Empowering Growth

A Mentoring Relationship Paves the Way for a Rising Project Engineer

Project Manager Tracy Carson recalls the time JCP Construction of Greater Milwaukee was growing so quickly that she needed assistance managing the nine projects on her plate. She tapped Project Engineer Norma Lewis to take over a $23 million dollar Outreach Community Health Center (OCHC) project, located at 220 W. Capitol Drive in Milwaukee. The 58,000-plus square foot addition would serve patients with medical, dental, behavioral and pharmacy care in the metro area.

Photo courtesy: JCP Construction

“Norma didn’t know much about construction engineering when she started, but she was always sharp, ready to learn and very disciplined,” said Carson. “She was soon able to manage the workload and has become an in-demand Project Engineer at JCP Construction.”
 
“Tracy gave me the keys to the kingdom, taking me to every meeting and jobsite visit,” said Lewis. “She did not turn it over to me abruptly, but made sure I knew the lay of the land and all the people I would need to communicate with to be successful. As a leader, she understands how being transparent influences efficiency in a positive way.”
 
Norma says being on the OCHC jobsite and working alongside the principals of the project was the best experience that could have happened to grow her knowledge base. “There were times when I felt nervous about the learning curve, but I believed in the preparation I received. I knew Tracy and the entire JCP Construction team were there for me.
 
“The confidence she instilled in me was instrumental in making decisions about when to ask and what to ask. For me, the environment was like going to a new school and not knowing the rules. There are the electricians, the iron workers, the plumbers, etc. Each of the trades is fiercely proud of their work. Tracy’s instruction and example showed me that it was fine to be me and demonstrate that I was there to help and learn.”
 
Carson agrees a positive, collaborative mentorship was a key factor in the successful completion of the OCHC project. She never had a female mentor during her more than 30 years of construction industry experience and recalls many times feeling discouraged or even knocked down. But she never gave up.
 
“I didn’t have someone take me by the hand and say this is how you act,” Carson said. “But I learned over time it’s better for me to be in meetings where important matters were discussed.  It takes time to gain a certain level of comfort to own what you do best. Be present. Take notes. Ask or answer questions, but you also don’t have to say anything. You don’t have to be the most knowledgeable person in the room. Always remember there is a reason you are on the team. You bring something rare to the table.”