RACHAEL FARR
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
ROBINS & MORTON
Why did you study journalism/communications and how did that lead you into the construction industry?
It was kismet. There’s really no other word for it. Growing up I was a huge reader. I initially went to college to study the sciences. I was about a year and a half into that and I just didn’t love it. So, I did a lot of soul searching and decided to go the route of journalism. I loved to write, loved to tell stories, loved to read them. After I did decide to start studying journalism, people would ask, ‘What’s your dream job?’ And it was so hard to articulate, because with a degree in journalism or communications, there are a lot of different things you can do.
In my senior year of college, someone recommended me for an internship role at Robins & Morton. That was 11 years ago. I just stumbled into construction, but have learned so much. With the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met, I cannot imagine a better industry to work in.
What has surprised you about your role, about the company and about the construction industry as a whole?
The complexity that goes into construction projects. I think that many people have a one-dimensional view of the construction industry. They think you frame walls, put up drywall and that’s it. But they could not be more wrong. The sheer number of contractors, engineers, specialists and architects involved in coordinating activities into a schedule that can sometimes be years in advance is incredible. That is a skill that I can’t even wrap my head around. It’s really amazing.
Then there are the ways that [the industry has] evolved so quickly with various introductions of technology, the way people are thinking about construction to reduce workforce shortages, and the way that they’re continuing to meet this challenge of the needs that exist and what has to happen to get there. Construction professionals are incredibly creative people who are willing to go the extra mile to do what our society needs and what their clients need.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
My resolutions tend to evolve throughout the year. In 2024, I said I really wanted to evaluate some continuing education opportunities and my resolution for 2025 will be to actually carry that out. Sometimes it’s simple, like read a few more books or engage with a new organization that is doing some good in the community, but this year I’ve decided to enroll in a graduate program for law, starting in January.
I always take some time to reflect at the end of a year to see what I have accomplished, what I want to accomplish for the upcoming year and where I want to be in five years, in order to improve myself personally and professionally.
Being from the South, do you like the snow?
I think it’s enjoyable at times, but whenever it traps you in your house, not so much. I’m 50-50 on it, if it’s a short-lived snow experience.
What’s next for you at Robins & Morton?
I’m completely content to stay exactly where I am for the foreseeable future, while working to improve my knowledge of the industry and stay challenged by learning different areas of the business. Something that’s unique about Robins & Morton is that everyone at a leadership level is very accessible. It’s really great having their mentorship and being able to talk with them about our organization, where we are and where we’re going.
