We are pleased to recognize Michelle Hayes for her well-deserved promotion to Superintendent! Michelle’s journey with us has been nothing short of inspirational. Starting as a Project Assistant, she quickly demonstrated her exceptional skills and dedication, moving up to Project Engineer, and now taking on the role of Superintendent. Her 6+ years with the #HuffTeam have been marked by hard work, innovative thinking, and a commitment to excellence. Get to know more about Michelle below:
Name: Michelle Hayes
Title: Superintendent
Hire Date: 2017
Where are you from?
I was born in San Jose, CA but my family moved to the small town of Ceres, CA when I was 5.
What did you do before working at Huff Construction?
Before working at Huff Construction, I ran HVAC companies. I did everything from handling phone calls, scheduling and dispatching, managing accounting, training technicians, conducting sales both over the phone and in the field, and even diagnosing system issues.
What is your favorite project that you have built?
The Purpose Built project in Citrus Heights was an exciting journey from start to finish. From the demolition phase to the complete tenant improvements, I enjoyed being actively involved, contributing both my ideas and hands-on work on the project.
Which project is/was the most complex?
The current project I am working on is the most complex. It is a major tenant improvement and addition for Kagome Inc.
What’s your favorite part about working at Huff Construction?
My favorite part about working at Huff is all the opportunities given to grow within the company.
What do you find sets Huff employees apart from people working at other companies?
The family camaraderie.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, what motivated you to break the norm and pursue this role?
My journey into this industry was inspired by the values instilled in me by my father. I was always taught by my father to be independent and to not rely on anyone to do everything for me. His teachings shaped a sense of determination in me to carve out my career, regardless of traditional gender roles. I am also grateful to have a very supportive husband where we both work great together on home projects and teach each other new ways to complete a task.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in this industry, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman in the construction industry, I’ve run into some old-fashioned ideas about women’s roles. I’ve always believed the best response is to let my work do the talking. It’s about showing that what matters is how skilled and dedicated you are. I’ve made it a point to prove that I can do the job just as well as anyone else.
What do you think are the unique contributions that women can bring to this field?
I believe women add something special to construction. We’re detail-oriented and often come up with fresh solutions to problems. I’ve always liked putting my ideas into our projects and watching them take shape from the initial concept to completion.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in male-dominated industries?
My advice is to never give up. Stand your ground, be strong, and never let anyone make you feel you’re not equal.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
When I’m not at work, I’m usually busy with a project. I like keeping active and can’t stand sitting still for too long. Right now, I’m working on remodeling our house.
What is on your bucket list?
I would like to travel the world.
Any random facts you could share with us?
I am very goal-driven, extremely independent, and headstrong. I don’t take no for an answer, and I will figure out how to do something I don’t know.
