Carter Gulacy
Relentless Ally
Making Her Mark on Portland
When Superintendent Carter Gulacy isn鈥檛 working on impressive projects like , the Hoxton Hotel, the Portland Building, Broadway Tower or our very own Portland office, she is committed to guiding the next generation of construction professionals. How does she know the importance of mentorship? Because that鈥檚 what ignited her interest in construction.
Growing up working on the family ranch, Carter鈥檚 work ethic was no secret. She knew she wanted to pursue a career working with her hands and creating something, but she 鈥 like many teenagers 鈥 wasn鈥檛 sure what other opportunities existed.
When an acquaintance who worked in the construction industry mentioned they believed Carter had the skills to be successful, she kept his number for more than a year before finally reaching out. With his guidance and personal reference, Carter successfully jumpstarted her career.
Accomplished Field Leader
Today, no job is too big, too small or too challenging for Carter. Her impressive portfolio spans diverse market sectors from hospitality and commercial high-rises to mixed-use developments, special projects and beyond. This experience has honed Carter鈥檚 skillsets working on both core and shell structures and interiors, making her an even more well-rounded leader in the field.
In the process of helping transform Portland鈥檚 skyline, Carter has also become a cornerstone of our recruitment and retention efforts in the Northwest. Her passionate advocacy for the next generation of construction professionals, specifically tradespeople, has positively impacted our ability to attract and retain skilled workers, addressing a critical, industry-wide challenge.
鈥淚 began in the field and always want to be an outlet for who may be struggling on a job and not sure who to talk to about it,鈥 she says.
Apprenticeship Advocacy
Carter is actively involved with two pre-apprenticeship programs offered by the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute (PNCI). Pre-apprenticeship programs help those starting out gain skills and experience as well as enhance their credentials and networks that are needed to begin a career.
The first, Portland Youth Builders, is a program that helps guide and educate young adults who are interested in working in the trades. During six- to eight-week programs, Carter (as well as other superintendents, project managers, project engineers and specialized tradespeople, such as masons and ironworkers) interview the young professionals and answer questions, explain roles within the industry and guide them to a field that suits their skillsets and passions.
The second is a Carpenters Pre-Apprenticeship Program for high school students interested in carpentry. This program has the same interview process, but provides students experience through summer internships, helping pave the way for their entry into the industry upon graduation.
Over the years, Carter has also mentored and supported numerous young professionals, all of whom have successfully secured employment within the local contractor community. Her commitment doesn't end with job placement; Carter maintains ongoing relationships with her mentees, continually leveraging her network to connect them with new opportunities in the industry.
Mentoring Close to Home
Turning her sights closer to home, Carter has also taken a leading role in strengthening the local Howard S. Wright 鈥淔oreman Four鈥 training program. This initiative brings together laborers, carpenters and general foremen in monthly sessions to develop crucial skills such as communication, adaptability and leadership.
Carter is actively working to expand the program by incorporating a mentorship component, ensuring that foremen receive ongoing professional development support as they advance in their careers.
Carter's influence extends far beyond the projects she builds. Her dedication to sharing skills and supporting colleagues ensures that that influence will continue to shape our projects and our people for years to come.