Vickie DeHart’s story begins in Jacksonville, Florida, where she grew up in a close-knit family with two brothers. From an early age, she learned the value of hard work and responsibility — lessons that would guide her through every chapter of her life. After graduating from Western High School in Las Vegas in 1979, she began a career that would break barriers and redefine what leadership looks like in construction.
Before co-founding EHB, Vickie served as Principal and Vice President of Powerhouse Construction, a company specializing in apartment framing, renovations, and commercial projects. She carried the company’s general contractor’s license, becoming one of the first women in Nevada to do so — a quiet but powerful milestone. Her leadership was grounded in action, collaboration, and care for the people behind every project.
At EHB, which she co-founded with Yohan Lowie and her husband, Paul DeHart, Vickie’s role is both strategic and hands-on. She works closely with the CEO on financial planning, operations, and coordination with engineers, architects, and city departments. Her approach blends discipline and empathy — focusing on results without losing sight of relationships.
Outside of work, Vickie finds balance through wellness and nature. She enjoys hiking, exercising, and supporting causes close to her heart, including the Israeli-American Council and the American Heart Association.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
No two days look exactly the same, and I think that’s part of what keeps me engaged. Mornings usually start early — a walk or quick hike clears my head before I even open my laptop. I spend the first hour reviewing financials, project updates, and correspondence with our engineers and architects. I’ve learned that structure gives you freedom, so I block my day in segments — one for planning, one for decisions, and one for follow-through. Productivity, to me, comes from focus and communication. If I can end the day knowing I’ve given my team clarity and direction, that’s a productive day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by listening — to clients, team members, and even the problems we face on a project. Good ideas rarely come out of thin air; they come from paying attention. Once I see a pattern or opportunity, I like to sketch out how it connects across departments — operations, design, finance, and community impact. At EHB, we talk through concepts on-site and in the office, so by the time we act, it’s been refined from every angle. It’s a collaborative process, not a lightning bolt moment.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m inspired by the move toward sustainable construction and adaptive reuse. There’s a growing understanding that buildings aren’t disposable — they’re part of the fabric of a city. Turning an old retail space into efficient housing or mixed-use development excites me. It’s a creative challenge with purpose.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Every evening, I make a handwritten list for the next day. It sounds simple, but writing it down helps me process and prioritize. I also take ten minutes to reflect on what went right that day — it keeps me grounded and motivated.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take up space. Early in my career, especially as one of the few women in construction, I thought I had to prove I belonged by working quietly and never asking for help. I’d tell my younger self: you already belong — now lead with confidence.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe mistakes are underrated. Perfection makes people rigid, but mistakes make them adaptable. Some of my best decisions came after something didn’t go to plan. I think we should normalize recalibrating instead of punishing failure.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Walk your projects — literally. Whether it’s a home under construction or a meeting in progress, being physically present changes how you see things. Problems look different up close, and people communicate more openly when you show up in person.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step outside. I’ll go on a short hike or just sit quietly with no phone. There’s something about being in nature that resets my perspective. It reminds me that the noise will pass and the big picture still matters.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building trust through follow-through. Early in my career, I realized people remember whether you keep your word. I make it a rule never to commit to something I can’t deliver — and when I do commit, I deliver fully. That consistency builds long-term partnerships and respect, both inside and outside the company.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
At Powerhouse Construction, an early project fell behind due to miscommunication between our site crew and suppliers. It was frustrating, but instead of assigning blame, I used it to restructure our communication process. We started daily briefings, even on small jobs. The lesson: most failures come from unclear expectations, not lack of effort.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Smartsheet for project coordination. It helps track timelines, budgets, and communication in one place. I like that it’s visual — everyone can see where things stand in real time.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander. It reframed how I think about leadership — not as control, but as creating space for others to contribute.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Abstract: The Art of Design on Netflix. It reminds me that creativity exists in every discipline, even the most technical ones. I love seeing how different people solve problems through design.
Key learnings
- Collaboration turns ideas into reality faster than hierarchy ever will.
- Small daily habits — like writing lists and walking projects — create long-term consistency.
- Mistakes are valuable when they lead to better systems, not self-blame.