As a leading General Contractor in our industry, Landis Construction is not only a 3rd generation family-owned business but is also one of the few women-owned construction companies in the New Orleans area. Women have so many opportunities to find their path in the construction industry, and this month we are featuring some standout examples! We met up with Landis Purchasing Manager Marcy Nash to discuss her 15 years of experience so far in the construction industry.
Could you explain the role of Purchasing Manager at Landis?
Once projects have gone through Preconstruction, they are handed off to me to start the buyout process. I am responsible for negotiating and procuring subcontracts and materials for our projects. I work with both Preconstruction and Operations to understand the budget, scope of work, schedule, and needs for each project.
What did the path look like to your current role?
I have been with Landis for 15 years, working in a few different roles. I started out in Preconstruction, then moved to Operations as a Project Manager then back to Preconstruction as a Senior Estimator before taking on this latest role of Purchasing Manager.
What made you want to pursue a career in construction?
I just had a natural pull toward construction for some reason. I had some influence from my dad and grandfather, who both worked in the industry. Working in construction seemed to offer a unique level of satisfaction where you get to see the final product of all your hard work come together.
Having a mix of men and women as part of the team has its benefits. Being in the construction industry, a lot of your time is spent problem solving, and having those different perspectives or approaches allows for better collaboration and solutions.
What is one of the challenges for women working in a male-dominated industry?
At times your competence and intelligence can be under scrutiny, and that can be devastating to your confidence level. But if you can overcome that, you really can gain a sense of accomplishment and resilience.
Do you think it’s important for women to work in construction? Why or why not?
I think just like most industries, having a mix of men and women as part of the team has its benefits. Being in the construction industry, a lot of your time is spent problem solving, and having those different perspectives or approaches allows for better collaboration and solutions.
What advice would you give young women considering working in construction?
Be prepared, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. I think I’ve always been able to make the best impression when I did my “homework” and took the time to understand the “nuts and bolts” of how things are built. Going to the job site and seeing construction happen in real time gives you such a different and better understanding.
