McCamy Construction

Meet Jennifer Garland – Director of Administrative Services at McCamy Construction

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

Why did you decide to work for a construction company?

I started working in the industry fresh out of college. I had been working as a Realtor and originally interviewed with the intentions of doing sales. The company was new and there was a need for an office person to handle bookkeeping and all other office type duties.  My role morphed more in to that and less about sales & marketing.

Why did you choose to work for McCamy Construction?

My previous employer decided to focus more on commercial real estate and sales when the housing market took a down turn. I enjoyed my job and wanted to stay in the construction industry. I really liked Sam and his “style”.  During our initial meeting, he said to me, “We’re loose around here” and I really appreciate what that meant.  I am given the autonomy & freedom to manage my tasks and time in the way I see appropriate.  As long as it is all done by the end of the day, that is all that matters to him.

What’s one thing you think everyone working in your position should know?

You have to be able to roll with the punches. Every day and each project bring something new. I have been in construction for almost 8 years and I am still confronted frequently with a new situation.  I have some sort of involvement in every aspect of our business.  I have to be able to switch hats quickly and then go back just as quickly to the hat I was wearing before.

What excites you about working at McCamy Construction?

The style of our company. We aren’t your typical construction company.  We want to make construction a fun experience for our customers even though it has all the makings of a very stressful situation. We try to always have fun and keep a team atmosphere while making sure we get the task at hand completed efficiently, effectively, and correctly.  There is a lot that goes in to putting a job together, whether it is new construction or a renovation, and we grow and learn with each project.  Our growth is also very exciting and I love to see our “project board” that hangs next to my desk full of new jobs or potential jobs!

What’s an example of that?

A clear example of our growth is the several new team members we just added and hopefully will be adding several more in the near future. When I started with McCamy Construction over 3 years ago, we were doing a couple of small renovations and storm damage insurance claims.  We have gone from that to building 10 new homes, doing several large commercial jobs, and completing numerous renovations just last year.  2014 is on track to be our most successful year yet.

What was the last book you read (or recommended?)

Llama Llama Red Pajama—I live with toddlers! What was your first job? My first official job was working as the office manager and bookkeeper for Holrob Residential.

Who or what inspires you?

My mom.  She worked full time and managed work and her family so gracefully.

Why do you feel that way?

Now that I have my own children I know how hard working full time and raising a family can be.  That again plays into the work environment Sam has provided. He has given me the opportunity to be available for my children when it is necessary.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending time with my husband and our 4 year old twins, Anna Kate & Drew.  We are in the process of building a house, so a lot of our spare time is going to that right now.  My husband plays the drums for a local band and I enjoy going to see them play.

What do you wish other people knew about McCamy Construction?

How much we genuinely care about each project and ending with a happy customer.  It is an honor that they have trusted us with one of the biggest investments they will ever make.  We spend a lot of time trying to streamline the process of each job to make sure it is as smooth as possible for our customers. What’s the best thing to happen since you started working with McCamy Construction? Again, our growth has been exponential. I couldn’t have imagined it would have happened so quickly.  One of the best things right now is receiving phone calls from people who have been referred to us from past customers.  A referral is the highest form of compliment in my opinion!  

Tags: Bookkeeping, Construction, Knoxville Tennessee, McCamy Construction, Renovation, Residential Construction