McKenzie Pederson, 36
Design-Build Consultant, Murphy Bros., Twin Cities Metro, Minn.
While looking for a job online, an ad for Murphy Bros. popped up on Pederson’s Facebook page. She applied right away and discovered her dream job. Since then, she has ranked among the top salespeople every year, all while being a single mother.
Innovation in Two Steps: Pederson credits her boss with an innovative two-step design agreement process. “Having two phases makes it easier for clients to have faith,” she says. “We’re drawing the roadmap for them. They’re seeing evidence and hard numbers and knowing that we’re doing the work along the way to make sure that there are no surprises.” The first step (and first retainer) entails taking measurements and photos, creating a plan, a scope, and a budget that works for the client. Once a plan and a budget are agreed on, they move to a second retainer. A trade partner looks at the project and clients make selections with Pedereson. “We’ll have plans ready for permitting, and once they sign a contract, we’re fully prepped to move into building,” she says. “Then we apply both retainers to the contract, almost acting as a down payment before they even get started.”
Feels Like Family: “One of the company’s values is making a point of being glad to see you,” Pederson says. That always makes it a joy when she needs to go into the office.
Podcast Recommendation: Design Build Central