Hidden Gems: Meet Jessica Murphy of Hammer and Harmony

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Murphy.

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I studied Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Soon after graduating in 2003, I went to work for a small commercial construction company that had a newly formed industrial division. Thus began my 13 years career in industrial construction.

I discovered that I loved problem-solving…most of the time. I loved orchestrating lots of different parts and pieces. I loved getting out in the field to figure out solutions with the guys doing the work.

I spent most of my career “on the road” moving from one project to another every 12 to 18 months. When I was finally stationed at our corporate office in Tucker, I found time to flip a house. In that experience, I discovered that I love the softer side of residential construction. I started my own residential construction company in 2015 and got my general contractor’s license in 2016.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I thought my answer to this question was that it had been a relatively smooth road. But upon reflection, I remember that I had to make tough decisions to fight for progressing my professional responsibilities and experience. On my second project, I was asked to fill an administrative position simply because I was a female and there were no other females available. I declined and the company fired me. At another company, I asked to take on the role of Project Engineer that had just been vacated by a retiree. The Project Manager told me that I couldn’t handle it. I moved into the vacant office and just assumed the responsibilities anyways. By the end of the job, and for years afterward, the Project Manager denied ever saying that.

Once after moving across the country from Georgia to a project in Arizona, I discovered that I would not be filling the role of Site Manager as was promised. I called the home office to say I would not be staying in Arizona for the next 18 months to fill the same role I had filled for the past three years.

Pretty quickly into my industrial construction career, I began dreaming of owning my own construction company one day. I had no idea how it would happen. I didn’t even have a clear picture of what it would be. I just knew that I wanted my own company. For 10 years I dreamed of it and sometimes became discouraged and angry that I had these dreams but didn’t see a path to make my dreams materialize into reality. I realize now that I wasn’t ready back then. I didn’t have the experience, the network of subs, vendors and suppliers, the business acumen. I realize now that every new opportunity is presented to me in perfect timing with the development of my abilities.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a licensed and insured General Contractor. We love kitchens and baths. We do quite a few additions, particularly second-floor additions; and we build new construction homes as well. We are a pretty well-rounded residential construction firm. One thing that sets us apart is that we are a boutique firm offering very personal service for both large and small projects. We purposely restrict our volume and backlog of projects so that one of two project managers is available to supervise the project, beginning to end. For that reason, the second thing that sets us apart is that we have great relationships with many interior designers and architects around town. I think it’s because we can give them the attention that their projects demand.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
First I have to say that my parents set the stage. Somehow they taught me to be a lady without teaching me that I was inhibited as a lady. Obviously, that has served me well in a male-dominated construction industry. My business begins and ends with my team. Without them, three very special individuals, I wouldn’t have a business. I have two vendors on speed dial who make my job easier. Last, but not least, my subcontractors are reliable, smart guys; who teach me something every day.

Pricing:

• Typically the smallest job we take on is a bath or kitchen remodel that is +/- $20,000
• We have just begun a 10,800 square-foot new construction home, valued a little over $3 million.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hammerandharmony.com
• Instagram: @hammerandharmony
• Facebook: @hammerandharmony

Image Credits
Judith Hill Photography, Bartolotti Media, IMOTO Photo