Why I Left the Stage for the Jobsite

How I Found My True Calling in Construction Consulting
From center stage to construction sites—my path to purpose wasn’t a straight line. I never imagined I’d own a construction company—let alone consult with others in the industry. My dream was crystal clear: I wanted to be a keynote speaker. I craved the spotlight, the energy of live events, and the opportunity to inspire leaders from stages across the country. And for a while, I did just that.

I traveled. I spoke. I built a successful career speaking to white-collar audiences about leadership development.

A Detour I Didn’t Expect
Then one day, David—my husband—came home with a new idea. He wanted to start a construction company and asked for my help. I agreed, but only temporarily. I figured I’d lend my skills, help build a solid foundation, and then return to my “real” career.

That company, Neujahr Remodeling, began with one employee and a van full of tools. It grew quickly—30 employees, commercial and residential projects, and a strong reputation. I learned fast—and sometimes painfully—what it took to lead a construction business.

Still, I was counting the days until I could step away. My phone never rang at 5 a.m. in the speaking world. Construction was relentless—the phone never stopped ringing. Yet we built something meaningful. Eventually, I hired my replacement, leased an office down the road, and returned to my speaking business, ready to soar.

But Life Had Other Plans
David’s why—his reason for building—was different than mine. He wanted to do meaningful work, treat people with kindness, and build a company rooted in integrity. And he wanted to do it with me. I didn’t fully understand it then—I was chasing my own dream. But soon enough, reality intervened. The company started to falter. My replacement didn’t have the leadership skills—or the vision—I brought. A trusted mastermind group reviewed our situation and said it plainly: “You need to step back in and mind the business.” I was angry. Resentful. But I returned.

And then, another curveball: my appendix ruptured—three long months of recovery. Every speaking engagement I had was handed off to someone else. I was forced to pause and reflect. Who was I without the stage? What was my why?

Sitting with the Silence
I had always dreamed of living in Maine. After many conversations with David and our kids, we decided to take a leap. We sold our company, left Minnesota, and landed in a little rental house on an island off the coast of Maine. David took a job with Hancock Lumber. I had no clients. No plan. Just a quiet space to sit with the question:

What comes next?
I realized something important—I loved the stage, but I missed my family. The road was lonely. I often left events wondering if I had truly made a difference. The standing ovations were great. The feedback was affirming. But the fulfillment didn’t last. I wasn’t sure I had the energy—or the desire—to reenter the speaking world. I needed to find my why. I needed to define the second half of my career.

Turning Toward Construction
I started thinking about the company we had built—not just the business itself, but the people we served, the systems we created, the strategies we implemented. I realized how much I enjoyed the business of construction. Over the years, I had done some coaching and consulting within the industry, almost by accident. But I had loved it.

Then it hit me:
Maybe I had found my true audience. People who were building real things. People who needed structure, support, and someone who understood both the technical side of construction and the human side of leadership.

What I Noticed in the Industry

• I was often the only woman in the room.

• Many construction businesses lacked a professional structure.

• Contractors were excellent technicians, but few were trained leaders.

• The industry had potential, yet was held back by outdated thinking.

These weren’t just construction problems—they were business problems. And I had the tools to help solve them.

Why I Do This Work
I consult with construction companies because they are the backbone of our communities. Small to mid-sized firms are transforming towns, creating jobs, and impacting lives. But they often do it without the support and systems they need to thrive. I bring clarity, strategy, and structure. I help leaders define roles, navigate family dynamics, onboard new team members, rebuild trust, and rediscover their purpose. I do this work because I believe in it. Because I’ve lived it. Because I’ve seen businesses shift from barely surviving to thriving.
Because the impact is real and lasting.

Today, I’m not just a consultant—I’m also the co-owner of a residential construction company. This dual role gives me a front-row seat to the daily challenges and victories construction leaders face. I don’t just teach this work—I live it.

Are You a Construction Leader Seeking Clarity?
Let’s build something better—together. If you’re navigating growth, change, or the everyday chaos of running a business,