8C — October 26 - November 8, 2018 — Women in Business — M id A tlantic
Real Estate Journal
www.marejournal.com
Women in Business
Allison Calder, Oliver Fire Protection & Security “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. You may be surprised that you actually get it.” T in the design department. I then moved into estimating and sales with particular I have wanted to be in the construction industry for as long as I can remember. My
ell us how and when you began your ca- reer in the profession you are in: After graduating fromWen- tworth Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture during the 2008/09 recession, finding a position in architecture was challenging. I had been a vol- unteer fire fighter for many years. It was an easy decision for me to go back to school to attain my Associates degree in Applied Science in Fire Protec- tion Engineering Technology. Partnering my background in
Allison Calder Estimator Oliver Fire Protection & Security Years with company/firm: 3.5 Years in field: 6 Real estate organizations / affiliations: National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)’s Philadelphia Chapter
In addition to my lifelong interest in construction, the women that I have met through NAWIC inspire me every single day.
childhood dream since I was 8 years old was to be an ar- chitect. What was your greatest professional accomplish- ment in 2018? Being voted to sit on the Board, as Vice President, of the National Association of Wom- en in Construction (NAWIC)’s Philadelphia Chapter. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? In addition to my lifelong interest in construction, the women that I have met through NAWIC inspire me every single day. I’ve met women who have worked in construction for more than 50 years. Being in an industry with less than 10% women in 2018, it’s hard to believe how it would’ve been back in the 60’s. I admire the tenacity and grit of those women. It’s because of them that I am in the position I am today. What unique qualities and or personality trait do you feel makes you most successful in your profes- sion? I think my ‘go with the flow’ personality is critical in my line of work. Unexpected problems and tasks arise on a daily basis. Prioritizing is one of the most important skills a woman needs to succeed in this industry. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Other than being heavily involved with NAWIC, this past year I trained for and completed my first Ironman! An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. I trained for 8 months and crossed the finish line this past September! What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to go into the field of commercial real estate or your allied field? Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. You may be surprised that you actually get it.
focus on new commercial con- struction, though I also enjoy working on retrofit projects. I plan to move into a project management role in January 2019. Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today?
Architecture and my interest in fire safety has led me to my current profession. What is your current
position? I wear many hats at Oliver Fire Protection & Security. I spent the first year and a half
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