Sen Blankinship, Senior Project Manager

“Sen is an exceptional teammate whose dedication, expertise, and quiet confidence elevate every project she touches. Her clients consistently sing her praises for her reliability, responsiveness, and follow-through. She is a quiet assassin in the best way — she knows her clients, masters the contract documents, and holds both the internal team and trade partners firmly accountable to our shared standards. In pursuits, Sen is always an easy yes — her track record, resume, and references speak loudly for themselves and immediately build confidence with prospective clients. Beyond her professional excellence, she is a dedicated and proud mom who lights up when she talks about her family. Sen is a tremendous asset to the Public Group, and I can confidently say I speak for all of us when I share our deep appreciation for everything she does to make our team successful.”
—Jim DiMarzio, Vice President / Public Group Leader

Devin McGovern, Preconstruction Services Coordinator

“In less than a year at Commodore, Devin has made an incredible impact. She has taken the lead in key preconstruction initiatives and company-wide SOP improvements, strengthening how we operate across the entire organization. Within our estimating team, Devin has been a true difference-maker — building custom reporting tools that enhance deliverable management, improve visibility into team capacity, and better communicate strategies for self-performing opportunities with Charles Services and Equipment (CSEC). Devin’s initiative, innovation, and drive have elevated the team and delivered meaningful results in a remarkably short time.”
—Jonathan Morini, Vice President of Estimating

Jennifer Morrissey, Project Accountant

“With only a one-year anniversary upcoming, Jennifer is already our go-to project accountant for our challenging jobs. For example, with our most recent project, she realized that we were recognizing it as one job, but the client was managing it as two, so she pivoted quickly to have the subcontractors bill this work separately. This not only streamlined our internal processes but also ensured that subcontractor payments would flow when we were paid by the client. This was using all six of our qualities of excellence rolled into one project: Jennifer took charge and problem-solved the situation, anticipating that cash flow would be a problem for our trade partners. Her ability to focus on the details ensures we are billing the client accurately. She collaborated with our internal and external teams to develop a solution that worked for everyone. Jennifer’s innovation was critical to avoiding the entire team having to rework the project yet again.”
—Jennifer Sinclair, Project Accounting Manager

Flaviane Richard, Project Manager

“Flavi joined our Commercial team last spring, and she immediately jumped into action at our 900 Morrissey Boulevard project in Dorchester, MA. From day one, her collaborative approach has had a significant impact on strengthening our relationship with The Community Builders, given the challenges uncovered in the existing building. Flavi is incredibly hard-working, thoughtful in her problem‑solving, and consistently driven to get results. We all look forward to her continued growth here at Commodore.”
—Dan Hudd, Commercial Group Leader

Jessica Ryan, Project Controls Manager / Life Sciences Group Controller

“When you think about consistency, you think about Jess Ryan. Over the years, Jess has steadily innovated to help maximize our team’s efficiency and has her fingerprint on much of what we do. Jess has been a key contributor to our team and is a big reason why some of our most challenging projects have been successful. She is always the first to try to overcome a new obstacle. I very much appreciate everything she brings to the table and have come to rely on her as someone who always delivers results at a very high level. Jess is a genuinely caring person and balances all of this as a working mother. We are very lucky to have her on our team.”
—Justin Nadolney, Director of Operations / Project Executive, Life Science

Kate Starr, Senior Project Manager

“Kate is an outstanding leader who seamlessly manages multiple teams while always putting collaboration first. She has become the Public Group’s trusted expert for our largest client and for all things DCAMM, consistently delivering calm, informed guidance. Kate constantly looks for smarter, more efficient ways to work, with a sharp focus on saving her clients money and keeping the end user’s experience front and center. Her clients genuinely enjoy partnering with her, and she has grown into a confident, influential leader within the Public Group. Kate is always on the move with her partner, Mel, and we love hearing about their latest adventures, including their recent trip to Alaska. Kate is a tremendous asset to our team, and we are deeply grateful for the impact she has on our collective success.”
—Jim DiMarzio, Vice President / Public Group Leader

The post Women in Construction Week: Celebrating the Women Who Build Commodore appeared first on Commodore Builders.

Tobin comes to Commodore from The Related Companies, where he was Senior Vice President of Design and Construction, overseeing all food and beverage projects in New York City. He previously headed the NYC Hospitality Division at Shawmut Design and Construction, managing an expansive portfolio of restaurants, hotels, and event spaces across the country.

