💌 Behind the Build: Finding Your People
Dear Reader,
When I first stepped into the role of being the principal and founder of Guild Properties, everything suddenly felt different. For the first time, I was the one everyone looked to for answers — subcontractors, clients, vendors — all waiting for direction, for decisions, for leadership.
It was both thrilling and humbling. That was the moment I realized: this isn’t just about managing projects. This is about leading people.
By the time Guild Properties was officially born, I’d already been in construction for years. I started nearly a decade ago as a house flipper, buying distressed homes, bringing them back to life, and selling them. Those early years taught me the rhythm of renovations and introduced me to many of the tradespeople I still work with today. By the time I became licensed in 2020, I already had my drywallers, my ceramic tilers, my plumbers, my electricians — my people.
But as I stepped into running a licensed design-build firm, the dynamic changed. I wasn’t just managing flips anymore — I was leading teams, guiding entire projects, and defining what Guild Properties would stand for.
From the very beginning, I knew I wanted our clients to have an amazing experience renovating their homes. That meant surrounding myself with people who took pride in their craft — those who cared as deeply about the work as I did. I set out to build teams of skilled tradesmen and women who treat each project like a personal masterpiece.
And I found them.
These are the kind of people who notice the small details — who’ll sand a corner one more time just because it’s not perfect yet, who stand back at the end of a day and smile at what they’ve built. Their craftsmanship isn’t just about precision; it’s about pride.
But finding your people also means protecting your standards. As a woman leading a construction company — and with two incredible female project managers by my side — I’ve learned that respect and integrity aren’t optional. They’re the foundation of everything.
There have been times when we’ve had to part ways with subcontractors who weren’t comfortable taking direction from women. It’s never an easy decision, but it’s a necessary one. Because the teams I build must reflect the values we stand for: collaboration, communication, and mutual respect.
Our job sites run on teamwork and open dialogue. Every day, we’re in conversation — about schedules, finishes, updates, problem-solving, and progress. That steady rhythm of communication keeps the work flowing and everyone aligned toward the same goal: creating something beautiful, together.
“Finding your people” isn’t just about having a reliable crew. It’s about surrounding yourself with those who share your values, respect your leadership, and take joy in their work. It’s the difference between a project that’s simply finished and one that’s crafted with pride.
With gratitude (for the people who build alongside me),
Gaby
Founder, Guild Properties
P.S. The heart of Guild Properties isn’t just design — it’s the people who bring it to life, one careful detail at a time.