Behind the Scenes with Drey Ward

Each month, "Behind the Scenes" features an interview with a leader in our community designed to provide readers a glimpse into his/her interests and passions inside and outside of the workplace

This month, "Behind the Scenes" sat down with Drey Ward of Silver Maple Construction

What is your hometown?

I grew up in Ithaca, New York.

Where did you go to school?

I have an undergraduate degree from Cornell University (Psychology) and a Master’s (in Elementary Education) from CUNY Hunter.

First ever job?

My first ever “real” job with a paycheck and the IRS involved was either at Hal’s Deli or Ithaca Roc’s. It’s hard, and getting harder, to remember that far back but the mad skills gained at a real Jewish deli or the ability to fold the heck out of a stack of t-shirts are still fresh! From there, I went where the opportunities led and I love the variety that my early jobs provided.

From lifeguarding to being a house mother at a sorority (free housing!); from working as an in-flight attendant for a private airline (nope – I would not have been helpful in the event of a water landing!) to nannying 3 days a week while in college and waiting tables… so many tables… all those jobs were lessons and freedom, in the form of a paycheck!

Who do you most admire?

My family. They are unmatched!

Favorite Vacation Spot?

Travel has always been a huge part of my life and I have been so fortunate to be able to see some amazing places. I am also very lucky to own a 1976 Airstream that I absolutely love and my favorite vacations include warm temperatures, sunshine, ideally some sand, and living out of the trailer.

Favorite movie, TV Show?

I know people who have very sophisticated and well developed “palates” when it comes to entertainment. They have strong opinions after only one screening, can remember plots, can quote dialog, and know actor names. I am not one of those people. I am easily entertained and forget what I watched almost immediately. I frequently watch movies that I have seen before but it takes me 2/3rds of the show to realize it.

The only movies that don’t fall into this pattern are the Hayao Miyazaki movies that I watched (repeatedly) with the kids when they were little. I loved those and remember them but maybe that’s the trick. I have to watch something 42 times to recall it!

Who was your greatest inspiration growing up?

Definitely my mom. She came to the US from Argentina on a Fulbright scholarship to escape the traditional roles of women in her culture. She studied linguistic and was recruited to join the faculty at Cornell University where she balanced research, advising, teaching, and family. She continued to redefine herself as an artist after her retirement. Her drive, her determination, her bravery, and her love were inspiring and definitely shape who I am becoming.

Favorite type of music?

Growing up with a mom from South America and a musical father from… well, where he is from is an additional look “Behind the Scenes” so I’ll just leave it as ‘he was born in The Netherlands’, I was exposed to all kinds of music. And I am fortunate to have married a person with very broad musical tastes. Our house, and my office, is just a likely to be playing Ani DiFranco, Metallica, BB King, Rickie Lee Jones, Taylor Swift, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Franti… I would love to know who you’re listening to so I can expand the repertoire even further! What’s your favorite??

Biggest Career Challenge?

I hope it hasn’t happened yet! The challenges I’ve had have been learning experiences and I don’t want to stop learning. I still can’t solve most crossword puzzles so there is plenty of knowledge out there that I have yet to acquire!

Typical work week?

I have learned that there is no such thing as typical at Silver Maple Construction but, luckily for me, I love the variety! I’ve worked here for 7-1/2 years (the longest I’ve ever worked anywhere), have never once been bored, have, on countless occasions, been completely blown away by what this team can accomplish, and continue to learn from the folks who work here. I’m based in our beautiful new office, officially juggle the role of Director of Customer Care, Sales, and Marketing, and happily jump in if I can support other projects. It’s a pretty remarkable place.

What's the greatest career risk you have taken?

I think the biggest risk I have taken is to not have a “career”. A career feels like a very linear path that starts early with a trade or degree and chugs along in a straight line ending with a gold watch and retirement. When I look back on my path it resembles my cockapoo chasing a ball with loops and back tracking and exploring and curiosity and lots and lots of distraction. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What's the one thing you would like to see change in your business/industry?

I wish that we had a more robust apprenticeship and training program for people interested in construction. I think that Nick Cantrick, at the Hannaford Career Center, does a great job and the Construction Technology Program is fantastic and there is room for more. We are perpetually trying to crack this nut.