Tobin began his career as a residential carpenter on Cape Cod before transitioning into commercial construction in Boston. Starting as a Superintendent and progressing through roles as Project Manager, Director of Construction, Director of Hotels, and SVP of Design & Construction, he has built a reputation for excellence through hands-on leadership and a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver memorable guest environments. His unique perspective, gained from working on both sides of the table as builder and client, positions him to bring a balanced, relationship-driven approach to Commodore’s growing Retail and Hospitality portfolio.

With more than 300 completed restaurants, retail, and hospitality projects combined, Tobin’s career highlights include iconic Boston destinations such as Flour, Neptune Oyster Bar, O YA, Scampo, Nebo, Legal Seafood Harborside, Davio’s and Bleacher Bar. His national work includes Per Se, Le Bernardin, 11 Madison Park, Nobu, Del Frisco’s, and Hard Rock Café. His hotel-sector projects include the Boston Harbor Hotel, Marriott Copley Place, Boston Park Plaza, Waldorf-Astoria, The Palace, InterContinental-Barclay, and St. Regis, among others.

Tom Comeau, President of Commodore Builders, says, “John’s combination of field experience, client insight, and executive leadership will enable Commodore to accelerate our growth in the retail and hospitality market. He brings a level of sophistication and understanding of client expectations that will elevate our delivery and strengthen our partnerships.”

Based at Commodore’s Newton headquarters, Tobin will lead the firm’s Retail and Hospitality Group, overseeing teams that serve clients across New England and beyond.

About Commodore Builders
Commodore Builders is a veteran-owned construction management firm headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, with offices in Boston and Nashville. The company offers a full range of preconstruction and construction management services across multiple sectors, including life sciences, corporate interiors, institutional, public, commercial, and retail and hospitality. Commodore is consistently ranked among New England’s top construction management firms for its dedication to safety, quality, and building long-term client relationships.

The post Commodore Builders Welcomes John Tobin as Vice President and Leader of the Retail and Hospitality Group appeared first on Commodore Builders.

“I was first inspired to join the construction industry while attending an architectural camp in middle school. I always enjoyed taking things apart to understand how they work, and it was at that camp where I learned that I could contribute to building structures that people use daily. I thought it was amazing that an idea could turn into a set of drawings and then eventually a whole building, school, or park. I then gravitated towards estimating to get involved at the beginning of the process. I often get to see the first iteration all the way through to the final drawing set. Then, if I’m lucky, I can visit the site during and/or after construction and see the drawings come to life. It’s really cool to witness.

“For someone considering joining the industry, I would say to try to get a chance to see and experience things as much as possible. Construction is very much a live-it-to-learn-it type of industry, so the best way to learn is almost always to go see it in real time so you can see how different issues get solved.”

—Tatianna Auguste, Estimator

“My career in construction began early, working alongside my father in his residential construction company. While I initially disliked those summer days on the jobsite, they laid a foundation that would shape my future. After high school, I joined the carpenters’ union to help pay for college, gaining valuable hands-on trade experience. Following college, I transitioned into project management at a residential construction company, a role that later opened doors to opportunities with Commodore and Strategic Projects Group (SPG). While managing projects in SPG, I helped the group apply for permits, which ultimately led to my transition into the company’s newly established Permitting Department.

“Looking back, I realize how much my early experiences — such as accompanying my father to the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) — prepared me for success in unexpected ways. My advice to the next generation is to give attention to every task, no matter how small. The skills and lessons you gain today may prove invaluable later in your career.”

—Marcus Gonzalez, Director of Permitting

“My dad was a union laborer in Local 721 and did concrete on his own on the side — I always admired his hard work. I grew up helping on his side work projects, and I immediately loved construction. I never knew exactly what I wanted to study at college until I toured Keene State College. During my tour, the hockey coach recommended the Construction Safety Management program to me, and I instantly knew that was the route I wanted to take. Since graduating and getting into the field, I’ve loved working in this industry. Building relationships with subcontractors and project teams, as well as coordinating different safety plans to ensure all workers went home safely to their families each day, makes me love what I do.

“I would highly recommend anyone with any thoughts on the construction industry to give it a try, as it is very rewarding and enjoyable. You learn skills that extend beyond the workforce.”

—Cullen Gustafson, Safety Manager

“Construction careers span multiple generations in my family. I have memories as a child visiting projects my father was part of, and I can recall many conversations with my grandfather about the work he himself had been involved in. Their sense of pride and accomplishment influenced my start years ago, and their mentorship has guided me along the way.

