Category: Spotlight Content

2018 Women in Construction: Siggy Pfendler, Columbia Construction Company

2018 Women in Construction: Siggy Pfendler, Columbia Construction Company

March 30, 2018
Advice/Keys to Success: Never stop learning from everyone around you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Build relationships with as many people in the industry as you can. The construction industry in Boston is a very small community.
2018 Women in Construction: Brittany Boilard, Columbia Construction Company

2018 Women in Construction: Brittany Boilard, Columbia Construction Company

March 30, 2018
Why the A/E/C Industry? As a kid I always dreamt of becoming a famous architect! Unfortunately, while completing my undergraduate degree I realized that being a designer wasn’t necessarily my thing.  I enjoyed architecture/engineering so much though that I was determined to stay within the industry.
2018 Women in Construction: Katie Gibbs Senior, Shawmut Design and Construction

2018 Women in Construction: Katie Gibbs Senior, Shawmut Design and Construction

March 30, 2018
Advice/Keys to Success: Always ask questions! There is so much to learn in this business. I learn something new every day. Being a general contractor, I feel like I know a little about a lot of things. It’s ok to ask the trades how and why.
2018 Women in Construction: Jessica Spivey, Shawmut Design and Construction

2018 Women in Construction: Jessica Spivey, Shawmut Design and Construction

March 30, 2018
If you had to choose one word to explain why you do what you do, which one most suits you? And why? Challenge. Building is in my blood, and solving problems makes me excited to go to work each day. I work hard to be the best I can be, part of that involves overcoming adversity and conquering obstacles.
2018 Women in Construction: Latoya Baskin, Shawmut Design and Construction

2018 Women in Construction: Latoya Baskin, Shawmut Design and Construction

March 30, 2018
Why the A/E/C Industry? I have always had a passion for construction and being on a jobsite. I started doing small projects with my dad as a little girl. Any chance I had to pick up a hammer or drill to build a fence, a wood deck, or remodel a kitchen on my free time I did. Being able to build something out of nothing fascinated me!
2018 Women in Construction: Melissa Sue Guertin, Shawmut Design and Construction

2018 Women in Construction: Melissa Sue Guertin, Shawmut Design and Construction

March 30, 2018
Advice/Keys to Success: Challenging yourself will build confidence.  As a woman in this industry, being confident is just as important as being competent.  Push yourself towards challenging projects and use what you’ve learned from each project to make decisions confidently.
2018 Women in Construction: Jane Kaplan Peck, Kaplan Construction

2018 Women in Construction: Jane Kaplan Peck, Kaplan Construction

March 30, 2018
Advice/Keys to Success: It’s all about your team! Work can be challenging but it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Assemble a team with whom you enjoy working and who will support each other. It’s also important to remember that you cannot be an expert in everything, so find trusted advisors who will help you. Stay humble and self-aware.
2018 Women in Construction: Kathleen Romano, Howard Stein Hudson

2018 Women in Construction: Kathleen Romano, Howard Stein Hudson

March 30, 2018
Why the A/E/C Industry? I had always favored the math and science growing up. In high school I took an introduction to architecture and engineering class that I really enjoyed. From there I decided to major in civil engineering at Northeastern University. I did a co-op at an electrical contracting company and have been interested in construction and development ever since. 
2018 Women in Construction: Susan Shelby, Rhino PR

2018 Women in Construction: Susan Shelby, Rhino PR

March 30, 2018
Advice/Keys to Success: The keys to success begin with setting clear goals backed by a solid plan for how to achieve them. Developing a support network and recognizing where you need assistance are critical to achieving those goals.
Minimize those taxes when selling appreciated real estate - by Ronald Birnbaum

Minimize those taxes when selling appreciated real estate - by Ronald Birnbaum

March 23, 2018
In my 25 years as a financial advisor I have been asked by many clients how to sell investment real estate without paying a high tax bill. Today’s top tax capital gains bracket is 23.8%, including the 3.8% tax from the Affordable Healthcare, which may be repealed this year.