The Question that Built a Career
An interview with Erica Day, 2026 Professional Women in Building Council President and Regional Construction Manager for Westin Homes
The mission of the GHBA’s Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is to empower women in the home building industry by providing the tools they need to gain experience, find encouragement, build knowledge and skills, mentor and be mentored, and build relationships across all facets of the industry.
On September 10, over 300 GHBA members and guests had the opportunity to learn from four very accomplished female industry leaders at the PWB’s most popular annual event, Ladies Who Lead. The event was moderated by our Erica Day, our council president and regional construction manager for Westin Homes. For this article, we turned the tables to learn more about Erica, her career journey, and the experiences that shaped her into the leader she is today.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
Like many college seniors, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduation. I started attending career fairs and applying to the companies that looked interesting. One of those companies was Royce Homes. Although they were hiring for both sales and construction, I never considered applying for construction because it simply wasn’t a career I imagined for myself. Instead, I applied for a sales position.
I was excited to be selected for an interview but surprised when the interviewer asked, “Have you considered construction?” That one question changed the course of my career. Looking back, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if he hadn’t asked that question.
Until then, it had never occurred to me that construction could be a career for me. When I asked if there were any women working as construction managers, I was surprised to learn there were. Knowing that made it easier to picture myself in the role, and when I was offered a position as a construction management trainee, I decided to take a chance.
That opportunity opened the door to a career that has challenged me, rewarded me, and ultimately led me to where I am today. I’m passionate about organizations like the Professional Women in Building Council, where we can help introduce more women to careers they may never have considered.
Who is your most influential role model?
My grandmother. Having worked in a factory for most of her life, she always encouraged her grandchildren to study hard and go to college, hoping we would have opportunities she never had. She instilled in me the belief that hard work, perseverance, and education create opportunities. Those lessons have guided me throughout my career and continue to influence the way I lead today.
How has the industry evolved since you began your career?
While there have been countless changes over the past 20 years, technology has had the greatest impact. When I began, office phones and fax machines were still standard. Construction managers didn’t have computers in the field, so schedules and payroll were done by hand on paper. Nextels and BlackBerrys were considered cutting-edge. Today, we can schedule an entire home with the click of a button, instantly share photos and plans, and carry what is essentially a computer in our pockets.
Over the years, the housing market has changed as well. When I entered the industry during the homebuilding boom of the mid-2000s, I didn’t expect to find myself unemployed just a few years later when the company I worked for went bankrupt during the 2008 crash. It was a firsthand lesson in the cyclical nature of the homebuilding industry.
The homes we build have evolved as well. Stricter building and energy codes have created more efficient homes. Changing lifestyles have influenced home design, with growing demand for multigenerational floor plans. At the same time, affordability challenges have driven a shift toward smaller lots and more efficient use of space. Today’s buyers are also far better informed than they were 20 years ago, with access to endless information before they ever step into a model home.
One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the resilience of the people in our industry. Through every market cycle, code change, and new challenge, we’ve continued to adapt and innovate.
Looking ahead, what changes do you expect to see in the industry?
Though construction has traditionally been slow to embrace change, I believe technologies like artificial intelligence and advances in off-site construction methods will have a huge impact on the industry.
At the same time, I believe the biggest challenge facing the industry will be its workforce. As a manager, I see changing workforce demographics as a defining issue because homebuilding depends on skilled labor, and much of that workforce is approaching retirement. Today, four generations work side by side, but as Baby Boomers leave the workforce, the industry will need to attract enough younger workers to replace them. How successfully we attract, train, and develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople and construction professionals will play a key role in shaping the industry’s future.
We extend our sincere thanks to Erica for taking the time to share her career journey, leadership insights, and personal experiences with us. Her thoughtful reflections and dedication to the homebuilding industry serve as an inspiration, and we appreciate her willingness to offer valuable perspective to our members.