Women in Construction Week (March 5–11) is dedicated to recognizing the impact of women in what has historically been one of the most male-dominated fields in the U.S. WIC Week is both a celebration, as the number of women in the field continues to grow, as well as a networking opportunity for those interested in finding their role within the industry.
To recognize as many women as possible, REjournals has decided to start early. Here’s a look at the career of Gina Bertolini, CFO of Nicholas & Associates, Wingspan Development Group, Architectural Door Solutions, Nicholas Sportsplex and Big Fish Hospitality.
How did you get your start in the construction industry?
Gina Bertolini: I was raised in the construction industry. My father started Nicholas & Associates back in 1978. My very first job within the industry was folding timecards and stuffing payroll envelopes. Growing up alongside my family business I was exposed to nearly every aspect of construction in some way, shape or form. I always found myself gravitating towards three things within the built environment industry—the numbers, the people and the design. I had a strong passion for organization, process and getting the job done.
Describe a typical day on the job.
Bertolini: As the CFO of a family of companies, no two days are the same. My days are filled with deep dives into all aspects of the business, spanning everything from preparing balance sheets to picking fixtures for our development projects. I am as hands-on as they come and work with every department at some level above and beyond a purely financial role. I have an open-door policy and welcome collaboration on every level. These companies are my family’s namesake and reputation…guiding the vision alongside our team members is so very important to me.
What hurdles do you face working in a career still largely dominated by men? How do you overcome these hurdles?
Bertolini: While the construction and real estate worlds are still largely dominated by men, I feel the road continues to get paved by successful women. Truthfully, I don’t view any of the challenges that I face as hurdles because I’m a woman—perhaps that is largely due to growing up with all brothers and running our family of companies as true partners. I’ve been surrounded by strong male figures my entire life and learned how to hold my own early-on from them, not in spite of them. They were role models to me, especially my father, whose mentality and perspective I emulate. My approach to the construction industry is simple—listen, do what you say you’re going to do and treat people right. Respect is earned by doing these things, no matter if you are male or female.
What’s been your favorite project and why?
Bertolini: While it’s nearly impossible to pick just one project, I would have to say the Mount Prospect Ice Arena, the keystone to the Nicholas Sportsplex in Mount Prospect, Illinois. This was one of the last projects I worked on side-by-side with my father, and one which we as a family still hold close to our hearts. We converted a 70,000-square-foot credit card processing center into a twin sheet ice facility in just six months. Pulling together the financing, design, construction and operational aspects of this facility was filled with many firsts and many more unknowns, but we came together as a family, and as a company made it a success despite the naysayers. Failure was not an option. We didn’t cut any corners and pride ourselves on continuing to invest back into the facility. This project has morphed into a true community hub and has earned its mark as one of the nicest ice arenas in Illinois. It has since grown into a 104,000-square-foot three-sheet facility with a number of other public recreational draws, including: 59,000 square feet of outdoor synthetic turf, a synthetic ice rink for the littles, a sports development center, an onsite school for the North Shore Hockey Development Academy, a pro shop and a restaurant and tavern.
What do you like most about your job?
Bertolini: THE PEOPLE. It’s all about relationships. There is nothing more fulfilling than getting to work alongside people you enjoy.
How has the participation of women in construction changed over the years and where do you see it heading?
Bertolini: The construction industry has evolved from one of back-breaking labor to one that is extremely complex and interwoven with a number of tangent industries. There are different delivery models, expectations from clients and partnerships that are required to be successful in today’s market. With that, I see the participation of women in construction continuing to grow in both numbers and roles. Every industry has its nuances and challenges. For construction, we as strong women can choose to focus on them, or we can roll up our sleeves and earn our place.
What advice would you give to other women interested in entering the field?
Bertolini: My advice is to find the area of construction that excites you, as there are a number of facets to explore. Then work hard, ask questions and surround yourself with good people. If you do those things everything else will fall into place. And if it doesn’t—pivot and try again. Persistence never fails.
