In this episode of Just a Girl in Construction, Cory Fisk sits down with Pat Miller, President of Blue Diamond Construction, LLC, to explore her inspiring journey from blue-collar roots to industry leadership. Pat shares her insights on leading by example, the importance of respect and gratitude in building strong teams, and how her strategic decisions—like leaving union work—have shaped her successful business. She also discusses the exciting future of construction technology, emphasizing the need for certifications in drones, AI, and safety to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Pat opens up about her personal resilience, including her experience of losing her husband and rebuilding her company from scratch. Her story highlights the power of patience, staying true to your values, and lifting others along the way. She’s passionate about paving the way for women in construction, encouraging more to explore the trades and emphasizing that construction offers fulfilling, flexible careers with plenty of opportunities.

Don’t miss her heartfelt advice on maintaining mental wellness, embracing industry innovations, and creating a company culture rooted in support and perseverance. To watch the full episode, click here: https://youtu.be/kJrC4tYuVZAFollow Pat Miller on LinkedIn and join her upcoming construction job fair in New Jersey—an incredible opportunity for young women and future tradespeople. Stay motivated and keep building your legacy!

#ConstructionLeadership #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionTech #Resilience #BuildingLegacies #ConstructionCareers

00:00 The Value of Certifications in Construction

01:49 Leadership Beyond the Ladder

05:30 Navigating Union vs. Non-Union Challenges

09:23 Resilience Through Personal and Economic Struggles

12:11 Building a Supportive Company Culture

15:26 Empowering Women in Construction

18:16 Embracing Technology in Construction

21:31 Planning for the Future: Succession Strategies

23:48 The Impact of Politics on Construction

27:33 Strategic Patience in Business

33:01 Mental Wellness in the Construction Industry

36:48 Kicking Karma's Ass: A Memoir of Resilience

In this episode of Just a Girl in Construction, host Cory Fisk welcomes Erin Khan, founder of Erin Khan Consulting and co-host of the SureWorks podcast. With deep expertise in construction technology and innovation management, Erin shares insights on how the industry can bridge the gap between tradition and transformation—without losing its foundation.

They explore how innovation in construction isn’t just about adopting the latest tech—it’s about creating a culture where learning is prioritized, empathy drives change, and practical tools solve real-world problems. From streamlining field workflows with apps like Bluebeam to implementing AI for project efficiencies, Erin explains how contractors can stay competitive by upskilling teams and embracing a data strategy mindset.

If you're a builder, manager, or tech-curious leader trying to future-proof your role or company, this is a conversation packed with actionable advice. Watch the full episode of Just a Girl in Construction with Cory Fisk and guest Erin Khan now: https://youtu.be/YbP7tbrojMY

#ConstructionLeadership #InnovationInConstruction #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionTech #ErinKhan #SureWorks #JustAGirlInConstruction #CoryFisk #FieldToOffice #AIInConstruction #DigitalTransformation #Bluebeam #LearningCulture #ConstructionManagement #ErinKhanConsulting

00:00 The Importance of Learning in Construction

01:16 Defining Innovation in Construction

06:23 Overcoming Resistance to Change

12:31 Integrating Technology and Education

18:01 The Role of AI in Construction

24:16 Diversity in Construction: A New Era

30:12 Creating a Culture of Learning

36:50 The Future of Data in Construction

44:52 Starting Your Innovation Journey

On this episode of Just a Girl in Construction, host Cory Fisk welcomes Ken Harms, Executive Vice President at Gafcon, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the critical role of business development in the construction industry. Ken brings decades of experience across top general contractors and construction management firms and is now focused on coaching the next generation of doer-sellers.

Ken shares how he moved through the ranks—from managing projects at Kitchell to leading strategy and business development for large-scale PMCM firms. He breaks down what it really means to sell in the construction space, why mentorship is essential for both young professionals and industry veterans, and how success is no longer just about technical know-how—it’s about communication, confidence, and building relationships.

This is a must-listen for superintendents, project managers, and aspiring executives who want to elevate their careers by learning to lead, sell, and mentor. Tune in to hear Cory and Ken talk about career transitions, how to spot and nurture talent, the value of personal networks, and why being “technically great” isn’t enough if you want to sit at the decision-making table.

Watch or listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/ct1dgMyH0TA

#JustAGirlInConstruction #CoryFisk #KenHarms #Gafcon #ConstructionLeadership #BusinessDevelopment #MentorshipMatters #DoerSeller #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionCareers #AECIndustry #ExecutiveLeadership

00:00 The Importance of Business Development

02:45 Navigating Career Transitions in Construction

06:08 Mentorship and Coaching in the Industry

08:51 Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workplace

12:09 The Value of Communication Skills

14:57 The Role of Loyalty in Career Advancement

17:48 Understanding Business Development Paths

21:05 The Doer-Seller Model in Construction

23:55 The Evolution of Superintendent and Project Manager Roles

27:05 Entrepreneurship in Construction

29:51 The Balance of Stability and Opportunity

33:04 Final Thoughts on Career Growth