The Disruptor’s Blueprint

With Rebecca Thomas

One in ten.

This statistic not only underscores the gender disparity in the construction industry but also highlights the unexpected journey of Rebecca Thomas, owner and CEO of T&T Construction Management Group.

From her early years, Rebecca’s path was far from ordinary. Growing up in a working-class family, she was always fascinated by building and design, often accompanying her father to work sites. This early exposure sowed the seeds of a passion for construction, a field where women are scarce.

As she ascended through the ranks in a male-dominated industry, Rebecca faced and overcame numerous challenges. Her story is one of resilience and determination, breaking through the glass ceiling to establish her own construction company. Today, as a CEO, wife and mother, she stands as a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. AVAIL sat down with Rebecca to reflect on her upbringing, the hurdles she navigated in her professional journey and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive workplace.

Her narrative is not just about personal success; it’s a commentary on the evolving role of women in construction. With women making up only about 9% of the workforce in this sector, her achievements provide an insider’s view into the challenges and triumphs of women who dare to redefine norms in traditionally male-dominated fields.

AVAIL: On the AVAIL Podcast, you outlined your priorities. Could you delve deeper into that and just how you maintain that balance and why that’s significant to you?

Rebecca: I’ve been married to my husband, Jason, for nearly 19 years, and we have four children under 14 and our youngest will be turning seven in April. It’s a busy household with a lot going on!

My priorities, unapologetically, are wife, mother, and CEO. Jobs and careers come and go, but I will always be a wife and mother. My husband and I are partners in everything, and I value our marriage. I honor the Lord with our marriage, then our four children. Being a mom is something I love, but I also have a career, a mantle the Lord has given me to lead this organization. It’s not just for me; it’s about stewarding what he’s going to do through this organization.

AVAIL: Could you talk a little bit more about the idea of the mantle? Maybe recount the story of how you felt called to this role?

Rebecca: All my life, I felt the Lord had a great plan for me. I’ve always had a desire to get married and have children, but I felt there was more. While out for a run, a favorite pastime, I felt the Lord calling me to a leadership role. I initially thought it would be leading women in the church because of my love for mentorship and guiding people towards the Lord. However, opportunities in that direction never materialized, and then this role to lead an organization in construction, which I hadn’t anticipated, came my way.

AVAIL: And now you’re leading an organization in a predominantly male industry.

Rebecca: Yes. I’ve never struggled with being a woman in a male-dominated world because I’ve always been confident in who the Lord created me to be. Growing up with brothers and an entrepreneur father, I was exposed to mechanical engineering and job sites from a young age. Despite being drawn to the fashion industry, I find it ironic and a bit of God’s humor that I’m now leading a predominantly male company in construction. It’s been an incredible experience that I absolutely love.

AVAIL: So, growing up, did you play with Tonka trucks instead of Barbies?

Rebecca: I spent a lot of time playing in the woods, being imaginative. I grew up around my father’s machine shop and job sites, which influenced my creative side.

AVAIL: It sounds like God’s providence was at work in your life.

Rebecca: Absolutely. Reflecting back, I see how the Lord’s hand has been in my life, leading me to be innovative, inspire people, and enjoy the outdoors. My journey may seem unconventional, but I see how these experiences have shaped me for my current role. I believe it’s important to remain humble and allow the Lord to work through me, utilizing the gifts and talents He has given me. My leadership approach is about walking alongside my team, learning and growing with them.

AVAIL: It’s also fascinating how your past experiences have shaped your current leadership role.

Rebecca: Yes, it’s a continuous journey of learning and growth. My desire is to honor the Lord in all I do, avoiding pride and self-glorification. I see my role as a CEO as an opportunity to steward the talents and potential within my team, learning and improving alongside them. It’s about letting the Lord work through me and get the glory in this process.

AVAIL: So, you seem to be challenging the typical CEO image of superiority and omnipotence. It’s quite a turnaround.

Rebecca: Yes, I consider myself a disruptor in the industry. CEOs, especially in construction, can be very authoritative. But my desire is to be different. I believe comparing myself to other CEOs isn’t wise. I’m committed to being who the Lord called me to be, acknowledging my mistakes and successes. My decisions are centered through the lens of the Lord’s calling, and that’s where I find success.

AVAIL: What do you think other CEOs miss with a more traditional approach?

Rebecca: Great question. I think they miss the value of diverse thought and ideas. When you have diversity of thought aligned with a centralized vision, it creates an unstoppable force. The best idea should win, even if it’s not mine. Many CEOs create an atmosphere of unilateral decision-making and don’t celebrate others’ successes. My approach is different. I want to be a true example of how the Lord can use someone He calls.

AVAIL: Do you feel your approach creates a kind of psychological safety in your company?

