2019 Women in Construction: Jane Kaplan Peck, Chief Operating Officer at Kaplan Construction

How many years have you been in your current field? 17

What motivated you to step out on your own? My “stepping out” arose naturally. Following a management transition in 2014, control and ownership of Kaplan Construction was transferred to me and my husband. As a Kaplan who grew up in the construction industry with a life-long interest in the family business, it made sense for me to lead the next generation of the firm. So, we decided to become women-owned. Same core values; fresh perspective. 

What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? Who was it from? From my mother: be humble and self-aware and accept that you cannot be an expert in everything. Don’t be afraid to take guidance and advice from the outside and build your network accordingly!

What project, transaction, honor or accomplishment are you most proud of? My efforts and returns as certified WBE. It is gratifying to be a part of one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors and having the WBE designation has opened up new channels of opportunity, particularly in the nonprofit world, that we otherwise might not have seen. On a personal level, I am fulfilled by my work serving as a board member for the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. My biggest accomplishment there was co-chairing a recent fundraising gala and helping raise $373,000 for children’s mental health needs, a matter that is very personal and important to me.