Name: Mary Kate Radomski
Title: Assistant Project Manager
Age: 25
Company, City: Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Colmar, PA
Years in field: 2, full time
Education: B.A. from Temple University
Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA
City of Residence: Erdenheim, PA
Family (spouse, children): Fiancé, no kids!

What is your business motto?
Not sure if this counts as a “motto,” but you need to be able to adapt to change!! We are in a field where, at the drop of a hat, a whole project or schedule could take a turn that requires a quick decision to be made. I used to be TERRIBLE with change (I’m still not great with it!), but I’m learning the importance of accepting it.

When did you first become interested in your career path?
I actually went to college for marketing, but always spent summers working part time in the office. Once I graduated from Temple, I continued working full-time with Radomski & Sons, and started to realize that I actually really enjoyed what I was doing.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Least rewarding?
The most rewarding part is seeing the finished product, and seeing Radomski employees and subcontractors work together to get the job done. Our workers are so talented, and I am always amazed at the work that they produce.

What is your biggest daily challenge?
Waking up — I’ve never been a morning person! smiley

How do you inspire your colleagues?
I hope that I inspire my colleagues by showing that I respect them, and making sure that my actions show that I believe every single person on a jobsite is important.

What goal are you currently striving to achieve?
Right now, I am trying to gain more experience with estimating and project delivery.

What project are you currently working on?
We are currently working on many major projects for petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications companies.

Do you have a life motto? If so, what is it?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is not to take anything personally. Sometimes everything isn’t going to go exactly how you had planned, and you have to communicate with a lot of different people with a lot of different feelings. You just need to remember that at the end of the day, it’s useless to dwell on one comment or action. You just have to keep pushing forward!

What was your favorite CLC event?
My favorite CLC event is the Phillies Home Opener!

How do you find that participating in CLC activities benefits you?
Networking is HUGE in this industry, and that is why organizations like the CLC are important. We are a general contractor, so we wouldn’t be anywhere without our subcontractors. Nothing is as important as maintaining strong relationships with your subcontractors, and face time and networking is super important for maintaining old relationships and forming new ones.

Do you have any advice for other CLC members/ young professionals who are looking to advance their career?
See above comment about networking! It’s sooo important! Additionally, organization is really important. There are so many aspects that go into this industry, and it is easy to get buried in drawings and papers. Staying organized not only makes your life easier, but the lives of those around you.

What is your favorite thing about being a member of GBCA?
My father has been active with the GBCA since before I was born, so the GBCA has always sort of been part of my life. I was so happy to come on board in my 20s and start participating in the different events the CLC has to offer. The GBCA and the CLC do a great job of showing my generation of construction leaders exactly what it takes to be successful in the construction industry.  The wide range of events is great, as well. Events like jobsite walkthroughs give us a hands-on approach to exactly what happens on a jobsite, whereas events like a Phillies game give us an opportunity to network and connect with other CLC members. I didn’t graduate college with a construction-related degree, so the CLC also gives people like me more opportunities to learn about the industry. I have met so many great people through the GBCA, and I am excited to someday connect with the NEXT generation of construction leaders through the GBCA and CLC.