Devrie Weliver
President and Founder
Pointer Construction Group LLC 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

What is the first thing you would purchase with a winning lottery ticket?

Tuition for my grandchildren. I am passionate about education and believe the continued strength of our nation rests in the technical capabilities of our younger generations. Education is something that can never be taken away from you—once you have gained knowledge, it is with you for life.

What advice do you have for young people considering construction as a career?

I honestly cannot think of a better industry for a young professional. Every day is different than the one before, and you are given a lot of responsibility at a very young age. You can become part of a strong network of professionals that make our communities better, and with a technical degree, you can soar to the highest levels in the industry.

How do you organize your email inbox?

This is an area I struggle with, as I receive a tremendous amount of unsolicited communication because we are listed on many government websites. However, I strongly believe that you cannot reach great heights in life without organization. I prioritize my inbox by my clients and key personnel that are within and outside my company. Without prioritization, energy and focus are lost.

What is currently on your to-read shelf?

I love reading anything related to business and am passionate about entrepreneurship. I just finished The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni, and next up on my list is The Advantage by the same author.

What has inclusion, diversity and equity meant to you in your life and career?

I have felt exclusion over the years but have never allowed it to define me. I believe in delivering excellence in all that you do, every single day of the year, every year of your life. The differentiator in achieving success is hard work and persistence. If people try to define you or put you in a box, work harder and stay focused on being the best at what you do, and you will simply outshine them. It is remarkable how much your team can accomplish with a relentless commitment to excellence and positive attitude.