The Women Building History at ESI

As we wrap up women’s history month, we are highlighting the contributions and achievements of the women who are shaping the future of ESI and the construction industry. Two ESI women, in particular, have made significant strides in their professional lives in the past ten years and they are flourishing in an organization that continues to grow and take on new challenges. Although they came to ESI from different places in their professional lives, they share a passion for their work and they are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of industry leaders.

“Starting out, women in construction were not too common,” Business Manager Julie Pegram recalls as she looks back on her distinguished career. She started out as a temp on a southern California wastewater construction site, keeping the payroll on track and balancing the books. Career advancement opportunities for women in the industry were few and far between but Julie didn’t hesitate to help with whatever needed to get done to keep projects moving. 

In the late 90s, Julie met Steve and Tom Hill who, along with Neil Nelson, were making significant inroads in the retail construction market. She made the switch to ESI and continued to grow into what would become a business management role. From remodeling retail space to building churches, Julie loved the variety of projects she supported, and her expertise broadened with each one. Her business operations skills were critical in establishing ESI’s Express Division, which focused on regional service and maintenance projects. This efficient and adaptive business unit continues to succeed today and is a major driver of overall profitability each year.

Julie, and others like her, proved that women could not only make a career in the construction industry but play a key role in steering its strategic direction. Julie also paved the way for the next generation and construction professionals like Project Coordinator turned Business Manager Heidi Cornwell.

Although Heidi didn’t face the same barriers, she still experienced challenges early on. “Working in a support role in construction, you need to grow a thick skin,” she observes. Working hard and putting in the time go a long way in building trust and respect, however. She learned to “stand up for yourself gracefully,” which is a mindset that has molded an impressive career and a network of reliable, high-performing colleagues over the past 13 years.

Heidi takes pride in the projects that she’s supported, particularly the Inn at 500 where she was involved in the day-to-day planning, but what’s most important to her is the people she works with every day. From the leadership team to her colleagues to those she now supervises, “people make the difference.” Heidi’s dedication and loyalty to her people have built stronger teams in the Community Living Division and have made a lasting impression on the company as a whole.

Beyond providing fulfilling careers and opportunities for professional growth, ESI’s leadership team invited Julie and Heidi to own a piece of the company through the Key Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KESOP). As shareholders in the private company, they are financially and professionally invested in ESI’s future. They are charged with maintaining and passing on ESI’s legacy, which is no small task as ESI’s ranks swell and the company eyes $1 billion in revenue on the horizon.

“It changes your perspective,” Heidi reflects on her new role as a shareholder. Julie adds, “your livelihood is tied to the company’s health.” They not only work for the company, but they and their fellow shareholders are the company. Although their daily tasks haven’t changed significantly, they feel that their duties as shareholders compel them to reinforce their mentorship efforts and work with new employees to set them up for success. They want to ensure that the next generation is given every opportunity to achieve personal and professional growth like they had in their careers.

With all the recent cultural shifts in the corporate world, there are still companies out there that reward hard work and perseverance no matter who you are or where you come from. From humble beginnings to a seat at the boardroom table, Julie and Heidi have earned their place at ESI as owners and respected leaders in the construction industry.