Cultivating Gratitude: Q&A with Project Engineer Ashleigh Harris

Gray’s pre-construction teams are a cornerstone, helping us to uphold our core value of being customer and relationship driven. Establishing strong partnerships with the best subcontractors in the business is no easy task. We sat down with project engineer, Ashleigh Harris, to learn more about best practices, gratitude in work, and the Gray Southeast office.

Describe your normal workday–your “day in the life.”

Every morning, I fix a cup of warm coffee or tea and spend time in prayer. This helps me find calm and focus on the tasks ahead. After the caffeine hits, I’m ready to tackle the day! My job in pre-construction is to establish working relationships with subcontractors and customers and provide estimating for the projects Gray is pursuing.

As a new team member, I am establishing many of these relationships from scratch. I try to start every phone call with “How are you doing today?” and end every email expressing my appreciation. I believe my job is the embodiment of being customer and relationship driven, as everything I do requires eminent care to provide the customer with a great experience and project.

What do you enjoy most about your work at Gray?

I absolutely love the people I work with! I first found Gray in college while looking for an internship. I had no experience and wasn’t sure of the direction I hoped my career would take. The people at Gray took a chance on me when they didn’t have to. Emily Mathis, Greg Duncan, and Nic Young in the Birmingham office took the time to develop my skills and they continue to teach me new things every day.

What has been your most memorable experience since joining the Gray Family?

Gray Fusion was a great week of meeting Gray team members from across the country. I enjoyed learning the ins-and-outs of the company and exploring Lexington with new friends after the sessions each day.

What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever been given?

“In all circumstances, be thankful.” I’ve had innumerable blessings given to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

"I believe my job is the embodiment of being customer and relationship driven, as everything I do requires eminent care to provide the customer with a great experience and project."

What do you appreciate about working in the Southeast Office?

I appreciate that the Southeast office has hired more Auburn graduates than Alabama graduates. War Eagle!

What do you think sets Gray apart from other service providers in the industry?

Gray consists of people who constantly encourage each other and show concern for one another. The construction industry is incredibly fast paced, which often leads to the cost or schedule of a project becoming the main focus on everyone’s minds. These factors are incredibly important, but Gray also understands that projects come together best when everyone involved is treated with kindness and respect.

If someone was visiting where you live, what would you recommend to them as a “must-do?”

Being a photographer, I know all the pretty spots around Birmingham! There’s a beautiful overlook in Mountain Brook where you can see the entire city. It’s my favorite place to take friends who are visiting.