Her Story
About Carla
Carla Harwell is a seasoned Masonry Superintendent with 36 years of experience in the construction and masonry industry. Based in Texas, she currently serves as a Superintendent with Allan Spear Construction, LLC., where she oversees masonry operations and construction projects. Her career began after she decided that nursing was not the right path for her and joined a masonry company on a cleanup crew. Despite initially facing skepticism about women working in the trade, Carla remained determined to build a career in construction and steadily advanced through hands-on experience and professional training.
Throughout her career, Carla has developed extensive expertise in brick, block, stone, precast stone, cast stone, marble and granite. Her responsibilities have included manpower coordination, material ordering, construction planning, job-site management and coordination with general contractors. She has worked on projects across multiple regions of the United States, gaining a broad understanding of masonry construction and the demands of managing complex job sites. Her commitment to continuous learning and willingness to participate in company training programs have played an important role in her development as a construction leader.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Carla is passionate about encouraging others to pursue careers in the skilled trades. As an active member of the Texas Masonry Council, she speaks with high school girls about opportunities in the building industry and provides hands-on demonstrations, including mixing mortar and laying brick. She attributes her long-standing success to perseverance, a genuine love of construction and pride in creating structures designed to last for generations. Through her leadership and advocacy, Carla continues to demonstrate that determination, skill and dedication can open doors in an industry where she once had to prove that she belonged.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, continuous learning, and refusing to let others define my limits. I started in masonry as a cleanup worker and worked my way into leadership by embracing every opportunity to learn and develop my skills. Over 36 years, I gained experience across nearly every aspect of masonry and grew into a superintendent by staying committed, working hard, and proving that women can succeed in the trades. I now use my experience to encourage the next generation, especially young women, to consider opportunities in construction and believe in their ability to build a successful career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from my father, who taught me to be independent, resourceful, and capable of solving problems on my own. He wanted me to understand the mechanics of life and never depend on someone else to handle challenges for me. Throughout my masonry career, mentors like Joe Campbell and Greg Nichols reinforced those lessons through their leadership and experience. Their guidance taught me the value of hard work, independence, continuous learning, and learning from the people around me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the masonry industry is to embrace the opportunity to build something tangible and lasting. If you enjoy working with your hands, being creative, and seeing the results of your hard work, masonry can be a rewarding career. Be willing to learn, travel, and take on new opportunities, because your skills can open doors in many places. Most importantly, believe in yourself and know that there is a place for women in the skilled trades.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in masonry is the physical demands and unpredictable conditions, from extreme heat to cold weather. However, one of the greatest opportunities is the variety each project brings, allowing me to travel, meet new people, and experience different communities. I love that masonry creates something lasting and meaningful, and knowing that my work can stand for generations gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride in my career.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty, integrity, accountability, and family. I believe mistakes are part of life, but what matters is having the courage to take responsibility, find a solution, and move forward. I carry that mindset into both my work and personal life, while also making time for my husband, daughters, grandchildren, and the simple experiences that keep me grounded.
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