A Tale of Two Worlds
People are often surprised when they hear I spend my weekdays managing infrastructure and waterproofing projects—and my weekends (and many evenings) at a horse barn. But the truth is, Diamond Equestrian Center isn’t just a side hobby. It’s a business in its own right, one I’ve grown alongside my company, ProTech Coatings and Infrastructure.
What’s more surprising? The two worlds—boardroom and barn—have far more in common than you might think.
While they seem completely different at first glance, running a show jumping farm has taught me just as much about leadership, discipline, and growth as any corporate meeting or construction project ever has. In fact, I’d argue that the barn has made me a better businesswoman.
Horses Don’t Care About Your Title
One of the first things you learn in the equestrian world is humility. You can walk into the barn as a CEO, but your horse doesn’t care. If you’re not patient, consistent, and focused, your 1,200-pound partner will remind you real quick who’s in charge.
This is a humbling lesson that I’ve brought back into my business life. Titles don’t earn trust—your actions do. Whether you’re leading a company or working with a green horse, the key is the same: show up consistently, listen well, and lead with respect, not ego.
Training Takes Time—So Does Building a Team
When you’re training a show jumper, you don’t expect instant results. Progress is measured in small wins: a smoother lead change, a more balanced takeoff, a better recovery after a mistake. You work through setbacks, celebrate breakthroughs, and learn to trust the process.
That same mindset applies to team-building in business. At ProTech, we’ve grown a talented group of project managers, tradespeople, and leaders. But it took time—and patience—to get there. You can’t rush experience, and you can’t shortcut trust. Just like with horses, every person on your team needs time to develop their stride.
Precision Matters
In the ring, an inch too close to the jump—or a second too slow—can cost you the round. Precision is everything.
That level of detail has shaped how I run operations at ProTech. We’re not just sealing concrete or coating surfaces; we’re protecting vital infrastructure, ensuring public safety, and preserving assets that communities rely on. That kind of responsibility requires the same level of precision and preparation as entering a championship round on a 16-hand jumper.
There are no shortcuts in either world. Do it right, or don’t do it at all.
It’s All About the Partnership
In riding, your relationship with your horse is everything. You can’t just demand performance—you have to earn it through trust, communication, and mutual respect.
I’ve found that business partnerships are no different. Whether you’re working with clients, vendors, or your internal team, the best outcomes come from true collaboration—not control. When you trust each other’s strengths and work toward a shared goal, you create something stronger than what either could do alone.
Horses taught me how to listen better, respond thoughtfully, and adjust my leadership style to each situation. And those skills have paid off time and time again in the boardroom.
Grace Under Pressure
Riders know this well: no matter how chaotic things get, you’ve got to stay calm in the saddle. If your horse senses panic, the situation gets worse—not better.
Running a business, especially one in construction, often throws challenges your way: delays, weather issues, equipment failures, staffing shortages. The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and make decisions under pressure is one of the most valuable traits a leader can have.
The barn taught me that grace under pressure isn’t just about looking composed—it’s about being grounded enough to make good decisions when everything around you feels uncertain.
Passion Fuels Performance
Let’s face it: running a show jumping facility isn’t a passive investment. It takes 5 a.m. feedings, hauling trailers to shows, constant care, and a deep love for the sport. I don’t do it because I have to—I do it because I love it.
That same passion fuels how I lead ProTech. I’ve never seen this company as just a business. It’s my legacy, my craft, and my way of making the world just a little stronger and more resilient.
When you love what you do—whether it’s horse shows or highway decks—people feel it. And that energy attracts others who share your commitment to excellence.
A Legacy of Leadership and Love
Perhaps the most beautiful overlap between the boardroom and the barn is the chance to create something meaningful—not just profitable. At Diamond Equestrian, I’ve been lucky to raise not only talented riders but confident young women, including my own daughter, Claire, who competes nationally.
At ProTech, I’ve had the privilege of watching employees grow from entry-level positions into confident leaders. Both places are full of people who care deeply, work hard, and show up for each other.
And at the end of the day, that’s what real leadership is about—building environments where others can succeed.
From Hoofprints to Blueprints
I used to think my life was divided in two: the gritty construction CEO by day, and the equestrian mom and trainer by night. But I’ve come to realize that the lessons of the barn and the lessons of the boardroom are deeply intertwined.
Running a show jumping farm didn’t pull me away from business—it made me better at it. It taught me how to lead with clarity, heart, and discipline. And most importantly, it reminded me that at the center of every great company, every great ride, and every great life—is partnership, purpose, and passion.