Have you ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in the construction industry? Coty Fournier didn’t take the usual path — and that’s exactly what made her stand out.

In this episode, we sit down with Coty Fournier, a seasoned construction professional with decades of experience and a whole lot of wisdom to share. Coty's journey didn’t follow the typical route — no family ties in the trades, no early passion for construction — but her decision to pursue construction management at Michigan State led her to an incredible career.

Coty dives into the importance of real field experience and why spending three to five years in the trenches is key to building a solid foundation. She shares powerful insights on learning from seasoned tradespeople, finding value in tough conversations, and why construction isn’t a tea party — it’s a beautiful mess worth embracing.

If you're in the industry or mentoring the next generation, Coty’s no-nonsense advice will challenge you to rethink how you support those starting out and why the best learning happens with your boots on the ground.

Highlights:

• How Coty’s unexpected career path led her to construction success
• The surprising reason she chose construction management over chemical engineering
• Why real field experience — not just trailer time — is crucial for career growth
• Coty’s take on why communication, even if rough, is key to learning
• The magic of construction teamwork and why it’s worth embracing the chaos

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Share it with a friend who’s navigating the trades — they’ll thank you for it!

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Brad Herda:

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