SANDRA ROCHE
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
SR CONSTRUCTION
What sparked your interest in the legal facet of the construction industry?
My father owned and ran Roche Constructors until his untimely death in a plane crash in 1983. My Uncle Mike took the reins in the years that followed. In the early 1990s, I had my own law office, and my uncle called and asked if I’d like to help with risk management. I started out overseeing risk management and contracts and eventually went full-time with Roche Constructors in 1994 as vice president/general counsel.
What keeps that spark alive for the work you do?
In 2024, I moved to SR Construction, a family-owned commercial general contractor founded in 1991 with a reputation as the premier healthcare contractor in Nevada. SR Construction does work in the western United States, and I am doing business development work.
Another area of construction that is my passion is safety. I was appointed to the State of Nevada OSHA Review Board in 2010, and served on it for several years, and I am now a member of the ABC National safety committee. I have been actively involved in ABC through the years, including serving as chair of the ABC Nevada board of directors and on the national executive committee as the Mountain West Region vice chair for five years. When I get involved in organizations, I am actively engaged and maximize the benefits. So that’s probably what gives me the fire.
How do you get to view the construction industry differently because you are not a contractor?
Being in-house at a construction company for so many years, I can read the bid documents with a different eye than an operations person does. I can give that [different] perspective: We need to worry about this in a contract, but we don’t need to worry about that. [That perspective] also saves time and money. If there’s a potential issue, we address it upfront, and I can help do that knowing what would happen legally.
There are a lot of family businesses in this industry. What makes that such a special part of the industry?
On the one hand, it can be difficult when you need to implement what is best for the company without it affecting your personal relationship. You really need to put the family part aside and do what is best for the company. But on the other hand, it’s beneficial having a family relationship because you’re committed and loyal to each other and you know you can rely on your family members.
What is your favorite part about living out west?
It’s where I was born, where I grew up. I like the people. I like the lifestyle. I like the open areas. But I do love traveling and seeing other areas.
How do you take advantage of the mountain/desert climate?
We have a mountain cabin that gives us relief from the heat in the summer. We go ATV riding, bike riding and hiking. I love going out to a lake on a boat, as well.
Do you have a sports team?
Golden Knights! We’re part-time season-ticket holders. The excitement and Las Vegas showmanship of a Golden Knights game is what everyone should experience at least once.
