Meet Samantha Schnettler, Executive Assistant & Team Leader!
Samantha is the Executive Assistant to our CEO & President, Bill Birck. Additionally, she leads our administrative staff and ensures office operations are running smoothly.
What led you to a career in the construction industry?
My career in the construction industry started here, at Reed. When I moved to Chicago in 2016, I was looking for a fast-pace, growing company that would help me develop professionally and build upon the skills I had learned from my administrative background. I had no idea, at the time, that an accounting assistant role would be an introduction to my new home at Reed. Not long after, I was given the opportunity to step into an “Executive Assistant” role, which allowed me to grow in many ways and take on new challenges; I was pretty much blind to the possibilities that working alongside our CEO would bring, but working with Bill every day is a dynamic work environment that keeps every day interesting.
What do you love most about working in the construction industry?
There are two things that come to mind when I think of what I love most about the construction industry. First, I am always impressed by the positive impact Reed has on our clients and I am continuously captivated by the project completion photos. It’s incredible to see the final results that our project teams are able to achieve through their hard work and dedication. Second, the construction industry is particularly team focused. Not only do our project teams pull together to actualize our client’s visions, but each department collaborates effectively to support our project teams and act as OneReed to deliver high-quality results.
What are the advantages women bring to the jobsite?
Studies have consistently shown that diverse teams produce better results. I believe that having voices from people with a broad array of backgrounds will help Reed continue to grow and excel. One aspect of that is seeking out and encouraging the voices of women who may bring a different perspective to their teams.
How has the industry benefited from women in construction?
It is important that the construction industry commits to increasing diversity in the workforce. I believe that by encouraging and supporting more women to enter the field, this industry will become stronger and more attractive to the next generation of men and women responsible for building the future for all of us.
What is your advice to women interested in a career in construction?
My advice to women interested in the construction industry would be to work hard, ask questions, but more importantly don’t be afraid to speak up.