Sarah Leas’ Journey in Construction – For Sarah, construction isn’t just a career — it’s a part of her.
Growing up, weekends often meant driving around to see the homes her dad and uncle had framed. Even as a child, she understood the pride that comes from building something that lasts. Although she initially pursued a career in law enforcement, an unexpected accident shifted her direction — and ultimately led her back to construction, where she quickly realized she had found her calling.
Over the course of 25 years in the industry, Sarah has worked her way through nearly every role: receptionist, project coordinator, project engineer, superintendent, owner’s representative, and now Project Manager specializing in Job Order Contracting (JOC). Each position gave her a different lens on the construction process and shaped her into the leader she is today.
A defining moment came when she stepped into her first superintendent role, managing two tilt-up warehouses on a challenging 10-acre site at the end of an active airport runway, adjacent to a busy charter school. The project required detailed logistics planning, careful coordination, and strong leadership. When it wrapped up, seasoned trade partners and inspectors told her it was one of the most organized and well-run projects they had experienced — especially in the post-COVID environment. That affirmation confirmed what she already felt: this is exactly where she was meant to be.
Her versatility has since earned her a unique reputation among clients — the “Swiss Army knife of construction.” From parks and healthcare facilities to industrial buildings, public safety projects, retail, restaurants, sports facilities, and JOC work, Sarah brings adaptability, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how projects impact the communities they serve.
One of the most formative challenges in her career has been managing multiple projects simultaneously in the fast-moving JOC environment. At one point, she was overseeing seven projects at various stages, sometimes serving as superintendent, project engineer, and project manager all at once. That experience strengthened her organizational skills, sharpened her ability to prioritize, and reinforced the importance of preparation and communication.
Sarah also credits the trades and mentors throughout her career for shaping her leadership style. Early on, she was told she would never succeed in the field and should remain in an office role. Instead of accepting that limitation, she used it as fuel. She learned that construction is built not just with materials, but with humility, listening, and respect for the expertise around you.
Today, she strives to create an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. Just as others once did for her.
As she looks to the future, Sarah hopes to inspire the next generation, especially young women, to see the limitless opportunities within construction. Whether someone wants to lead in the field, manage projects, design spaces, or solve complex problems, there is space to build a meaningful career.
Her path wasn’t traditional — and that’s exactly the point.
In construction, there is more than one way to build something lasting. And Sarah Leas is proof of that.
