Feb 2020
Women in Construction Week takes place annually in early March. The focus of the event is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. This year ICI is spotlighting five women within the company who play a critical role in the success of our construction projects, and our organization at large. Each day from March 8 – 12, ICI will feature a Q&A with one of the five women; highlighting their accomplishments and contributions to the industry.
DAY 1
NANCY QUINN, LEED AP BD+C
VP ADMINISTRATION
How did you get into the construction industry?
I entered the construction industry (and ICI) by a stroke of luck. Very early in my career, a recruiter reached out and asked if I had any interest in investigating new career opportunities. I was just re-entering the workforce after a short leave and subsequent part-time employment following the birth of my daughter and decided to take a chance! I am pleased to say it worked out well!
What does your role entail?
I am heavily involved in the Human Resources of ICI and am proud to devote much of my effort to employee recruiting, retention, and engagement with a top priority of keeping our staff happy and working together as a robust team. Another significant aspect of my role is supporting each department by working with our team members to develop well-organized procedures, train and assist personnel to work effectively with our tools and within our processes, and continually strive to improve communication and workflow.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I work with so many talented and dedicated people! ICI has built an amazing team over the years and I absolutely love being a part of it. It is great being a team member in a firm that is always reaching to build something new – both by constructing better buildings and working internally to build better teams and resources – every new opportunity brings its own set of challenges and excitement. I also really enjoy learning new technology and creative problem solving, which I get to do every day.
What was your favorite construction project and why?
The Fields Volvo Dealership in Northfield, IL; LEED Silver
As construction was gearing up for ICI’s first LEED project, Tim Jackson, VP Operations, invited me to participate on the Project Administration Team. Sustainable construction was relatively new to ICI at that time and many of us were taking the opportunity to educate ourselves with the LEED Process. Several team members and I decided to pursue (and attained) LEED accreditation together. Not only was this a challenging and exciting project for ICI, but it was also a time when the team really bonded together and achieved something terrific. I keep my LEED AP BD+C Accreditation current and am still proud of the achievement.
Have you experienced obstacles throughout your career? How did you overcome them?
Absolutely! Like countless others, I’ve faced many challenges where the path was unclear or the light at the end of the tunnel appeared so far away. Night school to complete my degree, accreditation exams that seemed far beyond my capabilities, tough economic times that brought much of the industry to a grinding halt – during these situations, I always found the best course of action was to meet the obstacle head on and just forge ahead. For me, a positive mindset, hard work, and determination are most of the battle.
“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
-Frank A Clark
What is your advice to women wanting to get into construction?
I would give the same advice to any woman…work hard for what is important to you. You can be a successful Woman, a successful Businesswoman AND a successful Woman In Construction. It’s up to you. Take a Chance! From there… just work hard and dream big!