Born to lead

Our conversation with Phoenix Masonry’s Christy Crook

Christy Crook’s penchant for leadership comes naturally. As President and CEO of Phoenix Masonry, she is not only one of the few female-owned commercial masonry construction firm executives, but her commitment to helping other women learn about the financially sustainable careers in construction is uncanny.

Take her role as a long-time board member for the nonprofit Transportation & Construction GIRL. Or her board position on the American Subcontractors Association and the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute. And there’s also the roles she plays in the American General Contractors Association, Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of Women in Construction.

She is so noted that the Colorado Public Works Department recently named her one of the “Top Women in Colorado Construction.” And this year, she’ll become the first female leader of the aforementioned RMMI in more than 50 years.

Crook founded Phoenix Masonry after her father’s construction company became a victim of the 2008 economic crash. Started in 2010, Phoenix satisfied the requirements to earn its status as a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and a Regional Transportation District Small Business Enterprise (RTD SBE).

And she has been moving full steam ahead ever since. We sat down with her to get a feel for her industry passion and the road ahead.

How did you get started in the industry?

It’s fair to say that I grew up in and around the commercial construction industry, as my dad owned his own firm in Southern California. In fact, one of my earliest memories is roller skating my way around numerous jobsites, while the crews worked. In my early teens, I began to help out, sort of like a gopher if you will.

Some of the clients I have to this day, I’ve known since I was 16 years old. But everything changed when the economy crashed in 2008. My dad’s firm closed down and we lost everything—the businesses, our house.

After that, I kind of floated around for a couple of years before starting my own company, Phoenix Masonry in 2010. I guess it’s obvious how I chose the name. I basically started from scratch, and my father joined on to work as my job estimator.”

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen over the past few years?

I’d have to say that one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in the past few years is the industry’s approach to problem solving. More and more, there’s a consensus coming together to solve some of our biggest issues—like workforce shortages in manpower and materials. Commercial construction is becoming a lot more collaborative, and proactive communication has become really important.

But it’s a positive development. It’s always valuable when general contractors and subcontractors can work together in more of a team environment. The industry isn’t as siloed as it used to be. And while we have many of the same problems, we’re discovering that we can go further together.

What opportunities are out there for the industry as we move forward? For women?

Without a doubt, the commercial construction industry is becoming more inclusive and welcoming – especially for the recruitment of women. As a female commercial construction owner, I’ve made it one of my highest priorities and serve on the board for Transportation & Construction GIRL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recruiting and supporting women in the industry.

This year, our annual expo attracted 1,000 attendees! Secondly, new technologies coming online—particularly in masonry. The Material Unit Lift Enhancer (MULE) can lay bricks up to 125 pounds, leveling the playing field for women. Construction robotics are helping us to work smarter, not harder—and they’re also helping to close the gender equality gap. One day soon, we could literally solve our workforce shortages, thanks to these developments.

What type of trends are you seeing today?

The commercial construction industry is embracing a digital transformation and it’s inspiring to be involved at a time of such progress. As an owner, I’m seeing a whole lot more of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach to projects. One of the biggest advantages it offers is the enhancement of job safety. There’s also been a huge influx of 3D planning and progression modeling and LEAN construction methods are becoming much more widespread.

it comes down to this—people will always form their own opinions, but it’s not about what they call you—it’s what you answer that matters the most.

And never set limits on what you can achieve. As of today, I’m slated to be the first female president for the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute in 2024, a nonprofit trade organization that supports our segment of the commercial construction industry. That will be a first in the organization’s 50-year history.

What’s the best thing every woman can do to make sure they get a seat at the table?

I tell my protégé’s all the time—the single best thing you can do is not to be afraid of your own voice, or your ability to use it. Don’t put limits on yourself, because if you really look around, you’ll be amazed how many people out there will support you in life.

What advice can you share?

The most common advice I dole out has everything to do with encouraging the participation and recruitment of more women in the industry. My best advice for young women is to make an effort to get out and meet the other women already working in the industry and find yourself a mentor. There are so many more of us now, and it’s easier to build a strong network of contacts who can really make a difference in providing direction for careers in commercial construction. I may sound like a broken record, but it’s just not as hard to find women like us as it used to be.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

While I cannot recall the specific source, I’ve heard this many different ways—what other people think of me is really none of my business. It’s a hard lesson to learn but

What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?

Well, I have to share both a business goal and a personal goal. My business goal for 2023 is to continue our work in streamlining our processes, embrace the rapidly changing role that technology is bringing to commercial construction, and be willing to change with the times.

On a personal level, my goal may sound strange—but I want to become a sommelier – a professional wine expert. There are courses, exams, and certifications to the process, but I’m up to the challenge. Not surprisingly, the wine industry is another example of a business category that’s underrepresented by women.

I’m also learning as much as I can about the alternative asset markets—things like Cryptocurrencies and NFTs. I guess it’s safe to say that I was born to challenge the male-dominated spaces in life. And I figure I might as well keep going!” CCR