Episode 212: ‘Building Behind the Scenes’ with Claire Reffitt
In this episode:
Christi and Angela welcome Claire Reffitt of Deborah Bradley Construction in New York City, highlighting her role as executive assistant to president Deborah Bradley and her broader work as office manager supporting IT, HR, accounting, and company coordination across many projects. Claire shares that she thrives in fast-changing, “chaotic” environments, credits her math background for fitting construction’s logic, and explains how she manages a demanding workload through prioritization and daily pen-and-paper to-do lists. She describes leading the company’s technology and AI committee, running a workshop focused on using existing Microsoft tools like Copilot for note-taking, and tailoring adoption across employees with varied experience through basics and trial-and-error. Claire encourages young professionals to speak up, introduce themselves, and combine perspectives rather than compete. She also shares growing up as an only child with two deaf parents, which became a source of independence.
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
02:10 Claire Role Overview
03:17 Thriving in Chaos
04:24 Priorities and To-Do Lists
06:18 Tech and AI Workshops
09:40 First Podcast Jitters
11:23 Authenticity at Work
13:11 Advice for Young Pros
16:32 Personal Superpower Story
18:01 Connect and Closing
About Claire:
Claire Reffitt is the Executive Assistant to the President of Deborah Bradley Construction & Management Services Inc., where she has spent the past 3.5 years immersed in nearly every corner of the business. Working closely alongside the company's Owner, Claire has gained hands-on experience across the Construction Management Division, Estimating, Project Management, and Accounting — reconciling projects, supporting teams, and keeping operations running smoothly.
She's also the driving force behind the company's culture, organizing everything from the annual corporate retreat to holiday parties and team field trips. Beyond the office, Claire is actively involved with Women Construction Owners, helping coordinate their annual conferences and events — an experience that has taken her across the country and connected her with construction leaders nationwide. A natural learner who thrives on staying organized and always wants to take the next step.
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