Rebecca: I’ve never used the term “safe space”’ but my philosophy is that everyone has gifts and talents. As a leader, I have a responsibility to steward and care for my team, creating a space for them to use their gifts to benefit both themselves and the company. Our core values include endeavoring for personal and collective success. A safe space for ideas and innovation is crucial. In many industries, especially in construction, expressing your thoughts or ideas isn’t always welcomed. But in our company, I encourage innovation at all levels. Authoritarian leadership stifles innovation. I want our team to feel empowered to share their ideas, no matter how grand or small. The best ideas often come from those on the job site, not just in a boardroom. They deserve to be heard.

AVAIL: Rebecca, can you tell us about the recent rebranding of T&T Construction to T&T Construction Management Group?

Rebecca: Yes, we rebranded from T&T Construction in Central Florida to T&T Construction Management Group. This company, over 27 years old, started in the residential market before evolving into the commercial sector. My husband played an integral role as a co-founder, starting it in his college years. Our first job was a mailbox, and now we’ve grown into a specialty concrete subcontractor, working on shells, floors, and tilt-up constructions.

AVAIL: That’s impressive growth. Can you share more about this evolution?

Rebecca: Certainly. We’ve grown from a small team advertising in newspapers for driveway jobs to now having three offices along the Eastern seaboard and over 330 employees. It’s been an exciting journey, truly guided by the Lord’s hand.

AVAIL: What led to your appointment as CEO of T&T?

Rebecca: I’ve always loved business, probably influenced by growing up in a business family. My initial role at T&T was in the accounts payable department back in 2003. I was always a voice for my husband, offering counsel on business strategies. My understanding of business and family business dynamics played a key role. Officially, I joined as the executive vice president in 2018, tasked with bringing organizational structure and driving the company forward. My journey to CEO is a proof that God is the author of our story.

AVAIL: Since 2018, what kind of growth have you seen in the company?

Rebecca: Since joining in 2018, there’s been tremendous growth, not just in revenue but in our people. We anticipated management turnover between 2019 and 2020, but the Lord prepared us for this. Our focus has been on creating a people-first culture. We emphasize leadership, positive communication, and team encouragement. We look for team members who are hungry, humble, and smart. This approach has transformed our culture, leading to new hires saying they’ve never experienced anything like this in the construction industry.

AVAIL: You also talked in the podcast about “Rebecca’s Endless Mountain.” What is that and how is it significant in your life and work?

Rebecca: Sure, it’s a bit of an inside joke at the office. It refers to my constant challenge to our team to strive for better, to be the best version of themselves. The idea is that there’s no summit; we’re always endeavoring for more. It’s about personal and organizational growth, ensuring our team keeps pace with our rapid economic growth. I provide support through coaching and team development, pushing everyone to achieve what might seem unattainable but is definitely within reach.

AVAIL: Rebecca, you’re known as a disruptor in the construction industry. Many leaders think being a dictator is the only way to get the best out of people. How do you challenge this notion?

Rebecca: About eight or nine years ago, someone told me I had corrected them in a way that they didn’t even realize they had been corrected, and they wanted to improve. That’s the approach I believe in. Empathy is key, and it’s a learned behavior. The old school approach of authoritative leadership isn’t effective with the emerging generation. They seek empathy and understanding. You can correct someone and still show love and support, much like Christ’s example. I aim to correct for improvement, not from a place of superiority.

AVAIL: As a woman in a male-dominated industry, how do you view your role as a disruptor?

Rebecca: Being a woman CEO in the construction industry does put me in the minority, but my love for business transcends the industry. In our organization, which is entirely reliant on human labor, it’s humbling to lead and mentor. We don’t produce a mechanized product; we rely on people. This realization only deepens my commitment to being a mentor and leader, especially for women in the industry.

AVAIL: What advice would you give to women aiming for leadership roles, especially those who might be hesitating or undervaluing themselves?

Rebecca: My advice is to know who you are in the Lord. Understand your gifts and talents, and seek wisdom and guidance on where to use them. Fear often hinders us, but it’s important to recognize your worth and abilities. Remember to do your job as unto the Lord, and don’t seek praise from others as your primary motivation. Leadership roles, especially for women, can be challenging, but knowing your foundation in the Lord is crucial.

AVAIL: Rebecca, what are some of the initiatives at T&T to foster growth and culture?

Rebecca: We’re aiming to be the employer of choice by building our culture around our core values and focusing on people. A key initiative is creating a training program to nurture entry-level individuals into leadership roles, whether in the field or other departments. Our goal is to disrupt the industry’s high turnover rates by fostering long-term employment. We’ve also started an internship program to grow talent within our culture.

AVAIL: Lastly, what advice would you offer to someone embarking on the journey God has called them to?

Rebecca: Stay hungry, humble, and smart. Find mentors, be eager to learn, and remain teachable. There’s immense room for growth and opportunity, but it’s up to you to seize it. Be willing to be stretched, grow, and accept correction. Stay teachable, and you will find success.