The Crowther Group is growing and, as more talented construction leaders consider working with us, we want to offer an inside look into our culture and people who have found a home here and who continue to contribute to our success. Today, meet Accounting Coordinator, Adrienne Soders.

What are 3 or 4 defining moments for you as your career progressed? Think of events or things that shaped your career path, had the most impact on making you who you are today, and led you to add value to your companies.

I had no intention of pursuing a career in accounting when I was young.  I had my sights set on medicine.  But I had an aunt who worked at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX who asked me to come help her out when things got busy. It turns out, I was there in the right place at the right time.  They saw promise in me and led to them offering me a position as a supervisor.  That’s where I got my start.

My move to Dallas wasn’t a career move.  I just wanted to be near some family. Lubbock is small and pretty much all about education so coming to Dallas opened my world to many new and different industries.  That’s when I got my feet wet in construction.  And I loved the pace it offered.  There was constant change—I was never bored.  All the new technologies and processes trickled eventually to accounting and it was exciting!

My last job was the first time I had ever worked with a company that was struggling.  It wasn’t my employer, but a client company and they were going through financial difficulties.  I had to get VERY creative dealing with their tight budget constraints while still enabling their contributions to our bottom line.  I don’t think I have ever watched the stock market as much as I did then!   I had to learn to be flexible balancing what I already knew with what I needed to know.  When you’re tasked to do something, you dig down deep and you do it!

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love being challenged.  Give me a goal and I will do everything I can to get it done.  Challenges light a fire under me.

Which of your personal attributes have been most beneficial to you in your career? Explain why.

I never burn bridges and do everything with the highest integrity.  If I am not a trusted partner, we can’t achieve together.  I think it’s because when people know exactly where you’re coming from, and there’s trust, you get a lot more cooperation to meet the common goal.  That’s when things get done!

What do you for fun while you’re not at work?

I love spending time with my family.  We play games—lots of games.  Rummikub is my favorite, of course, because it’s a numbers game! I love our Sunday dinners, and love watching all the great shows the cable and streaming TV stations offer.

Who have you mentored and how did your guidance impact that person, your team, your department, and your company?

I once mentored a young man who came to our department with absolutely no experience.  So, we had to start with the basics.  From the beginning I saw he had a great ability to learn and he did!  He went from entry level to a promotion as an analyst. He and I are still in touch and he always thanks me for the time we worked together.  It feels good to know I had such an impact on someone!

How do you describe your leadership style?

I think the best word for my leadership style is nurturing.  Whether I am training someone, or someone is shadowing me, I believe they get more out of it if the environment is nurturing and comfortable.  Soon they realize we are in it together and for the long haul.  That said, I’m not a micromanager and never look over someone’s shoulder.  Everyone has their own work style and have to discover what works best for them.