Building More Than Just Structures
When people hear I’ve been in the infrastructure and coatings business for over three decades, they usually picture hard hats, steel beams, and concrete slabs. And yes, that’s a part of it. But for me, it’s always been about more than the structures we build—it’s about the legacy we leave behind.
Legacy isn’t just something you think about at the end of a career. It’s something you build into the fabric of your business from day one. At ProTech, I’ve worked hard to make sure our projects serve not just the client or the contract, but the community. And at home, that same mindset has guided the way I’ve raised my daughter, supported equine rescue, and built a life rooted in purpose.
A Family Foundation
I come from a family of strong, driven individuals. My parents worked in law and pharmaceuticals. My siblings and I were raised on a steady diet of discipline, hard work, and high expectations. We also spent weekends skiing, training for marathons, and pushing each other to be better. That foundation of determination and resilience has shaped how I lead and how I parent.
Raising my daughter Claire—now a competitive show jumper—has been one of the most meaningful “projects” of my life. Watching her grow, compete, and carry herself with grace in and out of the ring has reminded me that legacy starts at home. It’s not just about what we do—it’s about who we raise, support, and inspire.
Philanthropy with Purpose
My work doesn’t stop at the job site or the boardroom. I’ve always believed that when you’re fortunate enough to build success, you have a responsibility to give back. One of the causes closest to my heart is AllSeatedInABarn, an organization focused on rescuing horses from slaughter and providing them with care, dignity, and a second chance.
People often ask me why horse rescue is so important to me. The truth is, these animals have given me and my family so much—from personal joy to life lessons and even professional inspiration. Supporting organizations that protect them feels like closing the loop. It’s a way to honor what they’ve given us, while teaching the next generation about compassion, responsibility, and action.
Philanthropy, in my view, shouldn’t be separate from your business—it should be woven into it. That’s why ProTech proudly supports initiatives that benefit our local communities, including workforce development, youth sports, and educational programs for women entering the trades.
What Infrastructure Really Means
We often think of infrastructure as roads, bridges, tunnels, and buildings—and yes, those are the things we repair, coat, and protect every day at ProTech. But to me, infrastructure is also emotional and generational. It’s the system of values, support, and leadership that we build into our families, our companies, and our communities.
When we restore a highway deck, we’re not just preserving concrete—we’re preserving access to jobs, healthcare, and education. When we waterproof a hospital rooftop, we’re not just keeping water out—we’re keeping patients and providers safe. And when we hire and mentor young tradespeople, especially women, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in the next wave of leadership.
The work is physical, but the impact is deeply human.
Lessons from the Barn
Running Diamond Equestrian Center has given me a completely different, yet surprisingly connected view of legacy. The young riders who train at our barn aren’t just learning how to compete—they’re learning how to lead, how to bounce back from failure, and how to build trust through discipline.
It’s the same lesson we try to instill at ProTech. Whether you’re riding a course or managing a multimillion-dollar infrastructure project, the principles are the same:
- Show up prepared
- Communicate clearly
- Adjust when things go wrong
- And never lose sight of the bigger picture
That’s why the barn and the business don’t compete for my time—they complement each other. One sharpens my leadership. The other keeps me grounded in why I lead.
The Next Chapter: Building Forward
As I reflect on 30+ years in business, I’m proud of what we’ve built—roads, bridges, barns, and most importantly, relationships. But I also know that legacy isn’t just about what’s behind me. It’s about what I’m still building.
Looking ahead, my focus is on expanding our reach and deepening our impact:
- We’re exploring more sustainable, low-VOC coatings that protect the planet while protecting structures.
- We’re growing our mentorship programs to support more women entering the trades.
- And we’re actively identifying projects that blend infrastructure with community need, like public schools, shelters, and healthcare facilities.
It’s about doing great work—for the right reasons, with the right people, and with a long view in mind.
Leaving Footprints, Not Just Foundations
At the end of the day, I hope my legacy isn’t just measured in square footage or profit margins. I hope it’s measured in people—the women who felt empowered to lead, the horses who got a second chance, the riders who found confidence, and the communities who felt seen and supported through our work.
Because when family, philanthropy, and infrastructure intersect, something special happens: we build more than just physical structures—we build a future worth standing on.