the job. Just be prepared to learn a lot of things at one time.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be? Join the union as soon as you graduate. College and military are not your only options after high school.

TiMyra Granger
L. Keeley Construction
Cement Mason Finisher

Where you grew up:St. Louis, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  I went to North Technical High School and Cement Masons Apprenticeship Program.

Personal hobbies:  I enjoy walking and spending time with my little sister.

What do you do in your profession? A concrete truck pulls up to the job site and my co-workers and I receive the pour and flatten the concrete in the space. We then “finish it”.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? I originally wanted to be a teacher. I got involved in the trades through high school and now, I am actually doing my dream job.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.Working in the trades is hard on your body, so take care of it from the start. Always keep your personal business separate from your work setting. And, remember that confidence is the key to your success. Find someone that will encourage you to be the best you can be.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?My advice would be to never give up and make sure that whatever you set out to accomplish you enjoy what you do.

Trish Hamm
Intertek- PSI
Business Development Manager

Where you grew up:  St. Charles county

Where you went to school or did technical training:  UMSL

Personal hobbies:  Boating

What do you do in your profession?  Marketing and business development for an engineering consulting firm

What is your dream career and dream tasks to work on?  Events

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.  Have a lot of energy and don’t be afraid to talk to people or ask questions.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?  Don’t be so hard on yourself

Zach Perkins
Karrenbrock Construction
Cement Mason Finisher

Where you grew up:Old Monroe, Missouri

Where you went to school or did technical training:  Winfield High School then Cement Masons Apprenticeship program.

Personal hobbies:  I work a lot.

What do you do in your profession?  I do the finishing on the surface of concrete for commercial jobs.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on? I would like to one day own my own business.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you: Start your exposure and fact-finding of jobs in the trades as soon as possible. Keep your head down and just do your job. Be prepared to work hard.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?I would recommend working in a field where you can gain experience during high school then continue right out of high school. A job working with my hands and as a team would have been a great place to get exposure to the trades. If I knew earlier that I would have loved it this much, I would have already completed the apprenticeship program and earned more money.