Margaret Watson

I attribute my success to being deeply rooted in hard work, resilience, and strong family values. Growing up as a Southern Appalachian woman taught me the importance of grit, integrity, and showing up consistently — no matter the challenge. I’ve built my career by combining determination with creativity, leading with both strength and heart, and never losing sight of the people behind the work. Whether in business or in life, I believe success comes from working hard, staying grounded, and building something meaningful for the people who matter most.

In construction, one of the most important things is treating people fairly. It’s an industry where it can be easy for people to be taken advantage of, but throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of operating with fairness and integrity. That means finding the fair market value for trades and making sure people are compensated fairly — or even above market when possible.

I’ve also learned that mistakes are going to happen. Delays will happen, timelines will shift, and things won’t always go perfectly. Construction is unpredictable at times, so it’s important to approach challenges with patience, flexibility, and a problem-solving mindset instead of expecting perfection every step of the way.

I would say the biggest thing is to walk in knowing your product. Know the kind of home you want to build, what you want it to look like, and the standard you expect for the work being done. You also have to have a real passion for it. One of the coolest things about home building is realizing you’re creating the place where someone will make lifelong memories. Keeping that perspective throughout the building process is so important.

Anyone can put up a house, but if it’s not designed well, doesn’t flow well, or isn’t built properly, then the memories attached to that home become frustration and constant repairs. That’s why quality and intentionality matter so much.

If you’re going into construction, you also need to learn the industry. Take the time to understand the basics of lumber, HVAC, electrical, and all the little details that go into building a home. One thing I’ve learned is that most people in this industry — men and women alike — are excited to explain their craft and trade. So many people have been willing to meet me on job sites, walk me through things, and answer my questions.

You have to be humble enough to admit you don’t know everything and willing to ask questions, even if they feel like “dumb” questions. That’s how you learn. At the same time, you also have to be confident enough to stand up for yourself and speak up. At the end of the day, when the house is sold, it’s not the electrician’s name attached to it — it’s my company’s name. That responsibility matters.

The market is constantly fluctuating, and with prices continuing to rise, working within budget constraints can be a real challenge. Another challenge I’ve experienced is being a woman in the construction industry. There have been many times when I walk into a meeting with a product manager for support, and people automatically address him as though he’s the decision-maker, when in reality, I’m the one leading the project and making the decisions.

I think part of that comes from being younger and holding a higher leadership position than many people expect. Sometimes people assume you don’t know what you’re talking about before you’ve even had the chance to speak. That’s definitely been a barrier I’ve noticed throughout my career.

In the construction industry, you have to be confident, willing to stand up for yourself, and able to speak up. Earning respect often means proving yourself consistently and making sure your voice is heard.

Honesty and pride in your work are incredibly important to me. I believe if you wouldn’t want to live in it yourself, then you shouldn’t build it for someone else. That standard drives the way I approach every project.

In both my professional and personal life, humility and grace matter just as much as accountability. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and everyone is carrying something beneath the surface that others may not see. There are moments when a job isn’t getting done or expectations aren’t being met, and while it’s important to address those issues directly, it’s equally important to lead with understanding. Being humble enough to ask what’s really going on — and offering grace while still maintaining standards — is something I value deeply in both leadership and life.