Anna Weickhardt, Kalish Masonry
IB’s Professional of the Week is the premier way to meet Dane County’s professionals. This week features Anna Weickhardt, project administrator, Kalish Masonry.
What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The best part of my job is working with the clients. I absolutely love helping with the masonry selections, brick and stone, over-grouted mortar joints, stick finish mortar joints — the list goes on. Whether it’s a commercial building or a new home, I always enjoy it! In fact, the more challenging the better!
To me, nothing is more rewarding than when a client invites me into their home for a private tour or when some clients have taken this a step further by welcoming all of the trades into their homes for an open house. It goes without saying that any gesture like this goes above and beyond making everyone truly feel appreciated for their hard work.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I admire the women who work in construction. Specifically, the women who have what it takes to work in a male-dominated industry. The women who I can relate to recognize how far we’ve come to be respected for our work, our knowledge, and our ability to handle anything. I’m referring to the women who don’t take advantage of their female gender role but who appreciate the opportunities as they are, without clouded judgement or thinking we’re only here because we are women. I admire these particular women for their work ethic, drive, and dedication. Most of all, the women who are called certain “names” (that cannot be published here), for being empowered, intelligent, and voicing their opinions. They don’t take offense to these names, they recognize they’re seen as a threat and take it as a compliment.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
In February 2016, I was elected the Wisconsin state chairman for the Mason Contractors Association of America. I am one of the youngest voting members in the 67-year history of the MCAA board.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Party harder, but go to class! The real world and a full-time career are mentally and physically exhausting. They require dedication and a good night’s sleep. (But get away with as much as you can until then!)
(Continued)
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
In 2010, I moved from Brookfield to Madison and this was without a doubt the best decision that I’ve ever made. I’ve noticed the community is a lot more involved in helping others and I love how much the Badgers bring everyone here together as a team, so to speak. From a career standpoint, working for Kalish Masonry is exactly where I am supposed to be.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
My French bulldog, Mason, is certified as a Canine Good Citizen by the American Kennel Club. He and I are in the process of taking therapy dog classes, as my hope is for him to be able to visit with kids in hospitals. Mason is a cancer survivor and has a large five-inch scar on his back leg. I look forward to the day that Mason can be a blessing to kids and their families.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I’m probably being too honest but here it goes: US Weekly magazine, Candy Crush, the Daily Jumble, Lifetime movies (I have a monthly subscription to the Lifetime Movie Network), Coach shoes, and finally anything — and I mean anything — with a French bulldog on it.
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