Savannah Wehinger, Estimator
Milwaukee Office

How did you land in the construction industry?
I’ve always known that construction is what I wanted to do.  My answer to the question ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ was always architect.  However, my thinking is too linear for architecture, so engineering/estimating ended up being a better fit for me.

What is your favorite part of your career? 
Being able to be a part of something that will be around for potentially a hundred years and a completely new generation is really exciting to me.  And being able to drive around with family and seeing their expressions when I point at buildings that I’ve been a part of creating is an amazing feeling.

Who has served as your role model/mentor and what's the most valuable advice they've given to you? 
My dad.  He’s not one to give out unsolicited advice, but he always has some available when I ask for it.  The most valuable thing he’s done for me was to give me the opportunities to learn on my own, but to always be in the background providing support and encouragement.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?
They don’t come along often, but there will be people out there who expect you to fail just because you’re a woman.  Don’t waste your time and energy stressing out about it or trying to prove them wrong.  Just do your job to the best of your ability, and they will see it for themselves.