ABC-SEMI Issue 2 2019

10 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. MINI -PROF I LES ABCWomen mini-profiles With a background in banking and real estate, Kewin had it all: a career, married and raising a family living near her hometown. The company she was working for was moving their local office to Chicago and Kewin had to make a choice… according to her it was an easy one. “I was not interested in moving to Chicago—I had done that once already—that was when my brother and father approached me about joining the family business,” said Kewin. “I had grown up around electrical contracting and watched my father and then my brother grow our family business from a van and working out of a garage into one of the most successful electrical contractors in southeast Michigan. I love my family and was proud of our company and could absolutely see myself playing a role there.” As a mother of three small boys, Kewin has had to balance family and work, but finds that it is no different for her than anyone. She said the bigger shock was shifting from a fortune 500 company with hundreds of employees to a 20-man electrical contracting firm. Since her joining the organization they have grow to almost 70-employees and are quickly becoming one of the premiere commercial and industrial contracting firms in southeast Michigan. She credits her family and the passion they have for the business for all their success. “I was so use to everything in the corporate world being done the same way,” said Kewin. “Now I relish the diversity of my job and love that everyday its going to be filled with some different challenge or opportunity. This type of work is not boring. Even if you already have a career in another field, I encourage anyone with an interest in the trades to give it a look. It can be a life changing experience. Growing up in the business and working with her family, Levy always knew one day, when she was ready, she would be called upon to help run her family’s business. But in 1999, when a tragedy in her family occurred, she was out of time and left with no other option then to wade in and take up job of leading Douglas Electric. “Can you ever be ready for such a thing?” asked Levy “It is often a trial by fire, but thanks to the excellent staff we have here and the support of my family I think we have managed this all just fine. I am proud to continue the legacy my father started of the excellent work our company performs for our clients. I had the benefit of being a known entity at Douglas Electric when I took over and had the full support I needed—it had its challenges, but being a woman was the least of my worries.” As one of the premiere electrical contractors in southeast Michigan, Levy has had deep roots with not only the trades, but ABC as well. Her father, Doug Cryderman was one of the founding members of the ABC SEMI chapter. Merit Shop Philosophy is ingrained in Levy DNA and she feels very strongly about supporting the “mom & pop” shops because that is how all of us started in the beginning. “It amazes me to think this company started way back in 1975,” said Levy. “I have learned over the years that in this industry that you have to conduct yourself with integrity and that your word is your bond. My father taught me that when you say your going to do something—you do it. He also taught be to give back and that is why I continue to stay involved and work with ABC. I believe in their mission and will actively support initiatives that protect and move merit shop contractors forward.” Bridget Kewin CFO of O’Donnell Electric Paige Levy President of Douglas Electric