I’m honored and excited for the opportunity and privilege to serve as CFMA’s 2022-23 Chairman.

Getting Started in the Industry

During my college years, the construction industry wasn’t on my radar; I didn’t understand that there was a need in the industry for financial professionals and that many companies were willing to train and invest in top talent to help their companies grow and succeed.

During my summers in college, as I umpired baseball games in a local town, two parents asked what my plans were after college. I told them my goal was to learn as much about business management and finance as I could with aspirations of eventually owning a business. Every time I saw them at the field, they’d ask who I’d sent resumes to, who I’d met with, and really took an interest in my plans.

One day, they asked if I’d ever considered construction financial management as a career, and they proceeded to tell me about the organization they worked for and its leadership training program for accounting/finance professionals. Although the construction industry was new to me, after two interviews I had an offer letter and an outline of a management training program. Little did I know then that the company was an Engineering News-Record Top 10 firm!

That experience taught me to always treat people with respect, engage in conversation, and understand that you never really know where your next opportunity may come from. More than two decades later, I’m proud to say that I’m a leader in the construction financial industry and a partner in our business. The power of connections and conversation has helped shape who I am today.

Getting Involved in CFMA

As I progressed, I wanted to learn more about the industry, get more education, and discover how to network with other construction financial professionals (CFPs). One of my peers recommended CFMA, and I remember exploring the website to see what the Association and its members were all about. At first, it seemed like a group for more experienced, seasoned leaders rather than a group of my peers, but I liked the education and information I could gain from joining.

When I finally joined CFMA, I started attending chapter meetings and learning from some of the local leaders. I soon realized that many of us shared the same challenges, successes, and opportunities as organization leaders; I had found a network of people I could go to for advice.

Years later, I was asked to join the board of CFMA’s Central Florida Chapter, which allowed me to get more involved at the local level. From there I served as Chapter President, attended Spring Creek, participated in CFMA’s Mentoring Program, and joined other national committees where I honed my leadership skills. As one of my company’s owners, I showed that I had the skills and training to help lead our organization into the next generation, a lifelong dream of mine.

When I was asked to serve on CFMA’s Executive Committee, followed by Treasurer and Vice Chairman, everyone was welcoming, engaging, and wanted to hear my thoughts on how to make the Association better. It was amazing to see a group so passionate about the industry, ensuring that CFMA continues to serve the needs of CFPs and industry service providers.

My leadership path has been influenced by many different factors throughout the years, but the influence that CFMA has provided through education, volunteer leadership opportunities, and networking has been invaluable to my success.

CFMA helped me become the leader I am today. It’s been a great ride, and I’ve met so many wonderful leaders from all over the country; I’m proud to not only call them peers, but also friends.

Coming Together

While this year’s theme of “Coming Together” may have a different meaning for everyone, I challenge you to:

• Engage in CFMA and with your peers. Seek opportunities to become a local and/or national leader.
• Make a difference. If you’re an experienced member, find a newer, less experienced CFP and invite them to get involved in CFMA. If you’re a less experienced member, reach out to someone more experienced to build a connection or seek guidance.
• Investigate technology. As we continue to grow and change as leaders, so does our technology. Explore what solutions can help make you more efficient and profitable.
• Embrace diversity. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the stronger our members and CFMA can become.
• Pursue the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation. Learn what it is and how it supports a CFP’s career.

I’m excited for this next year as we look to build upon 40 years of CFMA’s success. I’m confident we will all Come Together to continue building a stronger, more diverse, and technologically-advanced industry now and in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chairman! 

Copyright © 2022 by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). All rights reserved. This article first appeared in March/April 2022 CFMA Building Profits magazine.