In an industry long defined by hard hats and heavy lifting, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is demonstrating that leadership, innovation, and vision have no limits. As the local chapter’s new president, Jennifer Sawyer brings extensive experience and enthusiasm to her role, along with a personal commitment to opening more doors for women in the field. A longtime advocate for workforce development and inclusion, she has spent her career helping to build not just structures, but opportunities.

FIRST & 42 caught up with Jennifer to talk about what drew her to construction, her path to leadership, and her vision for the future of the industry in Southwest Michigan and beyond.

 

A Career That Found Her—and One She’s Made Her Own

Like many who end up in construction, Jennifer didn’t plan on joining the industry.

“I got started in the construction industry by accident,” she laughs. “I was taking classes and working weekends at Olive Garden. I wanted weekends to myself, so I switched to night classes and looked for an office job. I had a friend who was an employment agent at the time and offered me an administrative role at a local general contractor. Twenty years later, I am co-owner of a 100% women-owned construction consulting and commercial real estate firm.”

Her first full construction project from start to finish was the Battle Creek Air National Guard Fire & Crash Rescue facility, a major introduction to federal contracting. “Working with the government teaches you a lot about regulations and sequential steps,” she says. “It was a great experience and really shaped my understanding of the process.”

Today, she serves as vice president and co-owner of The Barton Group alongside her business partner, Amelia Barker-King. Jennifer remembers the thrill of signing the ownership paperwork on her birthday in 2023. “I joke that I bought a business for my birthday,” she says. “That was a huge milestone for me.”

But what remains most rewarding for her are the projects themselves. “The best moments are when you see the project come to life. It makes all the challenges worth it.”

 

Women in Construction: Building Confidence and Community

When asked about the biggest challenges women face in construction, Jennifer doesn’t hesitate. “The biggest problem is themselves, if you think you can’t, then you can’t,” she says. “I’ve been told many times in my career that I can’t do something, but I never listened. You have to have the emotional intelligence to recognize who’s on your team and who’s not. Not everyone will like you, and you have to be ok with that. More often than not, you will find people excited to teach you something, but you have to be comfortable asking.”

Her advice to young women considering a career in the trades or construction management is simple: “Do it!”

“This industry offers safety, longevity, and so much variety. Ask yourself, ‘What am I good at?’ Whatever it is—photography, marketing, accounting, even underwater welding—there is a role for you. We need fresh perspectives.”

 

A Vision Rooted in Collaboration

As she steps into her new leadership role, Jennifer’s vision for NAWIC centers on connection rather than competition.

“I want to see our community in this industry grow together,” she says. “There’s still a mindset among some older leaders of drawing a line in the sand that you do not cross. They are your competitors, and you don’t speak with them. I see new leadership more willing to reach across that line, looking for ways to partner or share experiences. Collaboration and community will have a larger impact on the future of our industry.”

One of her top goals for her first year? Doubling membership.

Jennifer continues, “I truly want to engage our members and understand what they need…what kind of connections, what kind of growth opportunities. That’s how we keep the chapter strong.”

 

The Future of Construction in Southwest Michigan

Jennifer is energized by what she sees in the regional construction landscape.

“Construction in Southwest Michigan continues to outperform national trends,” she says. “We’re seeing significant investments in infrastructure and manufacturing. Tax incentives and creative funding strategies help offset rising construction costs and project viability.” Jennifer goes on to say, “It’s hope. Optimism is missing in a lot of today’s industries. The momentum we have is huge.”

She sees a strong and growing focus on collaboration among education, workforce development, and industry partners.

“There is so much attention right now on building the talent pipeline,” she says. “Kalamazoo is investing time, money, and resources to support that growth. It’s exactly what we need.”

Organizations like NAWIC, she adds, play a critical role.

“We connect people to opportunities, and opportunities to resources, including trade knowledge and mentors. That is what’s going to help that growth. If people don’t feel supported, they’re not going to stick around.”

 

Staying Motivated—and Staying True to Herself

On tough days, Jennifer doesn’t rely on inspiration.

“Motivation and inspiration are fleeting,” she says. “I am dedicated. Making sure that you are dedicated goes a long way. Money doesn’t hurt either,” she adds with a smile.

If she could leave readers with one message about women in construction, it’s this: “We’re just trying to live. We all have different things we are good at. Don’t be afraid to use your talents.”

 

Looking Ahead

As Jennifer begins her tenure as NAWIC chapter president, her focus remains clear: empowering women, strengthening the workforce, and celebrating the skilled people who make construction a cornerstone of regional growth. Her optimism for the future is rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and innovation, offering us all a reminder that progress is built one connection and one project at a time.

 

About Jennifer Sawyer
Jennifer Sawyer is the vice president and co-owner of The Barton Group and brings over 20 years of experience in commercial construction. Outside of work, Jennifer is a professional disc golfer who served as co-director of the Michigan Women’s Disc Golf Series and competed in multiple PDGA World Championships. She has also applied her construction expertise to the sport by installing more than 100 concrete tee pads at local courses, including Spring Valley Park, Robert Morris Park, and Meyer Broadway. At home, Jennifer enjoys growing dahlias in her garden, weightlifting, and watching classic movies. She and her husband have lived in Kalamazoo for 20 years and share their home with five cats.

About The Barton Group
The Barton Group is a woman-owned firm in Portage, Michigan, providing expert construction consulting and commercial real estate services throughout Southwest Michigan. Specializing in owner’s representation, project management, and strategic consulting, The Barton Group partners with clients to navigate every stage of construction—from planning and budgeting to contractor coordination and risk management—ensuring projects are completed on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality.

About NAWIC
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is committed to elevating women in the construction industry through advocacy, professional education, technical training, mentorship, and a strong network of industry leaders. For more information or to become a member of the Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek chapter, contact nawic302@nawickalamazoobc.org.