WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION Summer Green Problem-solving skills vital in leading RemovAll asbestos remediation business Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Summer Green started her business career just out of high school and by age 21 owned her own business. She has taken her desire for efficiency and problem-solving to her current role as co- founder of RemovAll Remediation Ltd. in Victoria. “I never really thought about owning my own business in the beginning,” Green says. “I just had the kind of work ethic that was always trying to find the most efficient way to get things done.” She says encouragement from past employers and acknowledgement of her skills motivated her to strive to succeed. Over the years, she worked in a variety of man- agement roles and then she and her husband, Dave Robinson, decided to go out on their own. With his background in remediation and abatement and her problem-solving skills, she says they found a good formula. Green says Dave is company's face and she is the voice. “This has been working great for us be- cause we are very quick to respond to peoples’ needs with sincere concerns for the issues at hand.” The company’s website explains further, noting: “Dave has the knowledge and skill to deal with po- tentially hazardous situations in a calm and profes- sional manner. Summer has the business and management skills to coordinate the team and en- sure prompt customer service and support.” “Problem solving is what I enjoy the most and with Removall the problem is asbestos. Every job presents a different challenge,” she says. She says her days can range from an emotional call from a mother concerned about asbestos in a child’s bedroom to dealing with old school contrac- tors or homeowners who “have been dealing with asbestos for years and they feel this whole industry is a farce. My challenge is to deal with each prob- lem and find the best possible solution at the best possible price.” Green says most of the roles she has held over the years have been in male-dominated fields but she has never felt hindered as a woman. “My per- sonal challenge has been to consistently provide excellent service and continue to learn everything ————————— Continued on page 47 46 – Summer 2014 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report