"Collaboration is what ultimately creates stronger teams and better outcomes." 

Shelby Rayman is the office manager and accountant for Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, & Electric in Memphis, a position she has held since November 2017. Prior to joining her current company, she spent nearly ten years working at a CPA firm, where she managed bookkeeping for several construction companies, including Automatic. Then opportunity knocked. "I had worked closely with Automatic for approximately six months," she recalls. "During that time, the current owner, Sam, recognized strengths and potential in me that I had not yet seen in myself. He believed in my skills and felt I would be a strong fit for the company, ultimately giving me the chance to join the team." 

From there, her skills blossomed. "Automatic was my first professional role within the construction industry, and it allowed me to grow extensively in both operational and financial leadership," she says, "I now oversee the day-to-day operations of the company and serve as a central point of support. I manage the accounting and internal business functions. As a locally owned and operated company, we wear many hats, and I take pride in contributing across multiple areas to ensure our customers, employees, and community are well served" 

She describes how transitioning into the construction world required a great deal of learning, particularly to engage in informed, confident conversations with customers and effectively answer their questions. "I take great pride in the knowledge I have gained across our trades—HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—expertise I did not possess prior to joining Automatic. Sam continues to be my greatest supporter, both professionally and personally, and his belief in me has played a significant role in my growth and success within the company." 

Shelby credits the workplace culture at Automatic with giving her a highly positive experience working in the construction industry. "Our ownership maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or negative behavior, fostering a respectful and supportive workplace culture," she explains, even though it wasn't always smooth sailing. "Early on, I did experience some challenges in understanding the perspectives and frustrations of our field employees; however, as time progressed, I learned that most frustrations were not directed at me personally but were related to situational challenges or the pressures of a demanding day. Once I recognized this, I was able to build strong, respectful relationships with our field team. 

"While I occasionally encounter customers who may not initially see the value of women in construction, both our ownership and my work family consistently provide strong support for women in leadership and operational roles. Women are often highly detail-oriented, a quality that can be a significant advantage when coordinating with contractors, planning jobs, and ensuring projects are executed accurately and efficiently." 

Shelby describes how her career has evolved as she has gained experience and insight. "The aspect I enjoy most is watching our young technicians grow and develop into skilled, experienced professionals over time, as well as helping customers understand the issues within their homes in a clear and relatable way. We take pride in tackling complex problems and finding effective solutions that truly meet our customers' needs," she says. 

"I value working for a company that stands firmly behind both its work and its employees. As Automatic was my first position in the construction industry, I feel truly fortunate to have begun my career with an organization that exemplifies integrity, support, and excellence. I consider myself fortunate to work alongside men who view me as an equal, recognizing that while our skill sets may differ, each plays an important role in our collective success." 

Her future career goal is to run her own company within the construction industry. "At this stage, my experience and interests are leading me toward HVAC and mechanical contracting, with a focus on both residential and commercial work. Coming from a family of business owners, entrepreneurship has always been a natural path for me, and I hope to follow in their footsteps." 

But starting a business won't prevent her from gaining further education. "I also plan to return to school to pursue a master's degree and ultimately sit for the CPA exam. I believe a strong accounting background is a critical foundation for being a successful business owner, particularly in an industry where financial oversight and operational efficiency are essential. My goal is to be a hands-on owner—one who understands the work being performed, believes in the quality of that work, and leads with both knowledge and integrity." 

Being a member and leader with NAWIC has been critically important to Shelby. "NAWIC has introduced me to so many incredible women within the construction industry. I value the opportunity to regularly connect with women who share similar professional experiences, allowing us to motivate and encourage one another through both daily challenges and long-term goals. These relationships create a space where we can exchange ideas, share perspectives, and support one another when work and life become demanding." 

Shelby eagerly shares her vision of the future for women in construction, "I hope to see more women enter the field as trained technicians, actively performing the skilled and physically demanding work that construction requires. While we are beginning to see progress, the number of women in the field remains far below where it should be. I also hope to see a shift in mindset where men are not threatened by women working alongside them. We all bring different strengths and perspectives to the table, and collaboration is what ultimately creates stronger teams and better outcomes." 

For young women considering a career in the construction industry she offers the following advice, "Develop a thick skin, seek out a company that genuinely values you and your skills, and never allow a job to define your worth as a person. Most importantly, never accept harassment from anyone—man or woman—especially in the workplace. We are equal, we have the same rights, and we deserve a seat at the table. Be confident in who you are and what you bring to the industry. You may be tested along the way, but if this is where you want to be, know that you belong here. With perseverance, integrity, and self-belief, respect will follow."