Name: Casey M.
Company: John G. Johnson Construction
Title/Position: Marketing Manager
Years working in construction: 2.5
What was your path to a career in construction? My journey into the construction industry is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences. Growing up, my father, who has always been involved in construction, introduced me to the basics of working on projects around our home. This early exposure sparked my interest in the field, laying the foundation for my future career path.
I pursued my higher education at Kent State University, for a degree in Marketing because of its versatility and the potential it offered to work across various industries. After completing my degree, my career took me through a series of diverse roles. I worked in apartment leasing, which gave me a unique perspective on property management and client interactions.
My path eventually led me to the engineering sector, where I had the opportunity to work for three different firms. Each role offered me invaluable experiences and deepened my understanding of the industry, shaping my skills and professional outlook.
It was my move to John G. Johnson Construction that has been a highlight of my career. It’s here that I’ve been able to fully leverage my background in marketing, coupled with my diverse experiences, to contribute meaningfully to our projects and goals. Working at John G. Johnson Construction has been the perfect alignment of my skills, interests, and the rich history I have with construction, thanks to my father’s early influence.
What do you like most about working in construction? JGJ does a lot of work in the affordable housing sector so witnessing firsthand the impact our projects have on the communities they serve is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
This year’s theme is “Keys to the Future.” What is the key to the future of construction in Ohio? Promoting trade schools! I hope the stigma that trade schools are somehow “less than” a college degree finally disappears. With two young boys, I will be encouraging them to look at every avenue available to them.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction? I’m a believer in enjoying what you do. Determine what brings you joy and tailor your career path to doing just that. If that looks like construction, I encourage them to spend time exploring their interests and trying a hands-on or STEM-type class to see if anything resonates with them. Seek out role models or mentors who are in construction and see if you can tag along for a day to see what they do. Educate yourself on the industry and what might interest you – there are a myriad of career paths in construction that you can align with what lights you up!
