The residential construction industry is an ever-evolving landscape, shaped by technology advancements, sustainability innovations, and shifting consumer demands. Within this dynamic, a wave of young professionals is making its mark, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a commitment to excellence.
As more members of the Baby Boomer generation near retirement age, there is a need to grow the next generation of the industry. The solution seems clear — recruit the next wave of housing professionals. A formidable challenge, but one the industry’s up-and-coming generation is working to take on.
Meet some of the faces behind this movement—three members of Housing First Minnesota’s Young Professionals Network. They share what sparked their interest in housing, their favorite memories of working in the industry, and their advice for other young professionals.
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Tasha Passa, the marketing manager at McDonald Construction Partners, discovered her passion for the industry during her internship at Lampert Lumber and has been growing it ever since.
“The home construction industry wasn’t initially where I thought I’d be,” Passa admits. “It sort of just happened and has become something that I enjoy!”
For others, like Andrew LeJeune, president of GlassArt Design, the housing industry is in their blood.
“Our family has 100 years of history in the Minnesota construction industry,” LeJeune shares, highlighting the profound influence of familial legacy on his professional trajectory. “I was more inspired to join the family business, but home construction came with the territory, and I’m glad it did. I love it.”
Some started their careers in either adjacent industries or in other geographical locations before settling into Minnesota’s residential construction space.
Nick Stastny, project manager at Nor-Son Custom Builders, began in the custom homebuilding market in Palm Beach. Despite the allure of warmer climates, eventually, he and his wife decided to return to Minnesota, where they could be closer to loved ones. But he didn’t leave his love for homebuilding behind.
“My passion for custom homebuilding has not wavered,” Stastny explains. “I love seeing completed homes and buildings throughout cities. I enjoy varying types of architecture and the impacts it has on people.”
All three add that one of their favorite memories of working in the industry is seeing the projects they work on come to life in the form of a completed home.
Stastny shares that he still remembers the first project he was a part of. “Turning over the keys to the owners and letting them take control of their dream home was extremely rewarding,” he said.
No matter their background or previous experiences, these three found themselves working hard to pave their path within the industry. One element that has been crucial to this development is being open to learning new things.
“Young professionals need a willingness to learn, especially in construction,” Stastny stresses. He adds that asking questions is a great way to learn in a fast-paced environment like home construction. “No one expects you to know the answer to everything and questions are the best way to learn.”
Something else they’ve found to be beneficial as a young professional is networking. “Building relationships is key,” says LeJeune. “Get involved as much as possible in industry organizations. Join committees. Attend events.”
One of the ways these three are getting more involved is through the Young Professionals Network at Housing First Minnesota. Our Young Professionals Network brings this cohort together to network, learn, and develop skills to set themselves up for success in the industry.
“My favorite part about being in Young Professionals is networking with those in the industry,” Stastny said. “It feels like fewer young people are entering the industry, so the chance to connect with other young professionals in the housing industry is fantastic.”
As one of the youngest at her company, Passa finds camaraderie in connecting with fellow young professionals. “It’s nice to see young faces and connect with others in the industry,” she says.
