Marissa Grimes, commercial construction assistant project manager at Beal Derkenne Construction, took an unconventional path into the industry. Her journey began in personal training on a military base, and she transitioned into construction management through a mix of family responsibilities and sheer determination to get back into the workforce. Grimes helped her sister run their father’s concrete business when he fell ill. This experience gave her exposure to construction, though primarily from the office side, and laid the foundation for her eventual career in the field.
In 2016, Grimes joined Beal Derkenne Construction, initially expecting to work as a receptionist. However, her role quickly evolved as she took on more responsibilities, moving from project coordination to field engineering and eventually into project management. Grimes credits her passion for the work to the diverse experiences and challenges she encountered along the way, which fueled her desire to learn as much as possible.
“I just wanted to acquire as much knowledge as I possibly could in all aspects of project management,” Grimes explained. Her career has been defined by this drive, especially in a field where she started with no formal education in construction. In just eight years, she’s progressed through various roles at Beal Derkenne, solidifying her place as a key member of the team.
One of Grimes’ most significant projects was her first major assignment, a $75 million high-rise project that spanned two buildings. As a project coordinator, she was thrown into a world where she didn’t yet know how to navigate the technical aspects of construction, but she quickly adapted by immersing herself in the process. “I didn’t know what an RFI was. I didn’t know what a submittal was. I had never read any kind of drawing,” she admitted. But it was through this trial-by-fire experience that Grimes developed a deep understanding of project management.
“Going through the entire process from start to finish and seeing the project evolve from conception to completion — that’s where I learned the most,” she reflected. The experience not only helped her hone her organizational skills but also gave her a sense of fulfillment from seeing the physical realization of a project she helped manage. “A lot of people don’t stick with it long enough to see the project through to completion, but that’s where you learn the most. The mistakes you made you get the chance to correct them on the next project.”
Grimes acknowledges that confidence can be a significant barrier for women on the jobsite. She believes many women hesitate to speak up, whether it’s to point out a safety issue or question design plans, because they feel they lack the authority to do so. “I felt that way early on. I didn’t feel like I could question anyone because you have these really smart engineers and creative architects, and then you’ve got ownership that wants things done a certain way,” Grimes said. Over time, however, she’s come to see the value of asking questions and recognizing that attention to detail — something she believes women excel at — can be a critical asset on the jobsite.
Grimes is passionate about fostering the next generation of women in construction. Over the years, she’s had the opportunity to onboard and train several women at Beal Derkenne, taking pride in showing them that they can be just as knowledgeable and capable as any man on the team. “It just takes time and patience,” she said, emphasizing the importance of teaching basic organizational skills and technical knowledge to newcomers. She’s also keen to get more involved with local high schools to introduce young women to careers in construction, particularly as interest in trade programs grows.
“The more you can involve women, the more power they’re going to have, the more information they’re going to have,” Grimes said. She pointed out that sometimes men in the industry can work in siloes, but women excel at communication and ensuring everyone is on the same page — a vital skill for any successful project.
Outside of work, Grimes is a mother of three and a fitness enthusiast. Working out is her way of maintaining confidence and a mental release from the stresses of work. “It’s how I represent myself, whether I’m on a jobsite or at a baseball game with my kids,” she said. For Grimes, confidence is key to pushing boundaries and continuing to grow, professionally and personally.
Her advice to her younger self, and to any woman entering the construction field, is simple: “Failing is really the only way you learn.” Grimes believes that the ability to learn from mistakes, ask questions and rely on a supportive team is what has allowed her to thrive in a challenging industry. “You’re going to fail, but as long as you have the trust of your team, women can do anything.”
