Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Hooker is a highly accomplished construction professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, currently serving as Project Executive at HBA Design Build. She began her career with Lincoln Property Company, a leading Dallas-based developer, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience after being encouraged by a vice president of construction to learn directly from field superintendents. This early exposure to all aspects of construction provided the foundation for her extensive expertise and leadership approach. Her career journey has taken her from project operations to executive leadership, including helping launch a general contracting company where she now oversees teams of project managers, assistant project managers, and superintendents.
In her current role, Jennifer provides strategic leadership across project execution, safety initiatives, team development, client relationships, estimating, and operational procedures. She is dedicated to mentoring professionals, strengthening project delivery, and supporting organizational growth through collaboration and effective communication. Her diverse portfolio includes complex projects across hospitality, residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, including the Statler, a transformative mixed-use restoration project in Dallas featuring hotel, residential, business, and retail components. Her commitment to excellence and leadership earned her the Ironman Award from Lincoln Property Company, recognizing her dedication, reliability, and positive impact.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from The University of Texas at Dallas after beginning her education at Dallas College while working full time. She also holds a real estate license, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and OSHA 10 and 30 certifications. Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer is deeply committed to community involvement, having served on her homeowners association’s architectural board for more than 20 years and supporting nonprofit organizations focused on cancer awareness and assisting abused and trafficked girls. She attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her husband, whose encouragement and partnership have allowed her to pursue her career goals while balancing family responsibilities. Through her leadership, resilience, and dedication to service, Jennifer continues to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry and her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my husband, who has consistently encouraged me and understood the demands of my career. His willingness to help balance family responsibilities and support me through important decisions has allowed me to pursue opportunities, challenge myself, and continue growing professionally. Having a strong support system has given me the confidence and flexibility to make choices that align with my career goals while maintaining balance in my personal life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to trust my instincts, follow my heart, and continue moving forward with confidence. I have learned the importance of staying true to my values, making decisions based on what I know is right, and not allowing obstacles or outside opinions to hold me back. By remaining focused on growth, perseverance, and progress, I have been able to navigate challenges and continue advancing both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to stay strong, remain confident, and always stand firm in their knowledge and abilities. It is important to believe in yourself, understand the value you bring, and confidently communicate your ideas and expertise. Every challenge and experience should be viewed as an opportunity to learn, grow, and continue developing both personally and professionally. By staying resilient and committed to growth, young women can build successful and fulfilling careers.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now include helping clients better understand the complexities of the industry, navigating project obstacles, and managing the impact of rising material costs. As a general contractor, successfully coordinating multiple trades while maintaining quality, timelines, and clear communication requires strong leadership and adaptability. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities to strengthen relationships, improve project management processes, and continue delivering successful outcomes through collaboration and innovation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, accountability, and respect. I believe that building trust through transparent communication, taking responsibility for my actions, and treating others with respect are essential to creating strong relationships and achieving long-term success. These values guide the way I approach challenges, collaborate with others, and make decisions both professionally and personally.
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