2024 Women Build It Woman of the Year recipient Kimberly Bowers discusses leadership, mentorship, and what it means to build a career, and a company, in today’s construction industry.
For Kimberly Bowers, building has always been about more than the finished product.
Whether leading technology teams during her 19-year career at Eli Lilly, co-founding and helping build Sigma Builders, or mentoring women entering the construction industry, her focus has remained the same: build strong teams, create better systems, and leave things better than you found them.
As a Founding Partner at Sigma Builders, Kimberly’s role extends far beyond homebuilding. She oversees strategic operations, process improvement, technology implementation, financial management, and team development while working closely with trade partners, homeowners, and employees to ensure projects move forward successfully.
“A big part of my role is helping create structure around the building process so our homeowners feel informed, supported, and confident from beginning to end,” Kimberly said.
Her path into construction was not traditional. Before entering the homebuilding industry, Kimberly spent nearly two decades in technology leadership roles at Eli Lilly. There, she developed a passion for building high-performing teams and using technology to improve outcomes and solve complex problems.
The Principles That Guide Her Today
“My passion has always been building great teams and finding better ways to help people succeed,” she said. “The industry may have changed, but the foundation of what motivates me really hasn’t.”
Following the housing market crash of 2008, Kimberly became increasingly involved in development and residential construction. Drawing on her background in technology, operations, and team leadership, she partnered with Dave Berman to help build Sigma Builders into a respected luxury custom home company known for its client experience, transparency, and commitment to quality.
While Sigma Builders is recognized for the homes it creates, Kimberly’s focus has also been on building the systems, processes, and teams that allow the company to grow while maintaining a high level of service. Today, she continues to lead strategic initiatives focused on operational excellence, team development, and long-term organizational growth.
Woman of the Year 2024
Being named the 2024 Women Build It – Woman of the Year was both unexpected and meaningful for Kimberly, not simply because of the recognition itself, but because of the community it represents.
“It was honestly a shock,” she said. “But what has meant the most is the network of women I’ve been able to connect with through Women Build It. The support, mentorship, and willingness to help one another succeed has been incredibly powerful.”
That experience has strengthened her commitment to mentorship and workforce development. Kimberly is currently working alongside Women Build It to help develop a mentorship program designed to connect women across construction, leadership, and the skilled trades while creating greater visibility into the many opportunities available within the industry.
She is also passionate about helping address the growing labor shortage facing the construction industry. Through her involvement with industry organizations, educators, and community leaders, Kimberly advocates for greater awareness of the skilled trades and the creation of pathways that help students and young professionals explore careers in construction, manufacturing, and related fields.
Grit and Authenticity: Principles of Success
Throughout her career, Kimberly has worked in industries where women were often underrepresented, including technology, animal health leadership, and construction.
“There have definitely been times when I’ve had to establish credibility or prove myself in ways others didn’t,” she said. “But those experiences taught me resilience and reinforced that you don’t have to change who you are to be successful.”
Her advice to women entering the industry is simple.
“It takes grit. Stay authentically yourself, trust your voice, and don’t be afraid to be heard. The industry benefits from different perspectives, and women bring tremendous value to the conversation.”
Outside of her work at Sigma, Kimberly has become increasingly focused on workforce development and addressing the growing labor shortage facing the construction industry. She is actively involved with organizations such as BAGI, IBA, and Women Build It to help create stronger pathways into the trades through mentorship, apprenticeships, and industry outreach.
“I’m passionate about helping younger generations see the trades as a valuable career path,” she said. “If we want a strong future for this industry, we have to invest in the people who will build it.”
Looking ahead, Kimberly’s vision extends beyond the growth of Sigma Builders. She hopes to continue developing future leaders, creating opportunities for women in construction, and helping strengthen the workforce that will shape the industry’s future.
She believes some of the most important work happening in construction today is not just the buildings being created, but the people being developed along the way.
For Kimberly, success ultimately comes back to a simple principle:
“Whether it’s a home, a business, a team, or a mentorship program, the most meaningful things we build are the ones that continue creating opportunities for others long after we’re gone.”
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