Rachel Lester
With over a decade of experience managing multi-million-dollar projects, I take a hands-on, detail-driven approach to every phase of construction.
My career in construction management began in 2007 as an intern at Gray Construction (now Gray Industries), where I was tasked with reviewing government bid requests and developing scopes of work for multi-million dollar projects across the U.S. The role demanded a sharp eye for detail—whether it was redlining drawings, scoping bids, or reviewing product submittals. Armed with a 12-pack of highlighters, I became known for color-coding key terms and fine print exclusions, and it was here that I first honed my passion for thorough, detail-oriented project work.
After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 2010, I accepted a role with Whiting-Turner in North Carolina, where I worked on a $200+ million NAVFAC project constructing a 13-building Regimental Complex at Camp Lejeune. It was during a $40+ million owner-directed change order that my interest in comprehensive project management truly ignited. Collaborating closely with architects, engineers, owners, superintendents, and contractors taught me the intricacies of project complexity, the domino effect of decisions, and the importance of informed, strategic decision-making.
Three years later, after completing the project, I found myself married to a Marine and moving back closer to home. This unexpected relocation led us to Memphis, TN, where I landed my dream job with a family-owned GC. While the work culture was vastly different from my previous roles with national GCs and government projects, I was given full autonomy to safeguard the owners’ interests, which allowed me to further develop my skills in managing multi-million dollar projects while keeping community ties and relationships at the forefront.
Today, I bring over a decade of experience managing high-profile, multi-million dollar projects across diverse sectors—ranging from healthcare and education to retail and Class A office spaces. I specialize in ensuring projects stay on budget and within scope, while delivering exceptional quality and design. My hands on experience of the construction process sets me apart of other representatives and project managers – from cost engineering and project expediting to leading project teams and streamlining processes, my goal is to deliver optimal results through careful planning, communication, and a relentless focus on client success.
Owners often lack the time or expertise to oversee every detail. SE Constructive provides a solution by acting as a trusted advisor and representative to protect client investments by combining technical construction expertise with clear, practical communication — helping clients make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