“As a superintendent, I value opportunities to problem-solve and be part of something tangible, collaborating with our trade partners, design teams, and clients throughout. It’s rewarding to look back at a project and know you played a role in how it got there. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many projects that have served different purposes and end users.

“As I continue to build, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that the next 10 years will look and feel very different from the previous 10 years.

“My advice to anyone considering a career in construction would be to ask questions. Construction is as much of a relationship business as it is a building business. Be a sponge and be open-minded and know that roles and responsibilities will reflect what you put in. Most problems have multiple solutions, and while it’s important to bring suggestions to the table, contributions from your counterparts are necessary. It’s a team game. There are endless opportunities for those that are reliable and apply themselves.”

—Jonathan Regis, Superintendent

“I grew up in a construction family, so it kind of feels like I’ve always worked in construction. My dad was a residential builder and developer, and my mom was a real estate agent. When I was in high school, my dad would pay me to vacuum the sawdust out of the cabinets and drawers in the homes that he built before the owners moved in. He never let me drive the backhoe or swing a hammer, though!

“When I went to college at UMass Amherst, I majored in theater and was required to take courses in scenic design, which I loved. In those classes, I learned how to read and produce basic construction drawings and make 3D diagrams of my designs out of foamboard. I also learned to climb ladders and use power tools! Being able to operate a power drill or table saw made me feel empowered in a way I never would have imagined. My carpentry skills were not good — but just finding them made me feel good!

“After graduation, I bounced around a bit before figuring out what I really wanted to do professionally. I tried selling houses with my mom and realized I wasn’t cut out for that. I worked as a paralegal at a couple of law firms and in the legal departments of several Fortune 500 companies. It wasn’t until I landed in the legal department of a General Contractor firm in 2014 that I finally felt at home. The projects we worked on were tangible, and my coworkers spoke my language. I loved that I was able to combine construction with my legal background. Eleven years later, I can’t picture myself doing anything else!

“My advice to others considering entering the construction industry is to always say yes to something new, especially if it makes me nervous. That’s how we keep growing.”

—Sara Whitman, Risk Management Associate

The post Finding Purpose and Belonging: Commodore Colleagues Reflect On Why They Joined the Construction Industry appeared first on Commodore Builders.

Mariana has a genuine curiosity and a strong desire to pitch in wherever she can. She’s constantly looking for ways to improve processes and is always ready to support her teammates in any way possible.

Being a first-generation, bilingual individual from Columbia, she leverages her language skills to bridge communication gaps, helping to foster strong relationships with diverse teams and clients. She describes it as one of the most useful skills her parents gave her, and something that brings her immense joy and pride. We sat down with Mariana to learn more about her journey into construction and what she loves about her work.

What made you enter the construction industry?

I fell into construction by happenstance. I was working as an Assistant Property Manager, and we were doing an occupied rehab project in the building. The General Superintendent and Project Executive exposed me to the industry, where I learned just how fast paced and different construction really is. They helped me get my foot in the door as a Project Administrator, allowing me to work during the day and go to school at night. I was on a fast-track route to the project management side of construction, being exposed to financials and visiting job sites. The day after I graduated, I got a call from the VP of Construction offering me a role as an Assistant Project Manager.

What excites you about your work?

I’m always looking to be challenged and to learn new things. In fact, I never want to be the smartest person in the room, and that’s one of the things I really like about construction. There’s always something for me to learn.

I’ve been looking to get exposed to different aspects of sustainability in construction. I’ve worked on a few Passive House projects and I’m fascinated by the details. I’m currently working at the Franklin Park Zoo, building an exhibit and habitat for the penguins. The scope includes geothermal wells, which is an area of sustainability I didn’t previously have experience in.  It’s super exciting to see this project come to life and learning the methods of what it takes to build a zoo exhibit. It’s not something you really think about. Plus, it’s always fun to see the animals!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors. There’s a trail in Saugus called Breakheart, which I like to visit frequently. There are some other small trails in Ipswich where I like to take my friends and family. I’m also a big traveler – this year I visited D.C., Chicago, Cabo, and Spain. If I’m not hiking or with my friends and family, you can probably find me at Marshalls or watching anything Bravo.

What piece of advice would you give to women entering the field?

Never be afraid to ask questions—learning is key. If you have the chance to work with someone who is skilled and patient enough to mentor you, take that opportunity. Be willing to take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and, most importantly, trust in your ability to succeed.

The post Embracing adventure with Mariana Zapata appeared first on Commodore Builders.

