This article is one in a series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.
Nicolle Lewis began her career in residential construction working alongside family members in Detroit. In pursuit of something new, she moved to Ohio where she began working on commercial projects.
She recalls that she was one of only two women on her team when she started working in the Columbus, Ohio, area 11 years ago. But she said that didn’t intimidate her. Instead, she said that she embraced challenges, asked questions and strove to exceed expectations.
Now as the carpenter lead for Cincinnati-based Messer Construction, Lewis not only manages complex hospital renovation projects, but she also mentors and uplifts her crew. Her goal is to create a family-like environment where everyone feels valued and motivated, she said.
“My leadership style is built on empathy, patience and a deep commitment to building a supportive team culture,” she told Construction Dive.
Here, Lewis talks with Construction Dive about what she loves about the industry and the differences between residential and commercial work.
The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What led you to choose construction for your career?
NICOLLE LEWIS: I was first introduced to the construction industry through my brother and his uncle who worked in residential construction in Detroit. I really enjoyed it, but I wanted more of a challenge and to work on meaningful projects. So I moved to Columbus, Ohio, in search of opportunities in commercial construction.
That’s when a friend of mine told me about Messer. I applied there, got the job and the rest is history. I love being able to make an impact and be a part of something big that helps grow the city.
What do you do in your current job and where are you located?
As a carpenter lead working in Columbus, I manage my team, workflow and materials for complex hospital renovation projects. My goal is to create a family-like environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
What are a few of the projects you’ve enjoyed working on the most and why?
For the past few years, I’ve enjoyed working on projects for OhioHealth because we’re helping improve environments for their staff and patients. They truly appreciate what we’re doing and value our work. It is great to feel seen for the hard work that we put in every day and to make such a huge difference in the lives of those who are in a critical space.
What was it like switching from residential to commercial construction?
The biggest difference between residential and commercial construction was the safety aspect. Safety wasn’t really prioritized until I started working for Messer. We are focused on zero injury and have safety plans such as fall protection plans and stop work authority — all of which require a lot of communication. I appreciate that there’s a concerted effort to make sure our well-being is the top priority.
What benefits are there to working in construction?
One of the biggest benefits of working in construction is the opportunity for advancement. If you work hard, you can easily grow from a carpenter to a superintendent or working in corporate. An added benefit is being able to apply the knowledge you learn on the job in your everyday life. If you need work done on your home, or if you’re trying to buy a house, you’ll know what to look for.
What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
My advice for young women looking to enter the construction field is to hold your head high, be confident and never second guess yourself. Make sure to soak up as much knowledge as possible and put forth your best effort.
When I first started, I was one of only two women on the job, but that never held me back. It pushed me to excel even more. Today, I work alongside a small group of amazing women, and while we’ve made progress, I don’t want any woman to feel discouraged about stepping into a male-dominated field.
You have what it takes to succeed in this industry. Through hard work and dedication, the sky is the limit.
