Debbi Phipps

HR Specialist

What is your educational background?

I only have one year of college; I was thrown into living on my own before I graduated high school and chose to support myself vs. continue school.

How long have you been in the construction industry?

Almost 31 years, with the same company

What is your current job role or title?

For the past 4 years I have been the HR Specialist, specializing in benefits. For the 26 years prior I was in Payroll, and the Payroll Manager for 16 of those years.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

I don’t really have “one” moment, but in my position, I get the advantage of working with all employees, from the ditches to the president. I love those interactions.

What are your future career plans — your short-term and long-term goals?

Well, I am lucky enough to have found a company that I know I want to retire from. So, I would say I have 10 more years here to explore.

When did you know that construction was the industry you wanted to be in?

I honestly didn’t know; I just fell into the job.

Do you have a favorite project you worked on? What obstacles did you go through to complete the project?

In my realm, my favorite projects are the software integrations, whether it was a timecard portal, or a new HR site, I love collaborating with the different departments to find the best way to build out platforms.

Now that you have been in the construction industry X amount of years, do you have any regrets? Would you change anything about your journey?

I do wish I would have had the opportunity to finish school.

The number of women in the construction industry is continually growing. What do you think are some of the advantages of being a woman in the construction industry?

In our company, especially with women who have moved up to Project Managers, they seem to be valued in the client-facing space. They have really been able to create these relationships with clients that some men may not be able to.

How has the construction industry changed with regard to women?

I don’t particularly have challenges as a woman in construction, but I really think it depends on where you work. Our company gives EVERYONE the opportunity to learn and grow.

The construction industry is embracing the advancement of women. What advice would you give a woman entering the industry now?

If you are still in college, be sure to take advantage of construction management career fairs. These fairs’ are your connection to construction, and open up opportunities for summer internships, and can ultimately end up in an job offer once you graduate.

How do you manage your personal and professional life? How do you manage the transition from your personal life and career?

I try to draw a hard line between work and home. You have to, or you can get burned out.

What is your favorite quote that inspired you during your career?

When I was moving from Payroll to HR, and super nervous that I didn’t know what I needed to know, someone at my office said to me “don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it’s how we grow!”