Jacqueline Rose

Title: Operations

Company, City: Armor Masonry Restoration Inc, Langhorne PA

Years in field: 4

Education: Bloomsburg University of PA

Career Journey & Insights:

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?

Armor was formed when I was a senior in high school, which meant that I was exposed to the construction industry at a fairly young and impressionable age. Witnessing the pride that my family took in restoring and preserving such noteworthy and significant buildings in the city that I was born and raised in sealed the deal for me. This was a legacy that I knew I had to be a part of. However, for the first 5 years after college, I decided to work for a financial institution to get real world experience outside of the classroom. I ultimately made the shift over to construction during the pandemic.

How has the construction industry changed since you started your career, and how have you adapted?

The construction industry as a whole has undergone significant changes in the last few years. I started mid-pandemic, which made day-to-day operations very challenging. Learning to adapt is crucial in any field, but I think flexibility is a major key to being successful here. As a subcontractor, I’ve learned that communication can go a long way for all parties involved. Being understanding when it comes to schedule disruptions, longer lead times, material delays, and last-minute job changes can be tough, but as long as there’s an open line of communication, it is manageable.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far?

Working alongside family has been very fulfilling for me thus far. We’re not just building our backlog; we are building our future together. There is also a built-in foundation of trust and shared values that you don’t typically get in most employer settings. Learning and growing alongside my dad, my uncle, cousins, and Connie has been one of my favorite parts of my career here. There are pros and cons to working at any company— but I think for us, the family dynamic is a major “pro.”

What unique challenge do you face in your role, and how do you overcome it?

One of the unique challenges that comes to mind for me is working with family. It can be hard to “leave work at work” when you work with parents, siblings, etc. Having a clear chain of command, as well as daily/weekly check-ins to discuss work related projects definitely helps. Considering that there are some generational differences between family that might not be typical in other settings, we all understand that there is always a respectful way to bring fresh ideas to the table. Brainstorming and working together is extremely beneficial, allowing us to learn a lot from different perspectives. On the flip side—working with family can make those wins even more meaningful for our team. Communicating openly and respecting the business structure is always a top priority.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the construction industry?

1. Do not be afraid to speak up and ask questions! Construction (especially as a young woman) can be very intimidating, but you will never learn if you don’t ask. There is truly no dumb question in this field.

2. Get involved in as many organizations and events as possible, get your name out there, and make those connections! You never know where they could take you.

3. Be teachable… No one expects you to know everything.

Leadership & Personal Development:

What leadership principles guide you in your professional life?

Lead by example. Be accountable, timely, and specific. Plan ahead but stay flexible. Own your mistakes, and don’t ever be afraid to ask for help!

How has being part of the CLC contributed to your personal and professional growth?

Being a part of the CLC has given me the opportunity to form countless friendships over the years. I also met my (almost!) husband through the GBCA/CLC events. I am very fortunate to have created such deep and meaningful relationships that have not only supported me, but propelled me deeper into my career, providing me with the tools for success in this industry. The CLC is such a tightknit group of individuals who undoubtedly go out of their way to look after each other and lift each other up— both on and off the jobsite.

What’s a recent accomplishment or skill you’ve developed that you’re proud of?

I recently ran the Philadelphia Half Marathon, which was a bucket list item for me. I trained for around four months in order to be prepared for such an event. Like all construction projects, this required prioritization, discipline, as well as planning ahead to stay on track. It was the ultimate test of managing time effectively and maintaining a schedule while balancing other responsibilities.

How do you stay motivated and inspire those around you?

Keeping a positive attitude and outlook is something I always strive to do. In such an unpredictable and high stress environment, it is easy to get bogged down with negatives. Celebrating small wins and staying connected with your team really helps to keep everyone motivated and on track.

What qualities do you think are most important for the next generation of construction leaders?

First and foremost—respect. I think the next generation of leaders require a basic understanding of respect. We were taught to treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO. From apprentice to architect—we need to treat everyone like their thoughts and opinions matter. Promoting a workplace culture of inclusivity should be done subconsciously. Continuing education is important as well. Technology is rapidly advancing and that is something that requires patience and consistency. I also think emotional intelligence is important. Putting ego aside, knowing when to push or pause, while staying calm and building trust through empathy is definitely something I believe is needed in the next generation of leaders.

Involvement with CLC & GBCA:

What’s your favorite CLC event or initiative, and why?

My favorite CLC event is the Preston & Steve Campout for Hunger that usually falls mid-November. Each CLC member and their respected employers collect donation items in their offices that we then donate to Philabundance. CLC usually meets early in the morning down at the stadium and then processes through the “camp out” line to donate the items. We then have the opportunity to go inside for a live broadcast with WMMR. This is a very heartwarming event leading up to the holiday season. For me, being able to give back in the local communities that we are working in every day is deeply rewarding.

How has participating in CLC activities impacted your career?

Aside from making so many friends and new connections, the CLC events have given me the confidence and ability to put myself out there. Sharing new ideas can be quite unnerving, especially when you’re still newer to the industry, but the CLC events give the younger crowd the tools to navigate what can be a very daunting field!

What makes GBCA membership valuable to you?

The abundance of different events throughout the year makes it so that if you miss one dinner or meeting, you can catch up with your connections at the next. It’s also so refreshing to converse with people who truly understand your day-to-day operations and understand, on a professional level, what we go through in the construction industry.