Marsha Moore Harding, CSI, LEED AP

I attribute my success to the guidance, trust, and encouragement of exceptional mentors, combined with a deep belief in the power of relationships. In my first commercial flatwork sales role, I was fortunate to learn from leaders whose expertise shaped my understanding of both the business and technical sides of the industry. From my first exposure into the world of concrete at PNA Construction Technologies, Inc., I established multiple mentor relationships. Sue Wooldridge’s business knowledge and strategic insight helped me see how strong leadership and disciplined decision-making drive sustainable growth. Nigel Parkes deepened my understanding of concrete and its real-world applications, while Russell Boxall’s manufacturing expertise taught me how operational excellence and process discipline translate into quality outcomes.

I also had the privilege of learning from industry leaders, Jerry Holland and Wayne Walker, concrete slab consultants with Structural Services Inc., who helped me understand the broader impact of our work in construction and infrastructure. They encouraged me to look beyond individual transactions and focus on strengthening the industry as a whole—through trust, long-term partnerships, and a commitment to advancing the profession.

Beyond mentorship, my success has been driven by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to step forward when opportunities arise. I believe in listening first, building authentic relationships, and contributing value wherever I can. Those principles continue to guide my work and remain the foundation of how I define success today.

The best advice I've received is to focus on building relationships, not just closing deals. Early in my career, mentors reminded me that long-term success comes from trust, consistency, and showing up with integrity --- especially when things are challenging. That perspective taught me to think beyond the immediate task and consider the lasting impact of my work on clients, teams, and the industry as a whole.

My advice is to be curious, prepared, and confident in your voice --- even when you're still learning. This industry rewards those who ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and follow through. Don't feel pressure to know everything on day one; instead, focus on understanding the business, learning the technical fundamentals, and building credibility through your work. Seek out mentors, advocate for yourself, and remember that your perspective adds value simply because it's different.

One of the biggest challenges --- and opportunities --- is navigating change. The construction and infrastructure industries are evolving rapidly, with new technologies, sustainability expectations, and workforce shifts reshaping how we operate. There is a real opportunity for leaders who can bridge technical expertise with strong communication and relationship-building. Those who can adapt, collaborate across disciplines, and think long-term will help drive meaningful progress for the industry.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning. In my current role, I have the opportunity to mentor multiple sales representatives, sharing best practices and market knowledge, and I take pride in helping others grow professionally. I also value active engagement in the broader industry, participating in organizations such as ACI, ASCC, and TCA, which provide opportunities to set standards, share knowledge, and stay current with industry trends. These experiences reinforce my commitment to fostering growth, supporting others, and contributing to the advancement of the industry while upholding integrity and collaboration in everything I do.