The One Where She Pivots - aka Act 2
Meet Structure - Joni & pup Sassy
For over twenty years, I’ve helped my organizationally-challenged husband run his construction business while also caring for our growing—and often delightfully scattered—family. Wrangling both work and family can become a little overwhelming… and I know we’re not the only ones living in that kind of chaos.
The difference? I thrive in it.
When there are a dozen balls in the air, I’m the one saying, “Go ahead, toss me another.” But over time, the kids have grown, life has shifted, and suddenly I’ve found myself with something new… time. Which can be just as scary as chaos, if I’m being honest.
So now it feels like time for my second act.
My only concern was finding something I could truly immerse myself in—something that aligns with my skill set, matches my interests, and still allows for a little flexibility in my schedule. And then, as life tends to do when you least expect it, an opportunity appeared that checked every box.
Exciting? Yes.
A little scary? Also yes.
But definitely time for a pivot.
My Interests...
I love learning new things—especially anything related to building. Whether it’s creating a website, building out a CRM, wiring a two-way light, or remodeling a bathroom, I genuinely enjoy the process and seeing the fruits of my labor (and yes, sometimes those fruits come with a few extra trips to the hardware store).
I also love to travel… but then again, who doesn’t?!
Especially when it involves escaping the tundra of Northeast Ohio winters. I believe the official term for people like us is “snow birds.” And honestly, I take zero offense—because that’s about the only time I enjoy the word snow… when it’s immediately followed by “leaving it.”
Traveling with friends and family is my favorite kind of chaos. There’s no better way to bond than a group trip—where you experience everything from peaceful bike rides through the mountains of Tahoe to delayed flights and hangry loved ones. Nothing says “togetherness” quite like navigating an airport meltdown as a team.
Last but not least, one of my top pastimes is live music.
Of course, I love the big-name artists like Shinedown, Foo Fighters, and Five Finger Death Punch—but I also have a soft spot for local bands like Gutterfly, Suicide Blonde, and a good 90s cover band.
Dave Grohl once said, “You can sing a song to 85,000 people, and they’ll sing it back for 85,000 different reasons.” And while, in an alternate universe, I’d absolutely consider being a rockstar… there’s something incredibly special about being one of the 85,000—feeling your emotions alongside everyone else’s.
That’s why I love live music.
My Skill Set...
Planning. Organizing. Multitasking. Computer applications. And yes… some typing skills (which I like to think are above average, but I’ll let you be the judge).
From the start of my career, I’ve spent most of my time in the corporate world. I’ve always had the drive to grow in that environment. It’s not for everyone—some might describe it as cold, rigid, or even a little impersonal.
And honestly? They’re not wrong.
But I’ve always appreciated the structure.
Over the years, I’ve earned the nickname “Corporate” from some of our foremen. And I actually take that as a compliment. To me, it means they trust that I’ll have (or find) the answer, that I’m fair and consistent, and that I’ll support them however I can—like their unofficial HR department.
My love of planning doesn’t stop at work. I’ve used it for group trips, events, parties, and even weddings.
My most chaotic planning adventure?
Twelve people.
Two weeks.
Vegas to Tahoe.
Half the group coming and going at different times. Flights, lodging, logistics… all needing to align.
It was a beautiful, stressful mess.
And somehow… I miss it.
The Pivot...
My husband had been working with Mandy—also known as The Metal Lady—for nearly a decade. When he heard that the metal supplier she was working for was closing, and that she was considering opening her own shop, he encouraged and supported the start of what is now Construction Structure (me) & Supply (Mandy).
From the beginning, I was excited about an opportunity that was:
- Outside of my husband’s shadow
- Entirely female-owned
- And built on a partnership with someone whose strengths perfectly complement my own
I was eager to grow something new—and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing with CSS.
Right now, everything feels great. We’re in what you might call the “honeymoon phase.” But as any business owner knows, the busy season is coming… and that’s when the real test begins.
Having a business partner is a blessing—especially when they bring skills you don’t have. But learning how to work together, communicate effectively, and build new rhythms takes time (and probably a few “learning moments” along the way).
