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Building a Legacy: A Woman’s 30-Year Journey in the Construction Industry

Updated: Aug 26

SPOTLIGHT: Eileen Van Greunen, Member of Specifying Techniques

Eileen Van Greunen stands in front of a building in Spain that reads Arquitectura (Architecture)

For three decades, this remarkable woman has carved out a niche in the construction industry, a field traditionally dominated by men. With a background in education, she seamlessly transitioned into a career in the built environment, where she not only thrived but also played a pivotal role in educating others.

" Consistency is what transforms average into excellence! "

Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of knowledge. In this interview, she shares the inspiring story of her career, the challenges she faced, and the satisfaction she derives from guiding her team and colleagues towards success.


Can you share your journey into the construction industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

My first chapter in the construction industry started in 1994, 30 years ago! Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that my tertiary education, studying a Bachelor of Education at the University of the Witwatersrand would hold me in good stead in my career in the Built Environment! Yes, I taught every day and still teach every day! I guide and nurture my fellow colleagues, employees, manufacturers, architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors and developers!


What our amazing company does everyday is to guide and teach anybody involved in the construction industry on products available to them in order for them to make an informed decision on the knowledge imparted to them and to teach them how to specify and install innovative as well as basic products into the buildings that they are designing.


The inspiration to continue and thrive in this career was the realisation of how critical our role is as product knowledge is very limited in Universities and Universities of Technology. It is wonderful to see the positive feedback from professionals in the industry once you have given them training on products. The endless “Thank Yous” that we receive from the wonderful people that make this industry tick gives me and all that work for Specifying Techniques such a great sense of happiness and satisfaction!


Consistency is what transforms average into excellence! Make no mistake this industry is tough but the positive feedback far outweighs the negative. Another great inspiration for me every month is to be in a position to pay all the wonderful people that work under our umbrella on time and to offer bonuses every month to the over achievers! Managing this company well for so many years has also been a huge inspiration for me! I must be doing something right! Specifying Techniques strives to continue to be the best source of information by imparting knowledge to both manufacturers and professionals alike with a fantastic learned team.


In the 26 years that our company has been in existence we have never missed a payment to anybody, through the downturn of the industry in 2008, the COVID period and the tumultuous riots we had across the country in July 2021. We adapted and rose above these difficult times and focused on projects that were a go during these periods in order to give business to our manufacturers. We innovated by presenting CPD activities online, which taught professionals in our industry when Covid started in order to keep many people informed over this crazy period in the world’s history.


I think this kept us all sane, professionals and manufacturers alike! Through service we lead.


What have been some of your most significant achievements or projects that you are particularly proud of in your career?

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing my people grow and thrive! I feel very proud when I see buildings going up that we have been very involved with, a case in point is Gateway Theatre of Shopping in KwaZulu Natal.


At the time (1998-2001) it was the largest shopping centre in the southern hemisphere, 176 000 square metres under roof. I assisted in the following specifications: the roof material and profile, acoustics in the cinemas, sanitary-ware, architectural mouldings, tile adhesives and movement joints along with the paint and entrance matting. I worked very closely with Andrew Murray from Johnson Murray architects, Geoff Bright from Old Mutual and the main contractors and sub-contractors.


My people are my projects now, seeing the growth in individuals gives me great satisfaction. Success isn’t always about greatness, its about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success.


What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in the construction industry, and how have you overcome them?

The most important thing that I have been very proud of is my ability to retain my professionalism in all aspects of my involvement in the industry. Site visits 20-30 years ago were very challenging as the industry was extremely male dominated and a woman in the industry at the time was seen as easy game. Be it to undermine her authority or to make her uncomfortable.


By maintaining my composure, dignity and professionalism made me and our company what it is today. I overcame these obstacles by ensuring that I had excellent product knowledge.

" I was taken seriously as soon as I opened my mouth because I knew what I was talking about "

How do you see the role of women evolving in the construction industry, and what changes would you like to see to support more women in this field?

I am a great supporter of women, however I have never been a feminist. I still enjoy a man being a gentleman and looking after his family and visa versa. The spotlight on women of late for me has been way too much and it has negated our wonderful male population. Behind every successful person is their partner. I believe that you cannot fit a square peg into a round hole.


Whether you are a male or a female and the built environment is your calling, give it all you have got and make a success of what you are doing. Today, women are given as equal an opportunity to their male counterparts.


What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in construction or other traditionally male-dominated industries

Grab the bull by the horns, work harder than anybody else, educate yourself and do not be scared to start at the bottom and work yourself up.


Knowledge is power, do not be afraid to ask questions. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. And most importantly, real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance. God Bless and good luck to the younger generation striving for excellence and a place in this crazy world we call home. It is up to the older generation to guide and teach the youth, a good education can change anyone.

" A good teacher can change everything! "
 

Eileen's journey in the construction industry is a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity, knowledge, and passion. She has remained true to her values, consistently contributing to the growth and development of her team and the industry at large.


As we come to the end of Women’s Month, Eileen's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that women can have when they are committed, knowledgeable, and unafraid to take on new challenges.


A special thanks to Eileen Van Greunen (LinkedIn) for your, leadership, courage and inspiration, www.spectechonline.com

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