This text is one in a sequence of conversations with ladies leaders within the building trade. Click on right here for previous discussions.
With a diversified resume that features advertising and marketing work at nonprofits and different building corporations, Laura Shivers has a spread of expertise that units her up for a brand new position together with her present employer, Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah-based Large-D Cos.
She was not too long ago promoted to vice chairman of promoting and enterprise growth on the agency, the place she has labored since 2020. Shivers will make the most of her background outdoors the development trade to additional align advertising and marketing and enterprise methods to foster a tradition of creativity and collaboration throughout groups and departments, in accordance with a information launch shared with Building Dive.
In her new position, she’s going to leverage the collective energy of Large-D’s many manufacturers, departments and regional workplaces to construct complete campaigns throughout a number of channels, the discharge stated. A few of these embody Large-D Midwest, Large-D Pacific Builders and CFC Building.
Right here, Shivers talks with Building Dive in regards to the labor scarcity, provide chain challenges and giving again to the communities the place Large-D works.
This interview has been edited for brevity and readability.
Laura Shivers
Permission granted by Large-D Cos.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What led you to decide on building in your profession?
LAURA SHIVERS: I used to be recruited into the development trade because of my gross sales and advertising and marketing background. Initially, I did not absolutely grasp the extent of alternatives and development this enterprise supplied. Nonetheless, I’ve since found the rewarding nature of the trade, which has considerably formed my skilled journey.
What do you do in your present job?
I lead the event and execution of complete enterprise methods aligned with our mission and imaginative and prescient. I oversee enterprise growth and shopper retention efforts, and I handle built-in advertising and marketing ways to boost model consciousness and buyer expertise.
My position relies in Tempe, Arizona, but it surely encompasses company obligations that require visiting all our regional areas.
What are just a few of the advertising and marketing initiatives you’ve most loved engaged on and why?
I notably take pleasure in engaged on tradition initiatives and am at the moment concerned in a partnership marketing campaign with the American Coronary heart Affiliation, which I’m excited to roll out nationally.
The partnership is a part of our annual Week of Giving, a companywide initiative the place we dedicate time and assets to help a selected group that impacts our trade and workforce members.
This collaboration permits us to lift consciousness about coronary heart well being, promote wholesome life amongst staff and prolonged households and contribute to analysis and schooling efforts that save lives. This initiative resonates with my private dedication to giving again, and I admire the chance Large-D provides to boost office group.
What are the most important challenges dealing with contractors in your markets proper now?
Most of our enterprise models have similarities in challenges that embody labor scarcity and provide chain disruptions. To navigate these challenges, we proceed to give attention to constructing robust relationships with commerce companions and proactively speaking with shoppers to handle and mitigate when potential.
Are you recruiting any new forms of shoppers nowadays? If that’s the case, in what sectors?
We’re all the time exploring alternatives to broaden and diversify our venture portfolio. Whereas we proceed to serve our core markets, shopper referrals are a big a part of our new buyer base. As well as, Large-D has specialty divisions targeted on using experience in mining, manufacturing and knowledge which are seeing excessive quantities of development.
What advantages are there to working in building?
The development trade provides numerous roles, ample alternatives for development, and the prospect to deal with completely different challenges every day. This selection retains the work partaking and fulfilling, as there may be all the time one thing new to study and obtain.
What recommendation would you give to younger ladies contemplating building as a profession?
Work laborious, ask questions and constantly search to study. Embrace each alternative for development and growth, and your profession will undoubtedly thrive. The development trade is stuffed with potential, and with dedication, you possibly can obtain nice success.
