Carpenter/Designer/GC
Creator of ~~ MOVE OVER BOB ~~ Instagram page and website
North Carolina
United States
Three words that describe you?
Determined, Creative, Caring.
Who are your role models and mentors?
To be honest, I didn't grow up with role models. Much of my life has been survival and learning what not to do from the adults around me. However, I've definitely been fortunate to meet inspiring people along the way who believed in me.
What is your favorite thing about your current job?
It allows me to keep day to day interesting. I don't like monotony so it's great to be constantly learning and tackling new challenges.
What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
It's always been an interest since I was a young girl. No one ever told me it was a viable career path so it wasn't until I renovated my own house and won a contest for it that I was encouraged to pursue it as a profession.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Girls can have a career in construction so explore your options and ignore the naysayers!
When you started your current job, what most surprised you?
How big of a pain permit offices can be lol
Do you have an embarrassing or funny story you can share about work or something that has happened at work?
When I was around 6 months pregnant, I got fed up with the local permit office (this particular jurisdiction is known for being impossible to work with) I stormed in there and said, "Look at me! I am a hot mess! I need to get this project complete so I need you to issue me this permit today!" The admin looked at me like I was crazy but it worked and they issued me my permit! lol
Have you had to deal with conflict or confrontation while at work? How did you handle it?
Yes. I had actually just returned from 10 days at the children's hospital with my son. The homeowner was super understanding but needless to say, it was very disruptive to our timeline. I had another sub work on something while I was out that pissed off the electrician (who was already a total jerk-my usual electrician was out of town so I had to go with a readily available big company) When I returned, he went off at me, screaming and yelling. The homeowner threatened to call the police on him. I managed to get him out of the house and called his supervisor. Knowing what I had just been through with my son at the hospital, the homeowner offered for me to just go home but I told her no. That I needed to get her job done. I was able to speak with their supervisor and he got someone else out immediately at no cost to the homeowner which was the least they could have done. It was an ugly situation that still makes my blood boil b/c I know he only had the audacity to speak to me that way because I am a woman and I was with an elderly female homeowner.
Do you have any suggestions on how to encourage more women to try a career in the trades?
Just do it. It's tough but don't be afraid. There are difficult people in every industry. Find the ones that encourage you to learn and always find opportunities to up your game.
Who has had the biggest impact on your career choice?
The Editor from This Old House Magazine. She spoke to me after I won their competition and encouraged me to pursue it as a profession.
What does your family think of your career?
They are proud of me. My Grandma is especially proud. She lives on Guam and loves showing people pictures and telling them about what I am doing here in the states.
If you could do anything, besides what you're doing now, what would you do?
Nothing. This is it. I made the career change from a barber to do this. If anything, I want to be doing bigger projects which I know my company will grow into and it takes time.
What was the first thing you wanted to be when you grew up?
A chef!
What type of role do you want to take on after this one?
I'm trying to find ways to keep Move Over Bob sustainable along with my construction company. So, whatever role that entails, I am down.
What do you remember most about your first job?
The couple I worked for were the sweetest. They were sad when the project was over and didn't want me to leave! lol Both their children had left for college so I think they enjoyed my company.
How old were you when you started working?
As soon as I turned 13 I got my first job as a paper girl but I had been pet sitting and baby sitting since I was 10.
What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
I worked at a concession stand at a swimming pool in high school. They made us wear these super thick polo shirts and it was so disgustingly hot.
What are people always surprised to discover about you?
That I'm from Guam because most people don't even know where it is and usually are surprised to meet anyone from there.
Who is your favorite person in the world?
Its a tie for my husband and my son.
What is the craziest thing you hope to do one day?
It used to be skydive but I don't know anymore lol
Anything else you would like to add or comment on?
No, I think you've covered a lot. Thanks for the thoughtful questions! ...Well maybe a plug for MoveOverBob.com ;) Please make sure to follow and sign up for the monthly newsletter!!