Her Story
About Trisha
Trisha Hutchinson is a construction estimator at United Thermal Systems in Niagara Falls, New York, specializing in spray foam insulation and roofing, fireproofing, acoustic insulation, and specialty coatings.
With over 16 years of experience in construction, she leads bid procurement, managing 5–25 projects per month from project identification through submission and contract coordination. In addition to estimating, she leads the company’s marketing and social media efforts and plays a key role in business development and internal operations.
Trisha works closely with project management and field teams to ensure estimates reflect real-world production rates and job conditions. She is actively involved in post-bid and post-project analysis, continuously improving cost accuracy, performance, and alignment between estimating and execution. She also contributes to value engineering and scope development, delivering practical, cost-effective solutions.
Her background includes drafting, stone surface sales and design, construction coordination, and construction office management, along with experience across demolition, asbestos abatement, lead and PCB remediation, sitework, and multiple specialty scopes—providing a strong, field-informed foundation for estimating.
She holds an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design from Niagara County Community College and an Assistant Installer certification through the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Professional Certification Program (PCP).
At United Thermal Systems, Trisha has helped modernize operations through the implementation of Edge Estimating, along with supporting the rollout of Procore and Fieldwire—improving efficiency, data accuracy, and coordination across teams.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Trisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistently learning from past projects and applying those lessons to improve outcomes moving forward. With experience in both drafting and field environments, I’m able to approach construction from multiple angles—anticipating challenges early and producing estimates that align with real-world conditions. My ability to connect design intent with field execution has been a key factor in delivering accurate, reliable results.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was to focus on understanding why things work, not just how to do them. A mentor—and others I worked alongside—took the time to break down the details and explain the reasoning behind the work. That perspective allows me to analyze projects at a deeper level and apply solutions more effectively.
I was also taught early on that success in construction requires a thick skin and the ability to work effectively across a wide range of personalities. Staying focused, adaptable, and solution-driven has been key to navigating that environment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to other women is to build resilience and confidence in your expertise. In a male-dominated industry, you can’t afford to let perceptions or comments distract you from the work. Focus on learning the trade, strengthening your technical knowledge, and carry yourself with the confidence that you belong—because you’ve earned it.
Don’t be afraid to use your voice—speak up, share your perspective, and stand behind your decisions. When your knowledge is strong and your delivery is clear, people take notice. Consistency and capability will build respect over time.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in construction estimating is competing in a market where the playing field isn’t always level. As a non-union contractor bidding prevailing wage work, we’re up against established union contractors with inherent advantages. At the same time, in non-union work, we often compete with smaller contractors operating with significantly lower overhead.
That dynamic puts pressure on pricing from both directions, making efficiency and technical accuracy critical. The opportunity lies in using better tools and deeper expertise to stay competitive without relying on price alone.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe flexibility is essential to sustaining both professional performance and a strong family life. It allows me to stay focused, adapt as needed, and show up fully in both roles.
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