NAWIC NEWS
MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT
Mary Jane Gutierrez Our January Member Spotlight features Mary Jane Gutierrez, who does outside sales for Frontier Supply Company, an Alaskan owned company which provides a full line of plumbing, heating, and industrial piping products in both Guam and Alaska and a NAWIC Guam Corporate Member. Mary Jane, or MJ, has been a member of NAWIC Guam since 2020 and joined the organization because it “impacts and empowers not only women, but a community”. MJ has been working in the construction industry since 2019 and was drawn to it because she recognizes the positive impact it can have for members of the community. “A road being built can make a difference in our growth [and] development in education, health, and our social being” adding that executing a simple plan “can make a drastic change in life”. Prior to working in the construction industry, MJ worked in clothing retail which taught her the importance of valuing her customers and prioritizing their needs and laid a foundation that has helped her excel in her current position. “Maintaining relationships and providing quality service to our customer” is her goal and she recognizes that without satisfied customers, the business would not be successful. The Covid -19 pandemic has presented many challenges for the construction industry including disruptions to global supply chain. Coupled with Guam’s remote location and long lead time for importing material, sourcing materials and shipping delays have been a challenge. MJ understands the crucial role she plays in managing these challenges for her customers “One way I deal with this is reaching out to multiple vendors instead of just one”. This ensures that she considers all options and is able to provide the most suitable product to her customers. Maintaining good communication with her customers is important as well “I do my best to calculate all lead times from point A to point B and keep the customer updated of any changes”. This strategy helps her customers manage the delay on their end and adjust their schedules accordingly to accommodate these delays. The Covid-19 pandemic has modified the way many businesses operate to minimize face to face interactions with customers. MJ finds herself working from her office more often than she had in the past but capitalized on the opportunity to learn new things and step in where needed, assisting with accounting, sourcing products from manufacturers, and putting together quotes. MJ has lived on both the east and west coast of the United Stated mainland but returned to Guam in 2008. Being away from the island helped her realize that Guam is truly her home and where her heart is. When she is not working, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time at Ritidian Beach (her all-time favorite place), and with her 6 children: 3 boys, 2 girls, and a baby on the way. She credits her parents for empowering and inspiring her to live up to her full potential and maintain a positive outlook on life. MJ is an awesome woman in construction!
JOIN NAWIC GUAM CHAPTER 381 TODAY! Want to know more about NAWIC Guam or join our organization? Contact us at nawicguam@gmail.com or DM us on Facebook (Nawic Guam) or Instagram (@nawicguam). www.nawic.org 18
JANUARY 2022
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
www.guamcontractors.org
