Women in Construction Profile
Jordan Hernly: Leading the Next Generation of Women Custom Home Builders
As a college student studying Communications and Marketing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Jordan Hernly wasn’t quite sure what career path she wanted to take following graduation. However, it was a chance meeting during her senior year at a meet-and-greet with Longshore Custom Homes at her school, which opened her eyes to a path in homebuilding.
“I realized how many jobs there were in custom homebuilding and just how creative the industry is,” she says. “Owned by Lauren Mingus, Longshore Custom Homes does a great job of showcasing females in construction and working with men in the industry. It’s a great source for people wondering if this field is right for them.”
As a communications major, social media was an integral part of her studies, as well as her personal interests and Jordan was thrilled to be able to bring her skillset to Longshore Custom Homes to showcase its women-owned business. In her role as the company’s social media and marketing specialist, Jordan not only creates and shares engaging content to support the company’s brand, but she is also the sole voice on its various social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube–something she feels young women are attracted to.
“It’s so good for other young women to see their counterparts thriving and succeeding in this industry, especially one that has been historically male dominated,” she says. “By showcasing our social media platforms, it shows them that any girl can work in this industry. For any female looking for a creative job, I recommend this industry. Every custom home is different and has a different aesthetic and it’s always a blast to create with clients!”
In two quick years, Jordan’s work documenting the company’s women-led projects won The Best Social Media Campaign at the 2022 Star Awards for The North Carolina Builders Association. In addition, Jordan increased Longshore’s social media platforms from zero to 80,000 followers and more than 12 million views and 1.2 million likes in nearly two years. And her social media efforts also brought in revenue for the company via ads that she strategically created from the various videos and photos uploaded on social platforms.
Jordan’s drive doesn’t end with the marketing arm of the company. Over the last few months, Jordan has also dived into the custom home building side of the business, learning all she can about working with clients to discuss the design requirements for new constructions, alterations, or repairs and also works as the company’s superintendent, ensuring all custom homes are up to standards.
Her newest role allows her to engage further in the industry, working with architects and other designers to exchange ideas, provide support and of course, spread awareness of how successful women can be in the industry.
“I love my job. It’s so motivating to me that a homeowner can bring a sheet of paper with a drawing in, and we can work with them to bring their vision to life,” she says.
