Sabrah Witkamp has been the business development associate with Auld & White Constructors for seven months.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
“I like to think that I am trying to provide an excellent construction experience for businesses. Basically, I go out and try to find opportunities for the company. I try to build relationships with different owners of businesses.”
AULD & WHITE?
It is a general contracting firm that does commercial construction for healthcare, manufacturing, institutional and retail.
WHERE WAS SHE BEFORE AULD & WHITE?
She was the program director for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for seven years. “I had a big change coming to work here. I needed the change. I was just looking for something different.”
WHAT DOES SHE LIKE ABOUT HER JOB?
“I love all the people that I get to meet and the fact that the industry is so dynamic. It is always changing. I love hearing about all the business growth or expansion plans that they have. It’s nice to be a part of the economic development that is happening. Everyone is very nice, even in the competitive environment and is willing to share information. I thought it would be a little more cut throat than it is.”
PREVIOUS
EXPERIENCE HELP?
“I think that it has helped me remain energetic and to be flexible. When you are dealing with people who have chronic illnesses like MS, it can change from minute to minute. That is definitely one trait that I carried over to here. As far as networking, I like meeting people and try to figure out how we might do business together and how we can benefit each other. “
COLLEGE
Witkamp has a bachelor’s degree in public health education Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in public health education from Western Kentucky University.
WHAT WAS SHE GOING TO DO WITH THE DEGREEE?
“I know I wanted to help people learn. I wanted to teach, but not in the school system, which is why I chose to work at a non-profit. I helped organize conferences and workshops. I have done workshops on acceptability and disability, American Disabilities Act, communication and intimacy. In this position I hope that I can teach the construction process. I’m still trying to figure out what all that is. I would be interested in helping someone the process more, so they don’t think it is a big scary thing. People view construction and contractors as the bad guys and it’s not really like that.”
PET PEEVES
“People who have road rage. Mean people too. I don’t like mean people, I’m pretty easy going.”
ISSUES FACING CONSTRUCTION?
The issue that Witkamp said is constantly being struggled with is the cost of things. “I think people are always thinking the building industry or the contractor are out to stick it to them.”
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
“I think the fact that I’m pretty laid back. I’m a surfer. I love the beach. I have an internal drive. I don’t need a lot of people around me for energy. I’m kind of an introvert that I get it internally.”
ADVICE TO SOMEONE NEW IN YOUR FIELD?
“Read a lot and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
Society for Marketing Professional Services, Commercial Real Estate Women of Jacksonville and First Coast Manufacturers Association, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.
WHY JOIN CREW?
“I’m very interested in how real estate transactions happen and CREW is a good way to understand that process. I like the fact that it is a non-profit and that they have their own philanthropic endeavors. Right now I am on the Philanthropic committee.”
–by Michele Newbern Gillis