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Meet Juanice Oldham of Forefront Development in East Valley

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Juanice Oldham.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I unknowingly began my career in the construction industry when I was 15, answering phones part-time for a family friend at a commercial flooring company for two years.

After high school, I worked for a few well known commercial contractors in the Valley, and by 2004, I was working for one of the largest GC’s in the state building schools, retail centers, warehouses, and libraries. It was during all of this that I realized that I wanted to play a more prominent role in creating meaningful spaces for my community. I also knew that this meant taking one of the biggest financial risks of my life.

In the Summer of 2013, I decided to go out on my own. With the support of my husband, Forefront Development was created. It was a far cry from easy, then again, nothing ever worth it is. I quickly discovered that starting my own company meant not just knowing my businessbut knowing business. After two years, I reached a point where I had to decide if Forefront was going to survive.

I remember looking up at my whiteboard and staring at the “unreachable,” goal that I had scribbled in blue thinking, “How do I get there?” It was a time of self-reflection and many dinner table discussions with my husband. What was the secret? I felt I already knew so much about this industry, so how do we make Forefront succeed?

I decided to take a different approach. I decided to serve others and my soul. I got involved, I volunteered my time. I fed my brain and learned as much as I could about not onlyhow to build my business but my community. I got out of the office and arranged more meetings face to face. I surrounded myself with incredible leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs all of whom guided me in one way or another. The more I did this, the more things shifted.

That’s when it happened. The summer of 2015 with the help and faith of a very prestigious local architect, Forefront landed its first project. It was a moment of affirmation. As the company inched closer and closer to that “impossible” goal on my whiteboard, that unattainable goal became, attainable.

Today, we are in our sixth year of business, and I contribute this continued success to so many others. It’s true, nothing great is accomplished alone. It takes a team, their time, their energy, their support, and trust. I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband and partner, a dedicated team and the support of those around me so that Forefront can continue to create meaningful spaces for many more years to come.

Thanks to my wonderful community, the relationships I’ve built and to those who took a chance on “the new GC in town.”

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think starting any business from scratch is a smooth road. Struggles, obstacles, learning, are all how epic things happen and why it’s so worth the reward. Being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, earning respect has definitely been a challenge. As my company grows, not allowing self-doubt to creep in and be confident in what I am doing can oftentimes be my biggest challenge.

In order to combat the negative self-talk and build confidence, I joined a number of women business groups. These women help inspire me and give me a swift kick when any self-doubt starts to show, quickly reminding me of what my capabilities are and force me to reflect on my accomplishments. I have come so far, and I have a lot of incredible people to thank and still learn from.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Forefront Development – what should we know?
Forefront offers the resources to support any and all of your commercial general contracting needs. We pride ourselves on the level of quality and commitment we show each and every project we are entrusted with.

Our specialties include commercial, industrial, hospitality, and tenant improvements. We are known for providing detailed preconstruction services on all of our projects large and small to help minimize conflicts and change orders before construction even begins.

It is our mission to provide exceptional service and anend product that our clients and communities can be excited about and proud to build.

Do you feel luck has played a role in your life?
I have never considered myself lucky in life or business. As cliché as it may sound, I truly believe that hard work, determination, and faith are what net positive results in all aspects of life and business.

To me, a lost project is not chalked up to bad luck, I feel there is a reason it didn’t happen, maybe some could consider that luck?There are things, good and bad you just won’t see comingand to me, that is just life.

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Image Credit:
Jean Laninga Portrait, McQuality Designs & Services, LLC Aerial Photography, Carla Foster and Marion Rhodes Photography

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