Bringing the Strength of Women to the World of Construction E2

Robert and JJ’s guests, Dawn Rogers(Executive Director) with Arizona Masonry Council and Tuyet Jacobson(Sr. Project Manager) with McCarthy Building Companies, discussed the many benefits of women in the AEC arenas.

We learn what brought these ladies into their prospective positions and the importance of women “telling their story better” to encourage others. Experiencing the passion that Dawn and Tuyet bring to their advocacy of women in the AEC professions shined the light on the importance of diversity in the industry.

Both are heavily involved with programs highlighting the multitude of possibilities for careers in construction, reaching out to Middle School students through College level.

If you have been looking to “Find your Tribe” Dawn and Tuyet are the place to start!

Arizona Masonry Council’s mission is to create significant and lasting positive change for the Arizona masonry industry and to reinforce that our systems provide the premier building envelope solution in the minds of public and private owners, developers, architects, engineers, general contractors and the general public.

Dawn Rogers started her career in the construction industry working for the Arizona Masonry Guild & Arizona Concrete Contractors Association many years ago.

She has since gone on to leadership roles in the industry including business development, student recruiting and retention for the Construction Management program at Arizona State University, and more recently a quick foray into the world of construction technology.

She has come full circle in her career and has now returned to her roots in masonry as the Executive Director of the newly formed Arizona Masonry Council.

Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national general contractor in the country. They are 100% employee-owned and a top 10 ENR construction company.

Tuyet Jacobson is currently a Sr. Project Manager at McCarthy Building Companies where her main rule is in operations within their Education Services Business Unit.

She has overseen the construction of multiple K-12 project including rebuilds and new builds in the greater Phoenix area. She is also on the board of the ASU Del E Webb School of Construction Alumni Chapter where she serves to provide the connection with current students and previous graduates of the program providing opportunities for networking and service back to the community.

In addition, she is on the board of CACTUS (Careers in Architecture Construction and Trades Uplifting Students) which provides education for Middle School Students in the careers within the design and construction industry.

Connect with Tuyet on LinkedIn.

About Your Hosts

Meet JJ Levenske

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial and industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.

JJ’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike. JJ does not believe in mediocrity and strives to see the “end at the beginning” for each project, effectuating a higher return on investment for the entire team.

Early on in his career, JJ worked as a cost engineer conducting feasibility estimates, strategic capital estimates, cost planning, and analysis of value engineering for the technology, petrochemical, and food industries. He went on to develop and implement a variety of systems for estimating, scheduling, resource management, and cost tracking while holding Project Manager and Senior Management Positions.

During his tenure, JJ has been involved in $1 billion worth of construction services. A strong entrepreneurial acumen allows him to be the perfect advocate for your facility based business solutions.

Meet Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson is a knowledgeable construction professional with over 40 years of experience. His experience ranges from residential to the commercial and industrial sectors.

Robert began working in the trades immediately out of high school and quickly advanced to Journeyman status. Robert went on to estimating, operations, senior level management and then business development.

Robert is consistently building relationships and networking with those associated with all aspects of development and construction. Robert has become a respected source for prefabricated construction solutions.

Robert enjoys spending time with Pam, his wife of 42 years, their 3 children, and 10 grandchildren.

About Our Sponsors

Bleuwave is a Phoenix-based general contractor with a specialty in land development & site improvement, pre-construction, design build, remodel and renovations, construction management, and post construction.

Bleuwave is passionate about what they do and takes pride in their partner’s success.