2022 Ones to Watch: Brenda Laurenza, President at Bald Hill Builders

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? The accomplishment I’m really proud of is that in this last year we hired 14 people, which is a great sign of growth. This increases our overall employee count to 31. When I can hire a person and give an individual an opportunity, it’s very rewarding and gives me drive to keep growing. We have had some great projects this last year which have fueled our growth.

What does it take to succeed in your specific industry? Collaboration is important. Also, make sure you “do the homework.” This is not a 9 to 5 business. To succeed, you have to be focused and driven. There are so many details throughout each day that can be distracting. Remember to focus on the client, the project and the industry. We’ve had to deal with supply chain issues and increases in prices, so we need to be very client-focused and flexible, to find solutions to these new challenges.

What led you to your current profession? My father, who was born in Italy, had his own tile business. As a youngster, I used to go to work with him during the summer and I got to see what running a business was like firsthand. I learned from my parents that you can live the dream. If you work hard, you’ll reap the benefits. Though they initially tried to steer me more toward interior design, and I did take a course in it in college, I found I liked the actual construction industry more. I like to see buildings come together!

What are the top 3 items on your bucket list?

1. I love traveling! I’d like to travel the world
2. I’d like to see the Women’s Cup
3. Renovate the castle in my mother’s hometown in Italy (Vairano Pacenorali, in the province of Caserta)

What are you doing when you aren’t working? I like playing soccer and many other outdoor activities – gardening, biking, hiking, and kayaking.