Armed with tech and artificial intelligence experience, Julie Kheyfets is connecting contractors and homeowners with proprietary AI tools.
Her company, Block Renovation, offers contractors a reliable stream of high-quality projects, and homeowners a toolbox of personalized guidance, easy-to-compare proposals, and trusted contractors. Kheyfets wants to make renovation and construction projects a little less painful, and inspire other women to join the industry.
Could advancements in AI and technology help open more doors for women in the industry?
Absolutely. I am a good example of this. I come from a background in AI and technology and applying it to renovation and construction is what brought me into the industry. Embracing technology is opening doors for people who previously never saw themselves in this space. As these innovations expand, more and more talent is being introduced to renovation and construction.
What inspired you to enter the industry?
The main thing that drew me in was the scale of the problem. Americans spend about $500 billion renovating every year, and nearly everybody still has a challenging experience – both homeowners and contractors. Homeowners struggle to figure out how much things should cost, what trade offs to make in their space, and how to hire the right professionals. Contractors struggle to find profitable projects and to grow their businesses. Demand and supply are extremely fragmented, and trustworthy information is very difficult to find.
There is a lot of potential to fix these problems with technology, particularly with capabilities offered by AI today. Although many homeowners can’t hire expensive architects to give them white-glove support, AI can put an architect in every homeowner’s pocket to provide personalized guidance throughout the renovation journey.
What would you tell women looking to break into the renovation and construction space?
My advice for women trying to break into any industry – renovation, construction, technology, finance, you name it – is to believe in yourself and act like you belong, because you do. You will often be one of a few women in a room full of men. You can let that intimidate you – or you can recognize that you bring a unique perspective that enriches the conversation.
What barriers are keeping women from pursuing careers in construction and renovation?
One of the biggest barriers is the lack of role models. It’s intimidating to pick a career where no one looks like you. Where do you turn for advice? Who can help you to navigate the unique challenges you’ll encounter Unfortunately, every woman in construction and renovation encounters difficult interactions. Clients who want to speak to the man at the office; vendors who won’t take you seriously; and sometimes even inappropriate comments. It’s really helpful to have a community of peers to problem solve with when you inevitably encounter these things.
Why is it important to have more women involved in home renovation and construction?
In any industry, construction and renovation included, it’s valuable to have people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. By bringing together diverse strengths and ways of thinking, you uncover the best solutions for customers and for businesses. Plus, we all know the construction industry struggles with a historic labor shortage. Think about all the talent we could tap if the industry were more accessible to women!
