Martha Bracken has been with ABC for more than eight years and is the Vice President of the ABC Indiana/Kentucky Chapter. She also leads the chapter's Emerging Leaders program and works with the ABC Purdue Student Chapter. Martha graduated from Purdue University (West Lafayette Campus) with a degree in Liberal Arts and currently resides in Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
Q: What’s your role at your company? 
A: Chapter operations, government affairs & grassroots, business development 

Q: How did you get into the construction industry? 
A: I first joined the industry working as a Director of Education at a for-profit trade school. Through that position, I was fortunate enough to connect with the ABC Indiana Chapter, and eventually went to work for them in safety and education.

Q: What’s one thing that surprised you about the industry? 
A: The people. I feel blessed that so many of our members are now my good friends—I have found that the men and women in construction are ethical, hard working and truly ‘salt of the earth’ type people. I’m surrounded by people who inspire me every day, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to—in some small way—help them build successful businesses. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? 
A: The opportunity to meet and network with everyone from apprentices to business owners, and the challenge of working in the ever-changing construction industry. No two days are the same, which makes my job unique! I also especially love our annual ABC Cares week, during which our members give back to the communities in which they work and live. Their generosity of spirit inspires me.

Q: How have you been involved with ABC?
A: I started working for ABC over 8 years ago in safety and education before moving on to business development and then operations/government affairs. ABC has allowed me to develop both professionally and personally. 

Q: What is your favorite part of being involved with the ABC Young Professionals? 
A: There’s absolutely nothing better than encouraging the energy and ideas of young people in construction. They are truly going to drive this industry forward, and I look forward to their contributions. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone entering the industry? 
A: HOLD ON! Only kidding…my advice would be to enjoy the challenges of a dynamic industry, and be flexible and able to “go with the flow”. There are so many exciting opportunities for young people in this industry—and I hope they’re up for it!