To celebrate Women’s History Month, Illinois Real Estate Journal has profiled several women who have built thriving careers in commercial real estate. Today, as the month draws to a close, we look at the career of Lauren Martin, senior manager of quality with Chicago’s Leopardo Construction.
What led you to pursue a career in construction?
Laruen Martin: As a child, I was always playing with Legos and Knex. I loved the built environment from an early age and was bound to build my career in construction.
What challenges have you faced in building a career in a male-dominated industry like construction?
Martin: Early on in my career, I think people I assumed that I didn’t understand what was going on.
Have you noticed an increase in the number of women entering the construction industry? If so, why do you think that is?
Martin: Absolutely. About eight years into my career, I was finally put on a project with other women and the whole game changed for me. I no longer felt as isolated, and we were able to lean on each other for support. Representation matters. When women see others out there we are encouraged to keep going. Leopardo has made an intentional effort to recruit women in construction and I see them at all levels of the organization – from project engineers to senior vice presidents.
When I am out in the field, I am excited to see women in the trades. They are doing so much to push us forward.
What do you find most fulfilling about working in the construction industry?
Martin: I am so proud to be able to say, “I helped make that happen.” It’s very rewarding to have a tangible outcome to your work. The projects we build people use and exist in every day.
I’ve had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with really interesting people from all over the country and in all different fields, doctors and nurses in healthcare, public workers with our corporate community group and scientists in our lab, life science and manufacturing group.
What advice do you have for other women interested in pursuing a career in construction?
Martin: Find the people who are going to support and lift you up and stick with them The people who don’t are not worth your time.
Understand that the reality is that this is a tough industry. If you like a challenge, it is totally worth it. You must want to be a part of the bigger picture to make it worth it.
