Recognizing Women’s History Month: Featuring Lynette Sutton

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Chamber is proud to uplift and champion the essential work that woman leaders from our member companies have contributed to the growth and success of the Greater Philadelphia region. This year, we recognize a true trailblazer in our region and city, Lynette Sutton, Managing Partner, Girl Concrete, Inc. We interviewed Lynette to learn more about her journey, accomplishments, and advice for the next generation of woman leaders.

How has your identity helped shape you into the leader you are today?

Lynette Sutton, Managing Partner, Girl Concrete, Inc.

The “Girl” is a Puerto Rican woman that was born and raised in the Bronx. I lived in a tall high rise in a multi-cultural neighborhood surrounded by diverse restaurants, schools, and music scene. In the summer months, I would visit family in Puerto Rico. I am one of the few that still cooks certain favorites, the old-fashion way, like my grandma. During those vacays to PR, I remember always looking at the houses that were built in concrete. Those were the houses that could “weather the storm.” So, how do those experiences shape my leadership of Girl Concrete? I strive for a company of people that have tall visions, appreciate multi-generational insight, can work to a playlist of R&B, country, pop, and salsa, and irrefutably, know how to hustle in a concrete pour (because it’s how the structure and how we weather storms).

What impact have you made on your community as a leader that you are most proud of?

To be a woman of color in concrete and inspire young girls, little ones, including my children, into an early building trade like concrete is tremendously gratifying. I recognize the charge. I give single-moms, formerly incarcerated people, neighborhood businesses, and local tradesmen/tradeswomen a chance to be a part of the “foundation” of our builds and create wealth for themselves. I sincerely care about the economic sustainability of neighborhoods where we pour.

As a woman-managed, concrete contractor (a historically male dominated field), what is your advice for woman leaders and professionals navigating similar landscapes?

Ladies, connect your story with your business and money. Know your sizzle; where your business stands in relation to the broader market. These are things that should roll off your tongue. FORGET about growth until your business has a consistent system of execution. Everyone is telling you to focus on growth and scale. Get your team to focus on process and consistency. That, in itself, is growth.

How can our business community ensure that we are creating a culture that encourages, protects, and uplifts women?

By doing exactly this, spotlighting women in business, across industries, and across cultures, even beyond women’s history month and encouraging dialogue around actual economic power. As a business community, we are often in meetings/events with the same people and the same perspectives. The vendors, contractors, or suppliers often engaged are “biz as usual” because it’s easier. Let’s shake it up and spotlight ALL of Philly. Like many of you, I am often bored. We need to get excited again about where the event is, who is on the board, planning the event, doing the music, the lighting, speaking on the panel, not just the food and bar or whether there is on-site parking. As a community, our souls are hungry for something different and this “Girl” welcomes the day when I see something different on the streets, including more than just ONE woman on the job for heavy highway infrastructure, ADA ramps or sidewalks concrete restorations. Let’s get concrete; this “Girl” can!