Kelsey Greco-Phelps Superintendent | Shook Construction Company

What has been influential in my career is the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with. The client, jobsite, skilled trades, and design partners change from job to job, so you truly get to meet, learn from, and help a variety of people. It’s inspiring to not only be able to build and create something new, but to help those around the community and build something that helps improve the life of someone else. 

For my first job in construction, I was a co-op working on creating a new highway and bridge addition and connection. My job was to assist the Superintendent of the job, mostly with paperwork, but to shadow him and learn about the industry. I think this really shaped my career because I developed a passion for field operations. From helping solve issues on site, to figuring out complex schedules and logistics, and working with our skilled trades. From here I began my journey to become a Superintendent to lead my own jobsite. 

I think a common misconception about women in construction is that they need to be tough or masculine or change behavior to fit in. I don’t agree with this. To truly succeed in the industry, you need to be your authentic self, have a strong work ethic, respect others, and have a positive attitude towards quality and safety. The work is tough and there are times you need to have thick skin, but everyone can bring in new and different perspectives to make a project not only a success but fun to be a part of.   

The biggest strength women bring is a new perspective into the construction industry. Anyone outside the norm can. With our work being difficult and dangerous, that fresh perspective can really shape the next generation of the construction industry. I believe women can bring balance and growth to the industry and improve the standard and quality of how we build the job. 

I always tell women that are considering careers in construction to go for it and explore aspects of construction in which they are interested. There are so many options and different career paths within the industry where any individual can thrive and benefit from the rewards. If they are willing to ask questions, learn, and work hard, they will excel in this industry.