Haley Mustgrave

I would say relationships. I was always taught to never burn bridges, and that it’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.

Over the past nine years at Baker, working across our National Accounts program and throughout the Triangle and Triad, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many people in this industry and community. Looking back, it’s clear that every step of my career has come down to those relationships.

While I’d love to take credit for everything, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who supported me along the way. Early on, someone took a chance on me when I had no experience and was, honestly, pretty underqualified. That opportunity changed everything.

Since then, I’ve focused on building meaningful relationships, staying connected, showing up, and being actively involved, both within the company and in the community. I’ve also learned the importance of listening, being open to feedback, and not always needing to be right. When I wasn’t, I learned from it and kept moving forward.

At the end of the day, it’s always been about the people.

People won’t always remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

Be bold, be yourself, and don’t wait until you feel ready.

You don’t have to know everything starting out. I didn’t. Show up, ask questions, and be willing to learn. This industry rewards people who are consistent, dependable, and willing to put in the work.

Build strong relationships, be someone people can count on, and don’t be afraid to take a seat at the table. There is more opportunity here than people realize.

I would say the construction industry is growing rapidly, and with that comes both opportunity and responsibility. There’s more demand than ever, not just for skilled labor, but for strong leadership, communication, and relationship management.

One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen over the past nine years is the increase in women across all areas of the industry. When I first started, it was rare to see women in operations, estimating, or sales. Now, they’re showing up in every part of the business, and that growth is creating new perspectives and strengthening the industry as a whole.

The opportunities in construction are significant. It’s an industry that will always be essential, and one where you can build a long-term career, grow quickly, and make a real impact. Many companies promote from within, which creates a clear path for development if you’re willing to show up and put in the work.

At the same time, construction is not perfect. It’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and things don’t always go as planned. The biggest challenges come down to how you respond. Being able to adapt, take ownership when something goes wrong, and problem-solve in real time is critical.

At the end of the day, much of this industry is service-driven. You’re often stepping in when there’s an issue or a need, which means managing not just the project, but also people’s expectations and emotions. The ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and navigate those moments is what truly sets people apart.

Family is a big part of who I am, and it’s shaped both my personal life and my career. I’ve always been drawn to environments that are collaborative, people-focused, and built on strong relationships.

My faith is also an important foundation for me. It guides how I show up, how I treat others, and how I lead. To me, it’s less about what you say and more about how you live, how you carry yourself, and how you support the people around you.

At the core, I value integrity, consistency, and accountability. I believe in doing what you say you’re going to do, showing up for others, building genuine relationships, and creating long-term partnerships rooted in respect and accountability.

Those values have helped me build strong connections, earn trust, and grow both personally and professionally, and they continue to guide everything I do.