Meet Kerry Showalter | General Contractor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kerry Showalter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerry, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I believe in the ripple effect of do good, get good. We have had the opportunity over the years to leave our mark on Arizona and we hope we are seen as a company that worked hard to leave things better than how we found them. Over the years we have had the opportunity to work for nonprofits like Homeward Bound, adding to their campus that helps at risk women and children. We built a Victims Services Center for the City of Chandler utilized by the Chandler Police Department. This space was designed to not only process victims of violent crimes but within the architect’s details of softened paint colors and comfortable furnishings, and a local artist’s woodworking, we were able to bring to life a facility that welcomes people in crisis with a kindness that is not available everywhere.

Most recently we were recognized for remodeling an historic warehouse building from 1929. The building’s owner, Maricopa County Community College District envisioned what is now called Phoenix Forge, a teaching facility for the arts. There are tools available for artists and creatives to create their artistic visions with equipment for jewelry making, metalworks, and woodworking, just to name a few.

On a personal note, when I graduated from ASU West in 2004 I was headed to law school. I did not set out to have a career in this industry, it found me. I have had the good fortune to have been mentored by some incredible women in the field of construction and management. One of my long-term goals is to be able to reach young women and show them they have the ability to work and succeed in this industry, and in every aspect of this industry, no matter their education level. The impact that women have is so vitally important to the sustainable growth of our state and our world and we need them.

What should our readers know about your business?
. My husband and I met working for a local general contractor. While I was still new to the industry, he had been in the business for over 20 years when we began TSG with two other partners in 2005. He had worked in every aspect of the industry and had wonderful mentors and influences along the way. So when he came to me and said he couldn’t stop thinking about going out on his own, I said, Why not? I never blinked, I wanted in.

Our brand is built on determination and the ability to push through the fear and find new avenues, even when the outlook might be murky. In 2008 when the great recession hit, we were not immune. We continued to work out of our home, keeping overhead to a minimum. There were no new commercial project available and the Public Works such as schools and fire stations were on hold indefinitely. We found we could continue to work within the Tenant Improvement space and focused on growing that part of the business. We kept one employee and lived off of, and completely depleted our savings for over a year. When Arizona finally started to see light at the end of a very dark tunnel TSG was still standing, my husband and I were the sole owners, and we were prepared to grow again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite time of year in the Valley is spring. We would take in a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field. We would hike my new favorite spot in the Sonoran Desert Preserve. I call Cave Creek home, and so we would explore the fun shops in town, maybe grab a bite at Harold’s Corral where they have the best French onion soup I think I have ever had, and the prime rib tacos aren’t too bad either. We would have to visit the Botanical Gardens. There are always amazing art exhibits amid our beautiful desert and the tickets are reasonably priced.

My best friend and I plan our trips around concerts. A great venue is Marquee Theater in Tempe where my favorite Arizona band, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers often make an appearance.

We would have to venture up to Flagstaff, see if we could conquer Humphrey’s Peak, afterwards grabbing a bite at Fratelli’s pizza or maybe Mama Burger where I can order the best milkshake in all of Arizona.

If we’re feeling low key, that spring weather is perfect for a backyard barbeque by the pool and playing with my dogs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and partner in crime. His support never waivers and he is my biggest champion.

Website: www.tsgconstructors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsgconstructors/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/tsgconstructors/

Twitter: @LlcTsg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsgconstructors

Image Credits
TSG MCSO Substation 2 project drone photograph by Drone Marketing Pros