Commodore Builders is spearheading the expansion and renovation of Hopkins Lower Middle School to accommodate the growing student population in Hopkinton and modernize the facilities. This 28,000-sf project includes:

• Construction of a new gymnasium
• Renovation of the existing cafeteria
• Upgrades to existing classrooms
• Creation of four new STEM labs equipped with advanced technology
• Improvements to outdoor areas, including a new playground and grass sports fields

To achieve new Massachusetts regulations for sustainability, the school will be nearly 100% electric. All new kitchen and mechanical equipment will be electric or powered by geothermal, and all rooftop units will be replaced with geothermal units. The new system will greatly reduce reliance on fossil fuels by harnessing geothermal energy for heating and cooling systems throughout the building.

Commodore Builders partnered with Skillings & Sons to install thirty-five geothermal wells on site to support the new systems. Thanks to meticulous planning, geothermal drilling commenced a month ahead of schedule. This proactive approach was essential, as the original timeline extended into winter, posing risks of freezing conditions that could have delayed installation and complicated well site management. Completing the wells prior to pouring the foundation for the addition was critical, especially given the project’s constrained site.

Due to the project’s proximity to wetlands, careful water management was essential to prevent environmental impacts. The installation of the wells requires 60 gallons of water per minute, requiring the water to be filtered and tested before being discharged back onto the site to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

This expansion not only meets the needs of the growing student body but also sets a benchmark for sustainable building practices and innovative approaches to meet Massachusetts’ energy goals.

Video courtesy of Mass Clean Energy Week

The post Commodore Builders Leads Hopkins Lower Middle School Expansion appeared first on Commodore Builders.

Read more about Chris’ career path, his passion for spreadsheets, and how his new daughter has changed his world.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?

I grew up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in NYC called Washington Heights. I always wanted to create better opportunities for my family, and I knew going away for college would be a huge step in that direction. My first exposure to the industry was through a drafting class in high school, which segued into engineering courses in college. I graduated from Union College with a degree in Environmental Science and met my college sweetheart, now my wife!

It was really curiosity that became a career. Each of my roles gave me exposure to new facets of construction – from drafting and special inspections to purchasing and value engineering.

Tell us a little about your career path and what brought you to estimating.

After graduating college, a friend introduced me to a drafting job in Long Island for small home renovation projects. That company had a separate division that focused on special inspections. Thanks to a fortuitous offer from my boss, I obtained my OSHA/ACI/ICC certifications and conducted special inspections in and around NYC.

After a few a years, I started working for a developer/GC based in the NYC metro area. I wore (almost) every construction hat possible I could in my eight years there. I began my career in the Purchasing Group. From there, I became an assistant superintendent and engineer on-site in the Bronx. I then ended up back in the office to join their Preconstruction Department where I became an assistant project manager. That’s where I thrived and realized it was my passion. I loved diving into the procedural aspects of Estimating and seeing projects evolve from the pre-schematic phase to reality.

What excites you most about your role as an estimator?

Excel spreadsheets. I’m (partly) kidding. Estimating is about anticipating all the unknown circumstances and making sure you have captured it all. It requires an ability to focus on both the details in front of you and the unknown details that require more critical thinking to create a clear picture. I try to “zoom out” before diving into the details. I assess the end goal to determine what needs to be achieved. From there, it’s all about breaking down large problems into manageable pieces – and that’s where my spreadsheets become my lifeline.

What do you do in your spare time?

My wife and I welcomed our first child, Sofia, a few months ago. She is our world now. We enjoy family outings with Sofia and our two pups, Terry and Phoebe, whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood we just moved to, or heading out on a new leaf-peeping adventure. We’re always looking for recommendations for must-see areas around New England!

Fun fact, in college I had the incredible opportunity to spend three weeks in Egypt with one of my professors. He grew up in Egypt, so we were able to experience the country through the eyes of a local. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I’m so looking forward to sharing those types of adventures with my daughter.

The post Say hello to Chris Vargas appeared first on Commodore Builders.

This achievement is a testament to the team’s meticulous planning, anticipation, and quality control.

Project Manager Sen Blankinship and Superintendent Al Tocci sought insights from fellow Commodore employees with Passive House experience to ensure this project could meet and exceed the Town’s stretch energy codes.

