Holly Handley
Holly Handley is an account executive in the commercial construction and flooring industry with more than six years of experience spanning multifamily residential and large-scale commercial projects. Currently serving on her company’s National Accounts team, Holly works on complex bids and projects across a variety of sectors, including hospitality, retail, automotive, and large public venues. Since transitioning into commercial construction, she has quickly adapted to the industry’s technical demands, managing projects valued from thousands to millions of dollars while continuing to expand her expertise in a highly competitive market.
Holly’s professional journey is rooted in resilience and adaptability. She spent nearly two decades in the restaurant industry, where she developed strong customer service, leadership, and relationship-building skills while working in fine dining and restaurant operations. After becoming a single mother, Holly transitioned into sales, first in the staffing industry and later in flooring and construction. With no prior background in construction, she embraced the challenge, leveraging her sales acumen and people-first approach to build a successful career and achieve financial independence while raising her son.
Known for her transparency, strong communication, and commitment to customer service, Holly focuses on building lasting relationships with clients and partners. She believes success in business comes from understanding people’s needs, setting clear expectations, and consistently delivering reliable results. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time outdoors with her son, fishing, traveling, and staying active with her dogs. She is passionate about encouraging other women to pursue new opportunities, take risks in their careers, and support one another along the way.
What do you attribute your success to?
Holly attributes her success to transparency, strong communication, empathy, and customer service. She believes in being very upfront with clients about expectations, learning how each person prefers to communicate, and doing everything she can to make the process easier for them. She also credits her ability to put herself in other people’s shoes and anticipate their needs. At the core of her success is a genuine desire to help people and build long-term relationships rather than simply close a sale.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Holly spoke very highly of two former bosses in the multifamily flooring space who took her under their wing and supported her growth. She also emphasized how much the right boss can impact both career and life. In addition, she has found tremendous support from women in construction, who have been generous with their knowledge, encouragement, and advice. Their guidance has helped her navigate a new industry and believe in herself.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Holly encourages young women to take the leap even when they feel scared, give themselves grace while learning, and not let fear stop them from trying something new. She also strongly believes in the importance of women supporting one another instead of competing. Her message is that women should build each other up, share what they know, and recognize that everyone has something valuable to offer.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Holly sees several major challenges in her field. One is simply the steep learning curve and complexity of commercial flooring and construction, especially coming from a residential or multifamily background. Another major challenge is being a woman in a male-dominated industry. At the same time, Holly sees tremendous opportunity in the growing network of women in construction who are committed to helping one another succeed. She also sees opportunity in continuing to grow within a challenging industry where there is always something new to learn, new markets to enter, and bigger roles to pursue.
Locations
Commercial Construction
Spring, TX 77386