What inspired you to start your firm, and how has your vision evolved over the years? I founded Jacqueline Electric and Contracting, Inc. (JEC) in 2010 as a master electrician with nearly 40 years of experience. My inspiration came from my father – spending time with him on job sites from the age of seven sparked my passion for the trade. As one of thirteen children, it was our way of bonding, and it laid the groundwork for my career. I worked my way up to Vice President and equity partner, but I knew I had more to offer. I wanted to challenge myself further and create a space for a woman-owned business (WBE) in a male-dominated industry. Today, I’m proud to lead a company that includes both my daughter and son, continuing the legacy and teaching them the ropes just as my father once did.

What has been the most rewarding project or deal in your career, and what made it stand out? The high-rise Cosmopolitan project in Boston has been the most rewarding of my career. At the time, it was our largest contract and a major milestone for my growing company. A former Catholic church from the 1850s was converted into six floors of luxury apartments and townhouses. Witnessing that transformation left a lasting impact on me. What made it truly special was solving a major challenge: the owner was told it was impossible to get power to the third floor. Drawing on my engineering background, I redesigned the distribution system and proposed a solution that worked. That sense of accomplishment – knowing we overcame the “impossible” – spread across our entire team. We delivered the project beautifully, on time and under budget.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success at your firm? Success at Team JEC requires professionalism, technical expertise, strong communication skills, and flexibility. We operate with a strong sense of family, and I know my team depends on me – not just for their own success, but for the well-being of their families. That shared responsibility is something we all carry. Everyone understands that how we present ourselves and our work directly impacts our clients, our company, and each other. In this competitive industry, the lowest bid shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. Reputation matters. Every member of our team plays a role in building that reputation – on job sites, with clients, vendors, and fellow contractors. That pride and accountability are what set us apart.

What advice would you offer to women who aspire to lead and succeed in your field? My advice is to lean into your expertise, stay committed to quality and ethics, and seek out – or create – environments that value inclusion, like ours, which is WBE certified. This industry can be unpredictable, so flexibility and diversification are key. Markets shift, challenges arise, and when they do, don’t hesitate to put your tools back on, get out in the field, and understand what went wrong. Be ready to rebuild if necessary, and never let setbacks define you. Resilience, grit, and a willingness to keep learning will carry you forward. Surround yourself with capable people who help you grow – and grow alongside you. Most importantly, know that you belong here, and your leadership has the power to open doors for others.

What has been one of the biggest challenges running your firm, and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was market saturation. When I launched JEC in 2010, I had a solid reputation in the industry, but transitioning from a respected individual to a trusted business owner meant I had to prove myself all over again. I focused on building a team grounded in trust, collaboration, and a strong sense of family. Over time, that foundation has helped us stand out. Our clients know that even in a crowded and competitive market, JEC will run lean, minimize overhead, and deliver smart, efficient solutions. We use our experience to offer not just answers, but alternative approaches that support our clients’ success and that’s what keeps them coming back. 

What trends or challenges are you seeing in the NE CRE market, and how are you adapting? High interest rates, tariffs, and the rising cost of materials have definitely made things tighter. A lot of owners are waiting for the market to settle. To adapt, I’ve doubled down on relationships, staying connected, networking, and looking for new clients who need more than just a low number. With my engineering background and a solid, dependable team, we focus on value engineering: finding smart ways to balance cost, performance, and timelines. We prefab in-house to save time on site and keep costs down. Knowing the code inside and out helps us offer real alternatives that cut owner expenses without cutting corners. It’s all about being resourceful and finding ways to deliver more, even in a tough market.

How do you see technology and innovation shaping the future of your industry? I’m focusing on two major shifts in our industry right now: the move toward wireless systems and the rise of AI. Wireless tech has real benefits – I use my doorbell camera to keep an eye on off-hours deliveries, and I like bringing in practical technology that makes our work more efficient. But as more systems go wireless, and AI becomes more common, fewer electricians may be needed for traditional wiring – and that could impact working families. When I look at my team, I see the people and families depending on this work. That’s why we’re staying ahead – training on new tools, adapting how we operate, and making sure we’re ready for what’s next. Innovation matters – but only if it creates opportunity for the people who’ve built this industry.

What role does collaboration play in building strong client and colleague relationships? Collaboration is at the core of everything we do – from early design consulting to team-based execution. I believe that knowledge is power. For me, collaboration means listening, sharing, and learning from clients, partners, and vendors and then using that insight to stay ahead of challenges and deliver smarter solutions. It helps us build strong, results-driven relationships based on trust, transparency, and follow- through. In our industry, timing, coordination, and communication are everything. Our approach ensures projects move forward efficiently, with fewer surprises and more predictability. I strive to be a reliable partner at every stage of the project – and that consistency is a big reason our clients continue to come back.