Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey began as a high school student looking for a first period elective. I can remember the high school guidance counselor advising me that Building Trades was my only available option. I thought to myself…shop class? How could this be the only available option? On the outside, I held my head high and walked out to the portable building that housed Building Trades students. It was here that I met my teacher, Mr. Conner. I didn’t realize it that day, but Mr. Conner would soon pave my next two years of high school. He persuaded me to get involved with Skills USA (formerly VICA), he introduced me to the construction industry, and encouraged me to pursue an education and career as a female in predominantly male industry. In the fall of 1996, I entered the Construction Science program at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Upon graduating from the program, I began working for an Austin based company made up of Architects, Engineers and Construction professionals providing Construction Monitoring Services for Construction Lending Institutions. In 2007, I made the decision to open my own practice. For over 10 years, I have worked to grow my practice by nurturing client relationships and demonstrating a complete understanding of all aspects of the construction industry. My firm can successfully reduce our client’s risk associated with new construction projects. Skills include scheduling, estimating, and construction management of commercial and residential projects. Services to lending institutions include monitoring of construction projects as well as construction document and cost reviews.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a woman in a predominantly male industry has been smoother than I could have ever expected. Even though statistics show that women make up only 9% of the construction industry, In fact all of my mentors have been men. My biggest supporter and resource is my husband who has been involved in the construction and real estate development industries since 1999. I have always felt genuinely respected by my colleagues and the teams I’ve been a part of.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Construction Lending Advisors – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Construction Lending Advisors is a consulting firm that assists lenders in the financing of construction loans. We understand all aspects of the construction industry and can successfully reduce our client’s risk associated with new construction projects. Skills include scheduling, estimating, and construction management of commercial and residential projects. Services to lending institutions include monitoring of construction projects as well as construction document and cost reviews. We are based in the DFW metroplex, but travel monthly nationwide. I am most proud that I built this company with my own two hands while being a Mom to my two boys, Ryder and Rustin and a wife to my husband Matt. I truly value my clients and their customers. I want to protect their interest first and foremost. In the process I have built many valuable relationships over the years. This is what sets us apart from others.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Plans for the future include continued growth. We have expanded to the San Antonio Market and also entered into the Central Florida Market in 2017.
Contact Info:
- Email: jsmith@cl-advisors.com
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