Women In Construction - Eva Sprintz

The number of women in construction has been on the rise. What do you think are some advantages of being a woman in the construction industry?

• There is positive impact having women on construction teams, and every team for that matter. We bring a perspective, intelligence, organization, structure, and a communicative method of working. Women are great team builders, and our methods help make things work. Women do things slightly differently than men, and included in the mix, a women’s leadership makes for positive results.

What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?

• Communicate. Get involved. Question. Lead. Listen. Let go of what is unnecessary. Lean in.

What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

• It’s the excitement and the impact of it all. From the initial celebration when the project is awarded, to the calls to identify the Quiring project leaders, to initiating award contracts to the Trade Partners is only just the beginning of the excitement. There is never-ever a dull moment in construction. There is opportunity to work with detail-oriented, hands-on, high sense of urgency go-getters and there are hundreds of things needed to be taken care of daily, in the field and in the office. When the mission’s accomplished [project finished], the “product” is applauded by all and then appreciated by those who occupy it for years and years to come. And we to get to say, “my team built that space”.

Why did you choose construction? What led you to construction?

• My career evolved over time. I established a high-tech career right out of college in an IT department doing internal computer support and building a structured 24/7 help desk managing a staff plus so much more. This was fulfilling and rewarding utilizing my degree and contributing at a great company. Then I made the decision to step-out of the professional world to raise my 2 children, a very important decision at that period of time. Then, I knew it was “time” to get back into the working-world and I saw my greatest strengths as managing projects and organizing people, places, & things. I coordinated facility-related logistics in preparation for the opening of the new Ronald McDonald House @ Stanford and following, at a nearby hospital, managed owner tenant improvement projects. Construction draws on the skills I possess, challenges my depth-of-knowledge, and it is my goal to build my career.

What has been the biggest challenge of being a woman working in construction?

• The biggest challenge is that there are so few women here; the jobsite will eventually shift – that will be good news. Women’s involvement will end the deeply rooted traditional notions of leadership.

What is your favorite part of your career in construction?

• My favorite part is the endless variety of tasks and the opportunities to get involved. Hundreds of things need to be taken care of daily, in the field, and in the office. As the general contractor, we are the central “HUB” of it all – between the architect of record, the owner, the city, the authority having jurisdiction, the numerous trade partners, our own staff, and often the owner’s representative.

What types of construction projects Inspire you?

• Quiring General’s purpose is we build what matters – these type of construction projects inspires me, especially the healthcare facility ones, as they touch me personally. From my own upbringing with a mom who practiced “old fashion” nursing, to the connection of my own brother who is a physician, to my own son’s hospitalizations when he was an infant – all these experiences have impacted my path and who I am at the core. I get up each day with interest - I can see my tasks, big or small, make a positive change within the hospital facility, that I am contributing something good in the world, and that people are being served better because of these projects.

Why did you decide to join the Quiring Team?

• Because this Quiring Team is noteworthy. With the spirit of a startup, this team is a group of visionaries, clear thinkers, professionals, dedicated, analytical, supportive, insightful, inclusive and they have a kind, communicative, light-hearted approach. This is why I decided to join this Quiring Team.