The Phoenix Business Journal celebrated the 26th annual Outstanding Women in Business awards on March 26 at Chateau Luxe in north Phoenix. Presented by CornerStone Staffing, the event honored 25 business and community leaders for their contributions to the Valley. More than 300 people were in attendance, including honorees and their guests. This year’s finalists were selected from a pool of 263 nominees by a panel of judges that included previous honorees. During the awards ceremony, guests had an opportunity to network and partake in a plated dinner.
Check out the March 27 weekly print and digital edition of the Business Journal as well as the Outstanding Women in Business hub page for more information about this year’s outstanding women, including a photo gallery of the event.
Name: Andrea Piering
Years with Company: 28
What was your first job? My first job was working as a courier at Sun State Builders.
What you wish you knew when you first started your professional career: I wish I knew that I was making a good career choice that would bring me so much personal fulfillment. I originally considered a career in medicine and wasn’t sure early on if I was making right decision. At the time, I never imagined I’d end up becoming partner in the company and president.
What is your biggest career win to date? My biggest win to date was having the opportunity to purchase ownership in the company and become a partner at Sun State Builders in 2020.
If you could have a career do-over, what would it be? If I had the chance for a career do-over, there is little I would change, but I would try to gain a greater understanding of contractual obligations earlier on. When I was young and early in my career, I overlooked something in a contract on a project that had a significant financial consequence. It was a big lesson for me and one I’ve never forgotten. Fortunately, my boss and the company founder were very understanding and chalked it up to a learning experience.
A significant challenge in your career and how you overcame it: The biggest challenge I faced was when I was just starting my career in 1998, being a young female in an industry that was and still is dominated by men. Again, I was fortunate to have supportive mentors who helped me realize that it was OK to ask for help. I didn’t need to know everything; I just needed to learn.
What do you think you would be doing if not in your current career? If I was not managing business at Sun State Builders, I would want to work in a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women and children in need.
What’s next on your career bucket list? Continuing to position Sun State Builders as a leader in design-build construction and help grow revenues 10% year-over-year.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself here playing a larger role, mentoring and guiding our future Sun State Builders’ leadership.
Three words you’d use to describe yourself in a pitch: Forthright, hardworking, problem solver — I know that’s four words.
One thing people would be shocked to know about you: People are always surprised to learn that I started working alongside my Dad doing construction when I was 14. It was a family business and I loved learning the process and spending time with him.
What iconic woman in American history OR in your life has been inspirational for you? One woman who currently stands out in modern American history is Melania Trump. She is a first-generation immigrant who speaks five languages and is now serving as first lady.
What is your favorite U.S. vacation spot or which US locale is on your bucket list? My favorite vacation spot in the U.S. is Maui, and Montana is on my bucket list.
My happy place is: Home is my happy place with my family.