Building Dreams: A Woman in Construction
Full interview — 52 min
Sarah Chen's story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking through barriers. Growing up watching her father work as a carpenter, she developed a love for building that would eventually lead her to become one of the most successful general contractors in her region.
"People told me construction wasn't for women," Sarah says with a knowing smile. "I used that doubt as fuel."
After earning her degree in construction management, Sarah started as a project coordinator for a large firm. She quickly moved up, but hit a glass ceiling that motivated her to start her own company. Chen Construction Group now handles residential and commercial projects valued at over $50 million annually.
Sarah emphasizes the importance of understanding every aspect of the business — from reading blueprints to managing cash flow. "You can't lead a crew if you don't understand what they're doing," she explains.
Her company is known for bringing projects in on time and under budget, a reputation built on meticulous planning and transparent communication with clients.
Key Takeaways
- 1Learn every trade at a basic level — it earns respect from your crews
- 2Cash flow management is the number one reason contractors fail
- 3Build your reputation on reliability, not just the lowest bid
- 4Invest in technology — project management software saves time and money
- 5Mentor others — the industry needs diverse voices and perspectives
Sarah Chen
General Contractor & CEO
Sarah Chen is the founder and CEO of Chen Construction Group, a full-service general contracting firm based in Portland, OR. Her company has completed over 200 residential and commercial projects. Sarah holds a B.S. in Construction Management and is a licensed general contractor in three states.
