I AM A WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION
Sharon Pomeroy, CPSM, Marketing Manager, Building Group
How long have you been in the construction industry?
I’ve been in the AEC industry for nearly 28 years. My first 23 years in the industry were spent in construction. Then I switched to the architecture and interior design side for a bit. It was an adjustment in perspective that deepened my knowledge of the industry. It was a great experience, but construction is the better fit for me, and I’m glad to be back. I have been at O&G for just over a year now.
How did you get started in the construction industry?
I was hired into the field after I graduated from college. I knew nothing about the construction industry, but I’m glad it found me. I started out as an administrative assistant, which led to me working on marketing and business development initiatives. I spent some time working as a project engineer but pivoted back to marketing.
Tell me about your role.
I work with our marketing and business development professionals on proposal management, shortlist interview preparations and marketing research. Since marketing is the keeper of O&G’s history, developing our marketing library is crucial to ongoing efforts. I use data on our server as well as our client relationship management system to harvest information that is helpful for our pursuits. I’m routinely managing multiple concurrent deadlines for preparing qualification and proposal submissions, updating resumes, and managing paperwork to keep our certifications current. I attend industry events and conferences for professional development and relationship-building opportunities. I do have a marketing partner, Sandy Collins, with whom I work very closely, and there’s no way I could do all that I do without her. I report to our vice president, Aaron Mednick, and we routinely review marketing/business development items. We’ll discuss different pursuits, where we stand with them, and upcoming events and opportunities to enhance O&G’s visibility. All of these activities tie back to the strategic marketing/business development plan.
What’s most exciting/fulfilling about your role?
The gratifying parts of my job are chasing a project and sharing information. I enjoy being able to connect the dots, make connections, and communicate O&G’s value through our qualifications and proposal messaging. What makes it all worthwhile is learning about plans for construction, contributing to the effort to capture that work, and then later touring realized projects. Driving by buildings we worked on is a reminder of the importance of our work and the positive impacts it has on many people’s lives.
How does the company support you in your role?
O&G has been fantastic about supporting my interest in professional development. I also appreciate that leadership and all of my team are accessible and take the time to help me build my institutional knowledge, talk strategy, or to be a sounding board to talk about the pros and cons of my ideas. I value having a voice in our meetings which is empowering and shows me there is mutual respect.
What’s your advice for other women looking to enter the construction industry?
My advice is really for anybody entering the industry. Seek out a mentor and heed their advice. Never stop learning. If you become stagnant, you risk becoming irrelevant. Not every day is easy, so have your sense of humor at-the-ready. Advocate for yourself. Oftentimes others might not know about all the great things that you’re doing. Celebrating your successes is important. Develop confidence, and don’t underestimate your capabilities. Be mindful of your digital footprint. It can have a lasting impact on your reputation and relationships. Ask questions. The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. Empower each other.
When Sharon is not working…
When I’m not working, you can find me away from the built environment. Getting outdoors to go kayaking, fishing, or beaching is how I disconnect and recharge. Camping and travel are important to me and I’m always looking for recommendations for my next getaway. Most importantly, I’m extremely devoted to my family and friends.
