Maja Rosenquist: Mortenson Construction VP toughened by fishing experience.

• Author: Bronikowski, Lynn
• Position: EXECUTIVE EDGE

Map Rosenquist, 39, joined Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction in 1994 as an intern in the Seattle office's estimating department In 2012 she was named vice president and general manager of Denver Operations - the highest ranking woman on the operational side.

Today she oversees a Colorado learn of 500 and has been involved in the construction Of the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Justice Complex. Exempla St Joseph's new hospital, Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette and several other protects.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY!

My dad's a builder and was in the construction industry when I was very young. so I think Mere was always a strong appreciation for the craft. What could be created by people was impressive.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

My dad started commercial fishing In 1979. I started fishing with him when I was 11 and worked all through high school and college - that's how I paid for college. It was the experience of a lifetime - fishing in the Bering Sea out on the Aleutian chain. That definitely has formed a lot of my experience in terms of being in a very male-dominated industry very early in my life. I was raised in conditions that were a lot more extreme both in physical and gender proportions. When I went into construction, it was just second nature.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING IN CONSTRUCTION?

I love the people aspect of our business. It's the people who build these projects. And I love being in Denver because it is such a...