Often, blower door tests are completed after the building is completed, which can result in needing to navigate through interior walls to fix leaks and can add to the schedule and costs. Based on previous experience, we strategically scheduled the blower door test after fully applying the air and vapor barrier (AVB) but before closing the building. This timing ensured the building envelope was tight enough to yield accurate results, but with the walls still exposed, our team could quickly identify and rectify any leaks that could compromise the building’s energy performance.

Advanced Building Analysis (ABA), who conducted the blower door test, came well-prepared for even the most extreme leak scenarios. They arrived with four fans to ensure we could adequately pressurize the building, as well as thermal cameras and fog to help find leaks. However, thanks to the tightness of our building envelope, they only needed to use one fan to get results and even had to restrict the airflow further to pressurize the building.

A crucial element of our success was the quality of work provided by our team. Notably, the waterproofing team was pivotal to our success. They first installed the AVB onto a building façade mockup that was then inspected by the AVB manufacturer. The team incorporated the AVB manufacturer’s recommendations and provided proper training for field personnel. An ABBA (Air Barrier Association of America) audit was also performed mid-way through the AVB installation, and their comments were fully addressed. These quality inspections significantly improved the integrity of the installed air barrier.

This achievement is just one example of how our team is proactively meeting the stretch code requirements for the Town of Littleton’s Senior Center. Conducting preliminary testing allows us to ensure quality early in the project, addressing any potential issues before they become costly or time-consuming. With these results in hand, we are well-positioned to move forward confidently as we prepare for the final, code-required test.

The post Littleton Senior Center exceeds required stretch code during QA/QC blower door test appeared first on Commodore Builders.

Natalie Kennedy has “had a hard hat on since she was a baby.” Growing up in a construction family, Natalie is now a rising junior at Villanova University, studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Real Estate. She has a natural inclination towards science and math and is passionate about the intersection of civil engineering with architecture, design, and sustainability. Natalie will be working with Paul Maneen, Project Executive, in our Institutional Group.

Precious Nkutu just finished her freshman year at UMass Lowell studying Civil Engineering. As a first-generation college student, she is determined to take in every opportunity and learn as much as possible. Her driving force in school and life is to thank her parents and show her family where she can go. Precious will be working with our Life Sciences group and is excited to work alongside other women in the industry.

John Bertoncini is a rising senior at Boston University, studying Film and TV. When he sent over a sample of his video work, Carol Roby, Senior Director of Learning, knew John’s film skills would be an asset to the team. John took a screen writing course and had to write a 50-page screenplay, which after rewrites and edits ended up being over 150 pages. An avid rugby player, John will be working with Commodore Academy and Human Resources this summer.

Max Sherman returns to Commodore Builders this year for a second summer internship. In addition to studying Business at Florida Gulf Coast University, Max decided to get his real estate license last year and has been working on building relationships with potential buyers. Last summer, Max worked alongside Mike Price and the QA/QC team. This year, he’ll be working with Commodore’s self-perform division, on a labor rate study and will be spending more time out on site.

Nakeeya Douglas is a rising junior at Wentworth Institute of Technology, studying Civil Engineering. Over the last year, she’s been learning about concrete and mixing it out in the field, as well as beams and their distribution of force. She’s looking forward to seeing how what she learned in the classroom applies on an actual construction site. Nakeeya will be working with our Corporate Interiors group in our Boston office.

Loeden Rodrigues is a rising senior at UMass Amherst where he’s studying Building and Construction Technology. Few people can trace the origin of their career trajectory to a single moment – but Loeden can. He was running track at UMass, and couldn’t practice outside due to the compromised air quality from the California forest fires. It was then that he decided to make a difference in the world by working towards a more sustainable future for the planet and for the construction industry. Loeden will spend the summer working with Mike Price, Director of Quality and Sustainability.

Kenny Stolgitis comes to Commodore from Quinnipiac University where he is a rising senior studying Civil Engineering. Growing up in a construction family, Kenny has always been focused on pursuing a career in the industry. He’s most inspired when his classes include designing foundations, analyzing soils, and exploring rock mechanics. Kenny will be working on the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke project in Western Massachusetts.

Vincent Cimini is pursuing his MBA at Boston College. He graduated from Boston College last spring with an undergraduate degree in Business Management and Leadership. Having been surrounded by attorneys his whole life, he plans to go to law school after completing his MBA. Vincent will be spending the summer gaining hands-on risk management experience with Mike Roche, Vice President and General Counsel.

Gregory Federico comes to Commodore from Penn State University where he is a rising Sophomore, studying Economics. He will be spending the summer working with Charles Services and traveling between project sites. He will be focused on productivity and efficiency – activities that are related to his field of economics and essential to construction management.

