Judy-Lynn Mason
How did you get your start in the mechanical contracting industry?
In 2004, I was hired to work on a project in Brandon, MB at Chemtrade (Canexus) Chemicals as the Project Controller for DMS Industrial. During this project, I had the privilege to work closely with the EPCM contractor and Canexus senior management team. Subsequent to this project, I spent 4 years working directly for Canexus as the Project Cost Control Auditor in North Vancouver, BC. My responsibility was to oversee the sub-contractor cost reporting accuracy on a $250M technology conversion project. In 2009, I returned to MB and became the Chief Financial Officer at DMS Industrial and ServcoCanada group of companies.
What is the best career advice you ever received?
Surround yourself with people that are experts and more experienced than you. You do not have to always have all the answers, but you do need to surround yourself with a great team that does.
What do you like best about this industry?
The constant changing and challenging environment
What is your current job and what do you love about it?
I am the Chief Financial Officer at ServcoCanada. I love my job as it allows me to work with a diverse group of people from around the world. I am challenged on a daily basis meeting new people with new ideas and trying to understand and utilize their best practices.
Who was your best mentor? Lessons?
Honestly, my husband who is also the president at ServcoCanada. He has encouraged me to explore opportunities I was unsure about, push myself out of my comfort zone, embrace the challenge and strive to be better every day. He has supported me as CFO, but more importantly as a person.
Secondly, was my supervisor at Canexus who understood my strengths and weaknesses and gave me the chance to work with and grow with his team. He supported and encouraged me through my weaknesses and inexperience, teaching me the importance of team collaboration and a supportive work environment.
If you could give any woman starting in this industry any advise, what would it be?
Work hard, listen to and learn from the experienced team around you and keep pushing through each obstacle as there is an immense feeling of satisfaction when you become part of a team where your experience is valued.
Hardest obstacle? Industry related if any?
Being a woman in a predominantly male construction industry required me to extra work hard for recognition and respect. I chose to embrace this obstacle (usually!!) and used it to push me harder rather than slow me down.
Community give back? Any organizations your involved, volunteer, support in the community?
Live Different and The Samantha Mason Foundation: Angels of Compassion
https://livedifferent.com/partners/angels-of-compassion-the-samantha-mason-foundation/