Certified Graduate Associate Designee Spotlight Teresa Williams
Teresa Williams established KJ Custom Screens & Outdoor Living in 2007 with a marketing background and limited construction knowledge. Being the fearless person she is, she dove headfirst into learning all she could about construction with a focus on motorized screens. Since then, Teresa’s passion for learning has not wavered, and she obtained the nationally recognized Certified Graduate Associate designation this year.
Teresa believes this designation will benefit her business and help to show clients and builders her commitment to the industry. She plans to market her CGA on her business cards, social media and the company website.
What is it about the residential construction industry that she likes best? “I love the creativity and the design aspect that goes along with it,” Teresa explains. “Due to the constant innovations and trends in the home market, we are constantly changing the way we design and complete projects. Improving amazing outdoor living spaces for families and homeowners to use provides me with a great sense of achievement. I love working with homeowners and custom builders and establishing great relationships along the way.”
Teresa advises women starting out in the construction industry to know that it can be quite intimidating at first. “By learning as much as you can about your product or services, it will instill confidence,” she says. “With time, you will make great connections and you can really be successful if you stick with it.”
KJ Custom Screens & Outdoor Living has just recently become a certified Woman-Owned Business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. This certification is not an easy feat; there are very strict guidelines and a mountain of paperwork to submit, including financials, affidavits, business history, resumes, service agreements and much more.
In February they were featured on Designing Spaces Luxury Edition, the Lifetime TV show. Luxe Magazine and the Houston Voyager have both included KJ Custom Screens & Outdoor Living in articles on Women-Owned Businesses in Construction. Throughout the years, the company has won many ARC Awards through the Dallas Builders Association including Subcontractor of the Year for 2021 and Best Social Media Campaign and Best Marketing Campaign this year.
Teresa is the founder of the organization Texas Acts of Kindness, a charity founded to support local businesses and heroes of the community during Covid 2020. KJ Custom is the sole financier of this foundation and works to help local children’s homes, veteran job agencies and local hospitals. Along with providing meals to hospitals and clinics, Texas Acts of Kindness brings awareness to important matters such as mental health, local health care facilities and more.
Teresa and her husband, Shane Williams, have four children and two dogs. When she is not traveling, she enjoys spending time with her family out on their patio with a nice glass of wine.
To learn how to become a Certified Professional or to find out about other educational opportunities, contact Sheena Beaver at sheena.beaver@dallasbuilders.com. Check the latest offerings at dallasbuilders.org/upcoming-classes.
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