The president of Marquis Projects and long-time commercial construction executive dishes on being a tomboy, dreaming of being Wonder Woman, and why Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra should be on your playlist.
What does your work day look like today?
A morning FaceTime touching base on all projects with one key client, followed by my daughter’s class Zoom call. Balancing my work, my husband’s schedule and my daughter’s school has been a challenge. I have calls and emails sprinkled throughout the day, often shifting my more detailed work to the evening.
What is your most cherished possession in your home office?
I don’t have a home office—just my laptop, notebook and phone. I always work from home or the road, so I don’t need a lot, just strong Wi-Fi.
How are you staying connected with your team? Customers?
I spend a lot of time calling and connecting with my network, checking in on people. FaceTime and Zoom have been great. It’s nice to see people smiling laughing.
Tell us something people would find surprising about you?
I’m a total tomboy, playing every sport imaginable—golf, curling, football, snowboarding, tennis, softball, etc.
Who were your role models growing up?
I remember wanting to be Wonder Woman so badly. I swore my kindergarten teacher, complete with flowing dark hair and red earrings, was Wonder Woman. I loved how tough and beautiful she was. The invisible jet didn’t hurt either.
Name the band you cannot take off your playlist.
Tough one: I flip flop from retro hip hop like Ice Cube and Biggie Small, to classics like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
What is the coolest thing you have binged watched lately?
“Westworld.” I love Sci-fi
What is the craziest thing that ever happened to you on a job site?
Not really on, but I’ve had some wild delivery mishaps. A ship capsized, train derailed, and a driver had his truck impounded and received a DUI. Thankfully that has been spread out over my career, not one project.
Biggest influence on your life?
My dad, for being a free spirit and being my coach through all of my sports.
Best advice you ever received?
Put myself first—work on my happiness, my education, my health, my well-being. Being my best self allows me to shine for everyone around me.
What trait do you most admire?
Authenticity. Real connection is something you can feel.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be true to yourself, don’t settle. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
Have you tried the virtual happy hour yet?
Yes. It has been a great way to have a laugh with some colleagues and friends. We’ve even had some formal ones.
What is the first thing you are going to do when you are able to get back to some sense of normalcy?
Travel, maybe the salon first.
