Blog

September, 2021

Stacey Polk/Ridge Canyon Back Story

I worked hard, went to any and every seminar or workshop that I could go to. Worked my butt off for the last 15 years being a support to the team. Harder, smarter, efficient. Anticipated problems and issues and was prepared to solve them immediately as they arise. You see construction has many different layers of execution of a project. Be visual for a moment; imagine multiple, half a million to multi-million dollar projects running each day at different stages. Yes, it can be chaotic when you are at the helm of it all. Supporting the teams needs, anticipating each projects next move so you can be one step ahead of the game and somehow let out that breath of air. Its exciting! That feeling when you are about to get on that roller coaster for the ride of your life. That’s my feeling, it makes me passionate for what I do and want to do it all again the next day.

In 2017 we transitioned, and the new company was born. I climbed the ladder and was in charge of all office procedures, systems, protocols. I oversaw everything. Wow. I am so thankful, grateful for ‘the guys’ to see that I have the fire of success. The experience, knowledge and expertise of the craft of construction. (Back office or whatever you want to call it) I am not reading plans, or on CAD; I am handling day to day office operations, all hats. You don’t realize that there is a lot of systems to it. I had the saying with my team: “if it will go wrong, it will”. I know it sounds negative. But, if you been around like me, you have seen the cluster crap come down. It could be from the smallest thing. Not confirming your equipment order or delivery for example. It is like you are fighting a war. The unit and you are the good ones. You have the instructions, details and you implement the plan. Something goes wrong. You fight to fix the imperfection that makes a delay in the execution. Maybe I am rambling. There again, it is a passion of mine.

I made it to the executive ranks. It was announced at a staff meeting that I was partner. This is it. The feeling of accomplishment. It was a proud moment. I am here, I can slow down, enjoy my success, breathe, reflect. This is amazing, I am working with partners that have faith and trust in me. I mean I proved myself every chance I got. I say that with a grain of salt. Part proving myself, part competitive. Worked long hours, solved issues quickly. Showed enthusiasm and effort on all the projects, why shouldn’t they?

My life on paper was perfect. Amazing Salary and bonuses, business cards, expenses paid, beautiful loving family of mine, a house, cars. Yet, I was working harder, stressed, pushed family obligations off on my husband or daughter. Life wasn’t easier as I imagined it. I was still putting in long hours, feeling resentful to all that crossed my path.

I had some health scares in 2019 came about where I was diagnosed with anemia and a (non-growing) calcified brain tumor. Things took a minute to get back to normal dealing with the challenges with that, but even after that, I was highly dedicated to get back to work. Looking back now, it was too soon. I jumped back into shot calling and decision making, but my mindset was different. It was time to share the knowledge and prepare someone to step in. I feared the meeting I had with the executives on my plan to leave. I appeared to have a plan and the transition will be seamless, but inside I was scared. I had to approach this and mind you; this is right before the COVID 19 breakouts. So, this was just another small road pot hole I am used to dealing with. Which I overcame the obstacles, obtained two PPP Loans that were forgiven, create a playbook for the COVID-19 pandemic. And train our candidate to be strong, steadfast and carry out the company goals!

I knew that I envisioned working freelance and completing notary signings when I left the corporate life. I also envisioned helping small contractors that do not need a fulltime office person and I enjoyed getting documents prepared and ready for them. I was already doing that as a side hustle on my off time, so why not? I kept putting it off and thought it was a lot of work, but I dived in taking the steps to form my company. Before I knew it, I was spending time on the logo, creating content for my website. I built my online profiles and future content to put myself out there! I am launching this!

If you believe and you envisioned your goals, they will become a reality. Thank you for reading this.

~Stacey Polk

PS: I would love to hear your story on jumping out of your comfort zone! Please email me. Stacey@ridgecanyonllc.net