One of our outstanding team members, Kaci Williams, serves as a Project Manager. She leads multiple projects from conception to completion. Her experience, leadership, and passion for the industry are inspiring. That’s why we’re excited to share her story in this exclusive interview.

Currently, I am a Design and Project Manager overseeing five or more projects at a time from conception to completion. Once a client hires us for a project, I begin working with the client on solidifying the contract and understanding their design needs. When the design criteria are laid out, I begin working with engineers through the design development phase, making sure all design needs are met. Also, I work with the local jurisdictions to obtain permits and identify/meet their needs in design and construction for inspection purposes. Once the client signs off on the design, my role switches to preconstruction, which includes bidding out to subcontractors, procuring equipment, and pushing towards construction. Then, when the project begins construction, I oversee ET’s Project Superintendent to ensure all safety is in place first and foremost and that he/she has all necessary information and is supported throughout the project. During construction, I also oversee the budget, invoicing, RFIs, submittals, contracts, and more while communicating ongoing efforts with the client, ensuring their needs are being met.

With ET, I typically work on compressed natural gas (CNG) projects, building facility upgrades/additions, and renewable natural gas (RNG) projects. Prior to joining ET, I also worked on convenience stores, urgent care facilities, residential homes, and much more.

I grew up around construction. My grandfather, who had a huge part in raising me, had his own construction company. Growing up, I always worked alongside him to earn money. Every summer I would work with him doing demo, hanging sheetrock, framing, and much more. Ultimately, my knowledge in construction led me to a commercial construction company where I learned a lot. I then decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Construction Management and continued to grow my career from there. There are so many opportunities within construction such as different markets and clients. The overall love of real estate and development grew for me. I obtained my national general contractors license, which allows me to operate as a contractor in 15 states.

I love taking advantage of the opportunities and can continue to learn and grow since the market is so large and diverse. Every construction project is different so there is an opportunity to learn daily and I love to gain knowledge. Also, day-to-day operations in construction are never repetitive so the work keeps you on your toes, which I love. There is no room to become stagnant in this work. I love sharpening my communication and problem solving skills.

My advice would be to go for it and break the glass ceiling. There is room for women in the industry and reaking those barriers allows opportunities for women in future generations. This ultimately leaves a positive impact on the world by diversifying the workforce in the industry. Of course, there will be deterrents along the way. However, you should always persevere, ask questions (knowledge is power), build your confidence, and know that you can do anything you set your mind to.

The involvement of women in construction makes a positive impact by breaking traditional norms/stereotypes, changing the perception that women can’t be in construction, and allowing opportunities for the next generation of women which in my opinion is the most important. I strive in life to operate in a way to change the world for future women, especially since I have a daughter. I don’t want her to be told she can’t do something because she is a woman as I strongly believe you can do anything you set your mind to. It’s important for women to continue to press forward in the world, shatter those glass ceilings, go for whatever they want, and never be limited simply for being a woman.

Women like Kaci are paving the way for the next generation of women in construction. Their hard work, leadership, and dedication not only strengthen the projects they work on but also open doors for others to follow in their footsteps.

At ET Design-Build, we are proud to support and celebrate the contributions of all the women who make our company thrive. We believe in championing and supporting women in our industry year-round.

To all the women in construction, thank you for building a better future. Keep breaking barriers, pushing limits, and inspiring those who will come after you!