Women In Construction

New England Firm Embraces WIC Week

Taylor Grant and Taylor Chianese

Marion, MA – South Coast Improvement Company (SCIC) announced its full support for National Women in Construction Week and its “Envision Equity” theme. The annual recognition event held by The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) takes place this year during the week of March 6-12.

“Our company currently holds a book of business in the $80 million range. That accomplishment came as a direct result of the work and talents of the women and men here at South Coast,” said Henry Quinlan, SCIC president.

South Coast Improvement initiated an apprentice program a few years ago. Two recent hires, Taylor Chianese, an assistant project manager, and Taylor Grant, a construction cost estimator, are part of that program.

Chianese had worked for a short time at a large construction firm. She came to South Coast for it’s apprentice program and the company’s small, family-oriented feel. “South Coast puts an emphasis on learning and training. You have access to everybody at the firm to ask questions, from your peers in the training program to Henry, the president of the company,” she said. “Through the program, I was able to elevate from a pre-con assistant project manager to my current position as an assistant field project manager. My goal is to be a project manager.”

Grant was recently promoted to estimating coordinator. “This is literally on-the-job training as I knew nothing about estimating. Yet with the program, I was able to learn and grow to the point where I was promoted,” she said.

Adds Quinlan, “What’s great about having young professionals like Taylor and Taylor in this program is that they don’t have to look too far in our company to find a role model/mentor. Melissa Cheslock is a great example for all our young construction professionals.”

A 15-year construction veteran, Cheslock is the project manager on South Coast Improvement’s conversion of a former assisted living development into a 55-and-over rental housing development with affordable housing in Brewster. Serenity Brewster, located at 873 Harwich Road (Route 124), is being developed by the Elevation Financial Group of Orlando, Fla.