Today, we’d like to introduce you to Valerie O’Dell.
Hi Valerie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida. The coastline has been my happy place for as long as I can remember. I love it here. Although I was accepted to several schools across the state, I decided to stay in my hometown and attended Florida Atlantic University on scholarship. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, minoring in Sociology. After working in the restaurant industry through college, I was ready to embark on the REAL WORLD & I turned to Craigslist to find my dream job.
I stumbled upon a job posting for a personal assistant position at a real estate development company in Delray Beach, FL. I thought, ‘If I could assist the owner with their day-to-day and learn the business, I could eventually learn the biz.’ I interviewed and after speaking a few times, I really thought I landed the job. But, I got turned down… something along the lines of being slightly overqualified to be completing the daily tasks of a personal assistant. Which I really appreciated, despite my tears and thinking I’d never land another job again (ha).
A few days later, I got a call back with an offer of an entry-level project coordinator role – learning how to manage new construction builds. Sure! Mind you, at this point, I didn’t know anything about real estate development at the time, but I had nothing to lose, so I went for it. I grew with that company over the course of four years and built homes in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida. I learned a huge bulk of what I know now from my first boss, and I feel very blessed that I came across that Craigslist ad. I still stand by the measure of acceptance he taught me as my benchmark for approval.
I continued my education at the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University, obtaining certificates in Estimating and Project Management & Construction Financial Management. I then attended Gold Coast Real Estate, further expanding my knowledge in Contractor Business and Finance, Project Management, and Trade Knowledge.
Since then, I have managed the building of several custom homes at the prestigious Floridian National Golf Club in Stuart, Florida. This allowed me to learn a new set of building department requirements and expand my permitting knowledge further. It is an absolute necessity to keep an open mind in your career, always welcoming new opportunities and obtaining as much experience as possible, both in the field & in the classroom.
Today, I am the Director of Project Management for a custom boutique builder in Boca Raton, managing several custom home builds in the heart of luxurious East Boca Raton. In addition, managing renovations and interior design projects and serving as an owner’s representative for multiple clients make for a fun daily schedule. I have recently expanded my services to project management coaching and training as well.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating a career in a male-dominated industry like construction can present unique challenges for women, requiring resilience and determination to overcome. One of the key struggles that women often face is the initial lack of respect and credibility. In a field where traditional gender roles and stereotypes persist, establishing oneself as a competent and capable professional can take time and effort.
Women in construction often find themselves having to prove their skills and knowledge repeatedly, facing skepticism or dismissiveness from colleagues or superiors who may question their abilities solely based on gender. This lack of immediate recognition can be demoralizing and requires a strong sense of self-confidence and perseverance to overcome.
Moreover, being a young lady in a male-dominated industry compounds these challenges. In construction, where many industry leaders and decision-makers are sometimes 20-30 years older, there can be a perception that age equates to experience and expertise. Young professionals, especially women, may struggle to be taken seriously or given opportunities for advancement compared to their older counterparts.
Navigating these dynamics required much patience, resilience, and a proactive approach to my professional development. Ultimately, succeeding as a woman in construction requires a combination of skill, determination, and the willingness to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in luxury single-family home new construction project management, overseeing a handful of projects at upwards of $20 million at any given time. My role involves coordinating all aspects of construction from preconstruction through the build and through to completion. This involves being the liaison between all architects, engineers, design firms, and subcontractors on the project to ensure seamless execution from start to finish.
I am known for my relentless drive to create a quality product, exceptional communication skills, and keen attention to detail. I specialize in managing luxury single-family home construction projects, ensuring that my clients’ visions are brought to life with precision and care.
What sets me apart is my exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. I believe in the power of collaboration and positivity to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results. My commitment to never cutting corners and my relentless pursuit of excellence distinguishes me in the industry.
I am most proud of my reputation for simultaneously providing excellence and honesty. I take great pride in delivering high-quality projects and exceeding my client’s expectations. My brand is synonymous with reliability, professionalism, and a relentless dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.
In addition to my project management services, I offer a range of personalized services tailored to meet your specific needs. You can schedule directly on my website for services such as virtual design consultations, project planning and strategy sessions, assistance with navigating the permitting process, providing cost estimates for your project, and quality control monitoring throughout the construction process.
Furthermore, I provide specialized training and mentorship opportunities for aspiring project managers in the residential market. Whether you’re seeking top-tier project management services for your construction project or looking to enhance your skills and knowledge in project management, I am here to support your goals and aspirations.
For individuals who are renovating or building their own homes, my services extend to providing expert guidance and support at every stage of the process. From initial planning and design consultations to overseeing construction and ensuring quality control, I am committed to helping you achieve your vision with confidence and peace of mind.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Recently, I welcomed a new addition to my family—a beautiful baby boy. His name is Ace.
Despite the significant change in my personal life, my commitment to my clients and projects remains unwavering. This comes as a surprise to many of my clients, as I pride myself on maintaining a high level of efficiency and professionalism, ensuring that the project progresses seamlessly despite the new phase of life and the magnitude of my personal life adjustment.
I believe in effective time management and prioritization. By setting clear objectives and deadlines, I can allocate my time effectively between my personal and professional responsibilities. Additionally, I have a strong support system in place, allowing me to delegate tasks when necessary and focus on delivering exceptional results for my clients.
Ultimately, my dedication to excellence drives me to maintain a balance between my personal and professional life, ensuring that both thrive harmoniously.
You can either find me at Home Depot or Home Goods on the weekends. I love a good hot yoga class and change my hair color a lot because change is good! I love the blue waters of the Florida Keys, country music, and a good dance party. I’m a believer in God and dedicated to being a light for those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.valcatchconstruction.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valcatch_construction/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/nFKqWSpxYmPQceDv/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Living Proof Photography & Linda Lenhardt
