2019 Women in Construction: Alison Jewett, General Manager at Jewett Construction Company, LLC

How many years have you been in your current field? 27

Which project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? It was exactly ten years ago when I was the assistant project manager for two difficult projects (same owner) that were starting to go sour. Relationships were deteriorating and the schedule was behind. I stepped up and ran the jobs with a sense of urgency and importance, relentless positivity and no-nonsense communication which kicked the projects back into gear and finished on time.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job out of high school was working for a utility contractor as an administrative assistant. The company was a small, family-run business at the time. I learned so many things – how bidding worked, estimating, construction terminology, software, basic project management and every day small business practices. 

What are you doing differently in 2019 that has had a positive impact on your career? Empowering people and getting out of their way so they can do their jobs.

What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? My biggest issue as a young person in this industry was that people wouldn’t take me seriously. I had a lack of confidence and worried about making mistakes or saying the wrong thing. Ultimately through the years I paid attention, learned everything I could, and worked my way up from a small home-business office to now co-owning and managing a large commercial construction company with approximately 37 team members. It wasn’t easy, but it has been exciting and rewarding. I learned a great many things over the years, and my biggest take-away for other young women in the construction industry is to be strong, smart and have a sense of humor.