Member Spotlight | Mary Munoz

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

"Sit at the table." That advice from Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In pushed me to set aside my doubt and take my place, literally and figuratively, in the chair. By claiming that seat, I not only became more engaged in the conversation but I absorbed more information, contributed more meaningfully, and established myself as an equal member of the team.

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?

The most important skill I’ve developed in my career is the ability to communicate and build strong relationships. I've learned to stay connected with our Subcontractors, earning their trust and respect to create an environment where everyone is on the same page. Those relationships make it easier to set and manage client expectations, and ultimately help deliver a project that’s not only done right but efficiently.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in construction?

My initial undergrad study was to prepare me for dental school but then made a shift to an Engineering major. That change led to an internship at the Engineering Department in the City of Newark where a mentor pointed out that I was essentially doing the work of an Assistant Project Manager. At the time, I doubted my skills matched the title but his comment stuck with me and I joined a roofing and restoration company in the city where I learned the ropes both in the field (or 400 feet in the air) and behind the desk... and so my career in project management emerged.