Regional Construction Industry Experts Discuss “The Diversity Challenge”

“The Diversity Challenge” was the focus of an interactive morning panel discussion during Clemson University’s Second Annual Construction Industry Symposium on October 12, 2017, in Greenville, South Carolina. Two well-respected individuals from our region —  both with years of experience in the construction industry — shared their own unique perspectives on the subject, providing advice and guidance based on first-hand knowledge and personal experiences. Brief remarks by both panelists were followed by an open discussion with the audience with plenty of time for questions and answers.

Garland Burton, a construction industry consultant based in Winston-Salem, N.C., approached the

topic of Diversity through the lens of small and minority businesses. He provided context to help attendees understand economic inclusion programs in general, and their intended impacts on the overall U.S. economy. He then discussed some metrics and measurements, and talkED about the mutual benefits and best practices of mentor-protégé relationships.

Nancy Juneau, chief executive officer of Atlanta-based Juneau Construction Company, approached the topic from a “women in construction” viewpoint. Ms. Juneau discussed some of the specific challenges women in the construction industry face, and gave her though

ts on “Women Leaders in a Man’s World.” She also offered insight on managing a diverse staff.

Attendee feedback included comments such as, “Great conversation… topics that need to be discussed;” “Thought provoking, good information;” “This presentation prompted me to evaluate the diversity at our company;” and “They were honest and didn’t tread lightly on the subject. It was good to have two perspectives.”

GroundBreak Carolinas, media sponsor for the event, spoke with both panelists before the event.

What was the objective for this session?

Garland Burton: I hoped to enlighten and educate the audience on the benefits of implementing smart consistent, internal processes, and on the importance of establishing support networks. We often talk about bench strength. Broadening and strengthening your company’s subcontractor/supply chain provides a competitive advantage and can be a buttress during periods of market volatility.

Nancy Juneau: I shared my story… how an education major from the University of Georgia ended up becoming the chairman of a leading regional construction firm. Because construction is a non-traditional path for females, the upside is endless. But even though our industry is much more accepting today than previously, women still face plenty of challenges.  I hope I offered inspiration and encouragement.

Anything specific takeaways for the audience?

Garland Burton: Absolutely. I hope the audience gained insight into new ideas and procedures designed to streamline and make more effective their efforts. Operational efficiency is key; and responsiveness to client demands is what our industry delivers. Market sustainability requires that we monitor broad, long-term market and labor trends, and “effect” them, to the extent we can… and to our own advantage.

Nancy Juneau: I talked about what I see as the qualities and attributes of women (in general) and why I think every company needs women on their teams — whether in the field, in accounting, on the project management side, or elsewhere. Also, when it comes to recruiting, I’m more interested in the candidates’ desire, drive, and motivation than anything else.

Why do you love the construction business?

Garland Burton: I think it’s all about the people. Contributors from vastly different backgrounds working with different talents in a thousand different ways to create something generally of common benefit.

Nancy Juneau: I think it’s just in my chemical make-up. It’s stressful, demanding and you have to get it right. I like the preparation involved. I’m just hooked.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Garland Burton is a long-standing leader in the creation and implementation of successful small business development and inclusion programs across the Southeast. His career history includes leadership positions with BE&K Building Group, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest University. Burton was a principal visionary and co-founder of the N.C. Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) — known locally as the United Minority Contractors of North Carolina (UMCNC) — and continues to serve on its Advisory Board. He was also an initial organizer, sponsor, and facilitator for the inaugural Carolinas Associated General Contractors’ (CAGC) HUB Business Academy; and currently serves on the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National Diversity Committee.

Nancy Juneau, together with her husband Les, founded Juneau Construction Company in 1997. Since opening its doors 20 years ago, Juneau has become the top woman-owned general contractor in the Southeast, and the second largest woman-owned firm, of any type, in Georgia.  Juneau is also ranked #16 among 2016 Top General Contractors in Georgia by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The company has grown to over 125 employees with offices in both Atlanta and Miami and performs as construction managers, design-builders and general contractors on projects across the Southeast, in both the public and private sectors.  Passionate about giving back to the community, Nancy serves with numerous organizations and boards. She took on the role of chairman of board for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia (ABC of Georgia) in 2017, and is the first female in the chapter’s history to hold this position. She also serves on the boards at Gwinnett Technical College and the Georgia Independent College Association.