The Director of Business Development talks about the power of family, the promise of work and why it is important to document every step of your journey.
What’s the most cherished item in your office?
A picture of my Dad. He was the greatest man on earth in my eyes. He passed away in November 2019.
What’s your favorite time to get things done?
Early in the morning and at 3 p.m. I don’t like having a to-do list. All things pressing are done before day’s end.
What’s the soundtrack that plays in the background of your office?
Anything 70’s.
Name the band you cannot take off your playlist.
Journey.
What does a typical workday look like?
Respond/follow up on emails sent out prior week. Follow up with the bid coordinator on current bids in house and with prospects on bid responses. Check on local conferences and events. Schedule coffee/lunch/call with three new prospects. Follow up on prospect list from conferences attended. Review periodicals/social media/local planning board, and any other news to search new and upcoming developments. Lastly, my daily BD calls with Jerry to collaborate.
What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on a job site?
With my previous company, I jumped in a track hoe with stilettos on, dug a hole and drove it off the site.
What are you binge watching right now?
I just finished “Pain Hustlers.” It’s mind boggling to learn that those who are meant to cure us were creating illness and killing.
What was the coolest and most meaningful thing you have done since the pandemic?
I went to a women’s religious retreat.
What has this experience taught you?
Be mindful and careful of others’ hearts. We don’t know what’s going on in their lives. Be kind every chance you get. I spent two days with women from all over the world in positions of high power and some who lived in cars with their children. Upon meeting them, they were any other women I would meet in my life every day. By the end of my retreat, they were so much more to me. They looked different. They filled my heart and their stories remain with me.
If you knew what was going to happen, what would you have done differently?
Spend more time with my Dad and my older relatives who were alive.
Favorite comfort food?
Polenta with red beans and sauce (the poor”man’s” lasagna) in Napoli.
Best advice you ever received?
When it comes to business, it was from my husband. He has been in his business for more than 35 years and has had customers for 35-plus years. If mistakes happen—and they will—own them. No excuses. The difference is in how you handle the recovery/repair.
Biggest influence in your life?
My Dad. I’m a first generation Italian American. Like most immigrants, my parents did all they could to give my siblings and me a better life. Education was No. 1. He wanted to make sure our vocabulary was stronger and better than his broken English. He felt his lack of the language prevented him from having the confidence to have all the advantages to further his American dream. My father believed if you are educated, healthy, strong and keep close family ties, you’ll always have the advantage and be rich in many ways.
What trait do you most admire?
Honesty, integrity and confidence. These three come together. I feel that in business development, I have to be honest in what I’m selling to our client and follow through with what we’re promising and contracted to do. This gives me every bit of confidence to go out and represent Gerard Construction Corp. wherever I go.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You’re better than you think. Accept nothing but the best and you’ll never be disappointed.
I was proud to be first generation educated and was equally proud to be contributing to our family as a young working mom. I was frowned upon by some of my old school family members for not staying home to raise my children. It was my husband who encouraged me and gave me the confidence to rise above the noise, and to be and do whatever is best for our family.
What are you doing these days that is fun?
Travel as often as possible and spend as much time with my husband, Pino. We are now celebrating 30 years of marriage. We have two amazing children, Maria, 25, and Pino 27. Just remember to take lots of pictures so that you can look back and smile again and again. Try to enjoy sunrises and sunsets more than ever.
