As the founder of LMS General Contractors and Wyntech Group, Jennifer Todd has established a thriving enterprise that has successfully removed over 5 million square feet of hazardous materials across 13 states since 2013. Making history as the youngest Black woman to earn California’s General Engineering A license, Todd is a trailblazer in the industry. At LMS, she has cultivated a workforce that defies traditional norms, achieving an impressive 77% retention rate and a team of 30% women.
In this candid conversation, Todd reflects on how her diverse experiences in administration, engineering, and law have fueled her mission to transform construction into a more inclusive field. With initiatives like A Greener Tomorrow and the forthcoming WynTech apprenticeship database platform, Todd is forging the gap to address the U.S. construction industry labor shortage.
- What initially drew you to this industry, and when did you realize it was your passion?
My construction journey began unexpectedly at a reception desk, fresh from university. What started as answering calls soon grew into a deep fascination with how the construction industry shapes our everyday loves and communities. My boss turned mentor encouraged me to lean into my curiosity and understanding of each team member’s role on the project.
From there, I fell in love with the intricacies of construction. This passion drove me to pursue both an engineering license and a law degree from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Today, I’m committed to making our industry more inclusive and innovative because diverse perspectives lead to better building.
- What were the key turning points or milestones as you progressed in your career?
A pivotal moment in my career was moving from an admin into project management. As a PM, I felt there was more autonomy of my work and I was an active part of the team. It also created space for me to enter other roles such as estimator and site superintendent.
Another important milestone was starting my business, LMS General Contractors. As a Black woman in demolition and remediation, rarely did my counterparts look like me. For me, it was imperative that I sat for my engineering license and went to law school. I was determined to grasp the full scope and complexity of the projects we led so I could confidently stand behind the quality and impact of the work LMS does.
- How has your leadership style evolved over the years? What has been the most effective approach for motivating and guiding teams?
As a young female leader in a male dominated industry, I struggled to find my authentic leadership style, rarely I saw others who looked like me. So, I emulated my peers; project centered, solely focused on milestones.
Today, I speak to organizations and leaders across the world about the value of being people-centered. The reality is as leaders we’re responsible for other people’s happiness. Today’s employees don’t desire to work in toxic and unsupportive environments. They crave a sense of belonging, they desire to be seen, and feel safe in environments regardless of age, sex, gender, or race.
The best leaders care and support their people, and focus on the organization’s culture. They take time to understand each person’s strengths and motivations, to better allow the person to shine. If the company wants to make more money, focus on the people.
- What impact do you hope your initiatives will have on young people entering the industry, and how do they support your goals of fostering connectivity and inclusivity in construction?
Today’s job market is unique, and the construction industry faces a significant labor shortage, with an urgent need to bridge a skills gap. Between an aging workforce, COVID’s impact, and challenges in retaining diverse groups, the U.S. construction labor shortage is approaching one million workers.
My work centers on connection—recognizing that solving the workforce shortage requires a focus on people. Bridging this gap means attracting and retaining women, minorities, and youth; making them feel seen and supported in an industry that has not always been accessible. Young people, especially girls, need to see role models breaking barriers to believe in their own potential, and it’s equally crucial for the industry to cultivate and sustain these opportunities.
Through A Greener Tomorrow, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and the Breaking Barriers: Women at Work YouTube docuseries, I strive to showcase authentic women leaders in construction who are transforming the industry. This series not only attracts new talent but also builds retention by highlighting real stories of resilience, leadership, and impact.
With WynTech Group, we’re creating the largest U.S. construction apprenticeship database, set to launch in Spring 2025. One of the biggest challenges young people face in joining construction is access, WynTech streamlines the process by connecting youth and young adult job seekers to construction apprenticeships nationwide. We’re providing the most up-to-date information on a range of programs—from registered apprenticeships to union, open-shop, and nonprofit programs—making these pathways accessible for everyone.
This resource will connect young people, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, with apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities, filling the workforce gap with skilled, diverse talent. The construction industry needs people, and WynTech is creating a vital pipeline to its future skilled trades workforce. My mission as a leader and advocate is to champion connectivity and community, values that lie at the heart of building a stronger, more inclusive industry.
- What would your advice be for budding leaders entering this industry?
The construction industry demands resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Technical expertise is crucial, but building trust and fostering a reliable team are equally essential.
My advice to new leaders is to “lean in” to who you are first. Do the inner work to understand your strengths and unique approach; take executive coaching to refine your presence and learn how to work effectively with diverse teams. Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, so it’s important to find your tribe. Leadership is a long game, stay true to your vision, learn from your mistakes, and continue to hone your skills.
