2025 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Jillianne Freitas, Acella Construction Corp.

“Jill excels in her dual role, supporting both the estimating and marketing departments at Acella. She demonstrates great communication skills, and she ensures projects meet tight deadlines by navigating challenges to achieve results and maintain quality. She is always positive and creates a great work environment for everyone she interacts with. Jill is a rising star within our team with a dedication to learning and growth in our industry. Jill has a willingness to learn and adapt to the challenges in her dual role in marketing and estimating.” - Saul Schrader and Ryan Klebes, President, Vice President - Preconstruction & Estimating at Acella Construction Corp.

If you could give advice to someone just starting out in your field, what would it be? If you’re just starting out in the construction field, my advice is to actively seek knowledge and mentorship while building strong professional relationships. Focus on learning the fundamentals, understanding safety protocols, and being a willing learner. Cultivate a curious spirit; ask questions relentlessly and embrace every opportunity to learn. Each piece of information you gather will become a crucial building block in your career.

Who has played a pivotal role in your development, and how have they influenced you? Josh Johnson’s guidance has been invaluable. He is a constant source of support and knowledge. His insights and problem- solving abilities demonstrate wisdom beyond his years, and I am thankful to have him as a mentor. I also want to acknowledge Saul Schrader and Ryan Klebes. From my first days, Saul and Ryan have expressed confidence in my abilities and have been instrumental in my development. They embody a spirit of collaboration and generosity. The camaraderie and willingness of my colleagues to share their knowledge & help each other grow is one of the reasons I love working at Acella.