The post Say hello to Commodore’s 2024 Summer Interns! appeared first on Commodore Builders.

The keys to success? Adaptability and flexibility, input from team experts, and, above all, trust.

Adaptability & Flexibility

The only constant in construction is change. On any project, there are unforeseen conditions and unexpected issues that can impact the project. A great example of this at 103 CityPoint was getting power to the building. Due to unanticipated delays from the vendor and changes to the yard layout requirements, we had to wait an additional six weeks to get power. As a result, the team couldn’t start our major MEP installations because there wasn’t enough temporary power on site. The team worked tirelessly on a short-term plan that would condense three months of MEP work in the penthouse into six weeks. Every single day was preplanned with our trade partners, and the result? There was no impact on the final schedule.

This solution would not have happened without the expertise and flexibility of each member of the team. They were ready to adapt quickly to schedule changes and develop creative solutions to achieve our goal.

Input from the team experts

The greatest strength on any project is your team. Short-term planning can’t happen in a vacuum. It’s a collaborative process that relies on the expertise of each of our trades to reach a common goal.

At 103 CityPoint, the Commodore team would meet to discuss what the critical elements were for our short-term plans to reach our target dates. We would then hold a subcontractor meeting with all relevant trades to share that plan, explain our thought process, and to get their input on what changes needed to be made. The process was rooted in active listening and transparency.

Trust

Short term planning begins well before ground is broken and even before most of preconstruction. Successful short-term plans come from trusting relationships that are built very early in the project. Our job is to create an environment where each team member understands how important their voice is, and to encourage their expertise to shine through.

Trust is hard to measure, but easy to identify. Building trust starts with showing that you trust your team through honest, transparent conversations. By setting that standard early in the process, you create an inclusive environment in which team members are willing to speak up. People feel comfortable identifying any issues before they become major problems, and you hear new perspectives that can provide the right solution necessary to complete the job.

Ultimately, short-term planning is a team effort. It’s not just the superintendent and the project manager; it’s the entire team, from the Owner to the APM to each trade partner that steps foot on our site. Everyone has something important to contribute to the project, and success comes from valuing and incorporating their expertise.

The post Keys to Short Term Planning with Chris Catalano appeared first on Commodore Builders.

Why construction?

I was a physics major at Holy Cross, and absolutely loved it. It’s the type of major where you have to collaborate with your classmates to succeed. We learned the theories in class, but the application of those theories was a team effort, and I really enjoyed that. I met with other alumni from the physics major to see how they were applying their degrees, and I ended up connecting with a former project manager from Commodore.

I was intrigued by how each day in construction management is so different and how construction presents a steady stream of challenges and problems to be solved. And the stakes are high, making collaboration essential. I came to Commodore because I was excited about the culture, the people, and the work that we do; I stayed because it all held true.

You were a summer intern at Commodore before you joined full-time. What made you want to apply for the C.O.R.E. program?

Internships are a great way to trial a company, and my experience really paid off. As an intern, I worked with Commodore’s Corporate Interiors team on several projects, including Brown Advisory, 200 Berkeley Lobby, and the John Hancock sign installation. I came from a non-construction background, so every day I was learning from scratch and the team was so supportive. The team trusted they could challenge me, which gave me the confidence to take on more and more responsibility.

It was rewarding to see the progress of our work. I was able to be on site multiple times a week, and I was always surprised to see how much changes in a few short days. On one of our projects, we installed an interconnecting stair, and I was able to see the progress from cutting the hole in the floors to being able to walk down the fully installed stairs.

After my internship, the C.O.R.E. program was an exciting next step. Now, I’m looking forward to going even deeper into the different pathways within construction through the five rotations.

How do you overcome challenges?

I’ve always been a big team player. I played volleyball growing up and at Holy Cross which was so formative for me. When you’re part of a team, working together is the only way to accomplish our common goal. Whether that’s passing the ball or communicating about project details, teamwork is so essential. We’re able to bounce ideas off each other and come up with solutions. I’m learning every day, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive team. Their confidence in me builds confidence in myself.

What do you do in your spare time?

I just moved to South Boston in January, and I’ve been exploring the city and my neighborhood. I grew up in Lake Mary, FL, just north of Orlando, so I’m happy to be close to the beach for the summer. Any other free time I have is filled with volleyball, friends, cooking and baking new recipes, and finding new hobbies.

The post Collaborating on and off the court with Halle Carter appeared first on Commodore Builders.