As the daughter of a semi-truck driver, Lindsay Alldaffer Earley earned her first dollar when she was around 3 or 4. Her father tasked her with polishing the wheels and cleaning all the corners and crevices because she was small enough to fit inside.
“He taught me very early that working is essential to life, no matter who you are or what you do, everyone has a job to do,” Lindsay recalled.
Lindsay was drawn to the construction industry due to her love of processes, plans, and problem-solving. She finds joy in overcoming the challenges of taking a project from planning to completion, and looking back at the end of a project to see what she has helped create; a structure that will be in place for years to come.
Her primary role at Next Chapter Construction is finance and administration leader, however, she is also involved in the day-to-day operations of sales and estimating. Lindsay took on a unique project for a housing commission where she has been able to show her skills as a project manager. All of these skills have prepared her to manage the construction of her own home as well.
Lindsay recently roofed, sided, and built a multi-level deck at her own home. She enjoyed being in a different role, as the homeowner, and to be the individual making decisions.
“I gained so many insights into how our clients feel and look forward to applying that knowledge to future projects with Next Chapter Construction.”
Next Chapter Construction has over 50+ years of combined experience in all facets of construction. Lindsay joined the team with the goal of providing support to the leadership team, organizing the administrative functions, and to learn more about the install side of the business. Quickly finding that she was capable of all these tasks, she has continued to gain confidence in her role and currently leads the finance and administration team.
“Next Chapter is special for so many reasons. We are stronger, faster, and better as a team compared to an individual effort. The experience and knowledge we hold make us a strong force. More than experience though, we have grit, determination, and passion for changing this industry. Construction demands organization, speed, and efficiency now more than ever and we see that as a raw opportunity to create change.”
When asked about the best business advice she’d ever heard, Lindsay reflected on the importance of listening to the customer and building trust, relationships, and rapport. However, she knows that women going into the construction industry must be educated and mentored through conversation, actions, and involvement. She finds that it’s important to teach youth about the importance of the trades and the opportunities that lie within the career field.
“Just recently, I walked into a pre-bid conference with my team and was quickly noticed as the only female in a room of about 20 people. One gentleman called me out and asked the trade I intended to bid. When I answered, he laughed and asked if I’d perform the work myself. I grinned and said, “If that’s what it takes to get the job done.” Having a daughter myself, I could have allowed anger to overrule my response. Situations like this happen to many women in this industry and at that moment, you have a choice. I chose to respond with kindness and humor, which is how I would want my own daughter to respond.”
Lindsay’s advice to other women looking to choose construction as a career is to speak up and not expect anyone to ask you in or show you the door.
“Open it, say hello, and walk right in. It’s a common misconception that women are not welcome in this industry and I couldn’t disagree more. There is a ton of room for us in construction and the doors are wide open.”
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