Colette Josey
Colette Josey is a Residential Energy and Code Inspector with ARCXIS based in Manvel, Texas. In her current role, she conducts final grade, windstorm, foundation, frame, energy, and insulation inspections to ensure residential structures meet building codes, safety standards, and energy efficiency requirements. She also identifies hazards and code violations, provides corrective recommendations, and works closely with contractors, builders, and homeowners to support safe and compliant construction practices. Alongside her inspection work, she is pursuing additional licensure to expand her professional practice and eventually operate her own inspection business.
Before transitioning into construction and energy inspections, Colette built a long and accomplished career in public safety. She served over a decade as a Police Officer with the City of Richmond Police Department, where she was responsible for crime prevention, investigations, emergency response, arrests, and community engagement. Prior to that, she worked as a Correctional Officer in Massachusetts and held roles in security and educational support services. Across these positions, she developed strong expertise in crisis management, emergency response, and public service, grounded in discipline, leadership, and community protection.
Colette earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Gender Studies and a minor in Management from Bentley University, where she also competed as an NCAA Division II basketball athlete on a full scholarship. Her path into law enforcement was shaped early by her involvement with the Police Athletic League (PAL), where she received mentorship and support from officers who played a formative role in her development. Today, she continues to build on that foundation through her work in residential inspection and innovation, including a patent-pending tool designed to improve foundation measurement and efficiency in the field.
• Energy certified
• Bentley University - BA
• Police Athletic League (PAL)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the diverse experiences I’ve had throughout my life, including sports, personal loss, career transitions, and business ownership, all of which have shaped my goal of living independently, making an impact, and inspiring other women. Guided by the belief that the meaning of life is to find your gifts and the purpose is to give them away, I strive to live with intention by using my strengths to serve others and to leave a lasting, positive impact that I can continue to pay forward.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my father, who taught me the importance of knowing my worth and holding firm boundaries—especially the idea that when I say no, it means no. Those lessons helped shape my confidence and self-respect from an early age. Growing up with brothers and nephews also kept me grounded and resilient, while my father showed me the balance of strength and compassion. That foundation has been especially important in my career as a police officer in a male-dominated field, where being confident, self-aware, and able to wear multiple hats has been essential to my success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering corrections is to develop strong boundaries, confidence, and resilience. This environment will test you, and it’s important to stay focused on your responsibilities without being swayed by manipulation or pressure from others. Knowing your worth is essential, because you cannot effectively advocate for others if you don’t first advocate for yourself. My upbringing—being raised with brothers and nephews, and learning both strength and compassion from my father—helped prepare me for this balance. One of the most important lessons he taught me was that “no” means no, and that clarity and self-respect are powerful tools in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is working in a male-dominated environment while balancing multiple roles, which requires confidence, resilience, and strong self-advocacy. The biggest opportunity is continuing to grow professionally through licensure to run my own inspection business and bringing to market a patented foundation-measuring tool I developed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are independence, impact, and the commitment to paying forward mentorship. I strive to build a life where I can stand confidently on my own, make meaningful contributions in my field, and support others in recognizing and sharing their own gifts.
Locations
ARCXIS
Beaumont, TX 77701