Carol J. J. Carter

I attribute my success to a combination of relentless hard work, determination, and a deep sense of pride in the quality of what I build. I’ve always pushed myself to go the extra mile because my projects reflect my integrity, my trustworthiness, and my passion for construction. That drive has made me a workhorse at times, but it’s also taught me the importance of recognizing people’s limits and leading with balance. What has carried me through 25 years in this industry is consistency — I show up the same way in every room, with honesty, authenticity, and a work ethic that doesn’t quit.

The best career advice I ever received came from a moment early in my career when I learned the power of determination and using my voice. I was on a job site trying to get a group of men to follow direction, and no one was listening. I finally spoke up and called out the fact that they were dismissing me because I was a woman. It was discouraging — but it also became a turning point.

As I walked out of the trailer, a general superintendent followed me, put his arm around my shoulder, and told me he would do anything I asked because he admired my determination and saw my passion for the work. His words were simple: “Don’t lose it.” And I never have.

That moment taught me to stay focused, stay determined, and keep chasing my dream, even when others underestimate me or label me for being direct. A man can be assertive and it’s accepted; when a woman does it, she’s often called something else. But I learned to push past that and do my job with integrity and confidence. My leaders have always backed that mindset — “Go do it!” — and that encouragement shaped the way I’ve led ever since.

The advice I carry with me is this: persevere, don’t give up, and never let anyone dim the fire that drives you.

My advice to young women entering construction is simple: you have to be tough, and you have to use your voice. When you walk onto a job site, people may look at you and wonder who you are — and that’s your moment to show them you’re the boss. Do your job with confidence, speak up, and don’t let anyone make you feel small for taking up space in this industry.

You also need to learn how to manage people well. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and learn the strengths and weaknesses of your team. Construction is never a one‑person show. It’s a village — a big, messy, hardworking family — and your job is to bring people together to get the work done. When you understand how to use your team effectively, you earn respect quickly.

I tell my interns all the time: be strong, be professional, and carry yourself with the kind of confidence that shows you belong here. Respect is earned through consistency, competence, and character. If you bring those three things to the table, you’ll go far in this field.

One of the biggest challenges in my career has been advancement and long‑term security. After more than two decades in construction, moving into an executive‑level role has taken persistence, especially because I had a major setback when the market crashed in 2008 and I had to rebuild my career from the ground up. Even so, I worked my way back to Senior Project Manager, and I’m proud of that.

Security is another challenge. The industry has become much more transient — people move from company to company, each organization has its own way of doing things, and personalities don’t always align. It’s not like years ago when you could stay with one company for your entire career. Being molded and mentored to help develop sharper skills. I’ve moved from Ohio to North Carolina to Florida, and even from one coast of Florida to the other, so part of that instability has been my own journey. But it’s also the reality of the industry today.

Through all of it, I’ve learned that relationships are the key to success. Some people say you’re not here to make friends, but I don’t believe that. Construction is built on trust, communication, and teamwork. The relationships you build — with your team, your subcontractors, your clients — are what carry you through the challenges and keep projects moving. I’ll always stand by that, no matter what others may says. Relationships are at the heart of the construction industry and if you cannot be authentic with yourself and others, building strong relationships will be difficult.

The most important value in my life is my faith. I couldn’t do what I do without Jesus Christ guiding me. I’ve learned that His name can either clear a room or fill it, depending on who’s listening — but my faith is the foundation of everything I do. People will disappoint you, even without meaning to, so you have to stay steady, stay grounded, and love them right where they are. "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34-35 and "...do unto others as you will have them do unto you." Matthew 7:12. The Lord has loved me through many hills and valleys but He has loved me through it all, therefore, we must love one another through the highs and the low times. There are many of these times everyday in construction.

Beyond my faith, I value the work itself. I genuinely love construction — the teamwork, the problem‑solving, the way so many hands come together to turn nothing into something. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch a building rise from the ground, especially when it’s a school. I always think about the children who will walk those halls. On some projects, we’ve even placed Bible verses in the concrete walkways so the kids are literally walking on the Word of God, even if no one else knows it.

For me, the core values are faith, integrity, teamwork, and purpose. Those are the things that guide my decisions, my leadership, and the way I show up every day in this industry. Some days are heavier than others, and the weight of this industry can sit squarely on your shoulders. What gets me through is the ability to lay all of it — the stress, the emotions, the pressure — in my Heavenly Father’s lap. When I release it to Him, I can breathe again. I can reset, seek guidance, and find clarity for the next step. That practice makes the next day better, and it equips me to handle whatever challenges come my way. My strength doesn’t come from pushing harder; it comes from surrendering first.