Women in Construction Week: Emily Schneider

Emily Schneider, Director of Business Development and Marketing

 

A consistent theme emerged from these conversations with the women of Pence. Many of them had an early interest in taking plans or concepts and turning them into something tangible. From Lego sets to 4H sewing classes, the desire to bring things to life unites the women (and likely men) of construction.

 

“My Dad taught us how to do literally everything and to not approach a task like, ‘that is scary; I don’t know how to do that.’”

 

The same goes for Director of Business Development and Marketing, Emily Schneider. Emily’s early interest in building model Ferraris was encouraged by her parents and is perhaps an early indicator of her future in construction. “Every year my Dad would get me a new model Ferrari,” she said. “I got such a kick out of putting it together and making something whole that I could see and feel. Plus, I love cars.”

 

Emily says any woman who finds satisfaction in bringing things from ideas to fruition should consider a career in construction. “It is so neat to be able to drive around town and see your company’s buildings and know something about how it happened and your part in it,” she said. “If you like plans and seeing something come to life, this is one of the few industries where the final product is a physical thing you can walk through. It is really special.”

 

“It is a great work environment for women—quite different from what most women might think. There are so many pieces of construction, it isn’t limited to any one idea of what construction means. Accounting, project management, marketing, human resources—there are options.”

 

Anyone who meets Emily knows she does not lack confidence in her work. She says her Dad played an integral role in bringing her up to know that she could do anything she wanted. “My Dad always told my sisters and me, ‘Look at your mother, she is the epitome of a lady and at the same time she can outwork any man.’ He taught us how to do literally everything and to not approach a task like, ‘that is scary; I don’t know how to do that.’”

 

Emily has worked in construction for nearly 15 years and has seen a change in the number of women in the industry. As the market continues to thrive, construction in its many forms is a viable option for working moms.  “If you have a family to support, this industry gives you the means to be able to do that,” she said. “It is a great work environment for women—quite different from what most women might think. There are so many pieces of construction, it isn’t limited to any one idea of what construction means. Accounting, project management, marketing, human resources—there are options.”

 

“I like what women bring to the table,” she said. “We bring a unique perspective to the industry. I brought an understanding of branding and how important that is. Some women have a better read on people and a high emotional intelligence. That can be a huge help when trying to complete a project with clients and architects and stakeholders.”

 

Much like Star Morris, Emily sees an industry with people who will to share their expertise and work with others to grow smart, talented people no matter their gender or background. “Something that women should realize or that might surprise them is that there is a real willingness, if we want to know how things are constructed or be a part of that process, there are people who will teach things to the person in front of them.” No matter their gender.