LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Jen Sabia | D.M. SABIA & CO., INC.

Name: Jen Sabia

Title: Vice President

Age: 33

Company, City: D.M. Sabia & Co., Inc. located in Conshohocken, PA

Years in field: 5

What is your business motto?

I don’t have one, but I try handle everything with respect, honesty, determination, and persistence.

When did you first become interested in your career path?

I grew up around masonry construction but never thought about it in terms of something I could do. It just seemed like a job my dad and uncles had. In my early twenties I decided to work one summer in the yard as a laborer, but that was solely to prove to myself that I could do it. I was blown away with everything I was learning and doing. After college I worked in the insurance industry for over six years. I learned a lot, but it wasn’t fulfilling, and I kept thinking back to construction and how different and fast paced it was. Eventually I decided I wanted to make the career switch. Not exactly a conventional path but I’ve been able to learn a lot from many different people.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Least rewarding?

Seeing a project materialize from a blueprint to a building will always be cool to me, but the most rewarding part of my job is my coworkers. I’d like to think we have a pretty good culture here. We eat lunch together almost every day. And as hectic and crazy as things can get, we always have someone willing to help or add humor to the situation.

What is your biggest daily challenge?

Trying to be proactive but accepting that everything is chaos.

How do you inspire your colleagues?

I can’t pretend that I inspire anyone, so instead I’d like to share how my colleagues inspire me. I am constantly inspired by the support and teamwork of my colleagues. If there is an issue, there is never one person left alone to get it fixed. Instead, multiple people will volunteer to assist with action or advice.

What goal are you currently striving to achieve?

I’m trying to get better at balancing my work in terms of the business side of the company as well as assisting with projects/safety and overall personnel. Sometimes it feels like I’m running around “putting out fires”. I want to get better at preventing the “fires”.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m on the accounting side of things so I have some involvement with all of them.

Do you have a life motto? If so, what is it?

I think it’s a combination of “do the right thing”, “treat everyone how you want to be treated” and “go birds”.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Be a listener and be adaptable.

What is/was your favorite CLC event?

In December 2023 we had an At-Large Meeting and bowling happy hour. Holiday cheer and bowling, what could be better! I’m looking forward to the Phillies game this year.

How do you find that participating in CLC activities benefits you?

There are many benefits to taking part in CLC activities as you meet like-minded professionals and learn about different aspects of construction. I also think the CLC Coffee Chats are very beneficial. Getting to hear from an industry leader is always inspiring and motivating.

Do you have any advice for other CLC members/ young professionals who are looking to advance their career?

I’m still figuring things out myself, but I would encourage members to get involved and go to as many things as possible. Making connections is not just important but necessary if you want to grow and be successful.

What is your favorite thing about being a member of GBCA?

My favorite thing about being a member of the GBCA are the relationships I’ve developed in the industry and the opportunities the GBCA offers through their networking events and educational classes. I’m also proud to be connected to the other union construction trades in the Philadelphia area.