MaGrann Construction is Named a Women-Owned Small Business

On Mar 8, 2017

MaGrann Construction has officially been designated a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) builder—one of only a few in New Jersey. This federal designation is given by the US Small Business Administration in an effort to provide a level playing field in which WOSBs can compete for contracts in industries under-represented by women.

This is a significant achievement for Mt. Laurel-based MaGrann as recipients must successfully complete an extensive qualification process with multiple stages, including a face-to-face interview which examined all facets of the business.

Owner and President Andrea Pietrinferno got her start in the construction industry during high school.  She worked as a laborer on a maintenance crew for YMCA Camp Ockanickon in her former hometown of Medford.  “I was carrying lumber, digging ditches and clearing nature trails,” she remembered. “I also got an introduction to the different trades: carpentry, masonry, electrical, roofing and siding, painting and plumbing.”  Her strong work ethic and willingness to do it all was the foundation for her success in the construction business.

The camp was where she met future employer Mark MaGrann, founder of MaGrann Construction, Inc. who was serving on the YMCA Board of Directors. “I was maintenance supervisor and Mark would send his crews to volunteer at the camp where I worked side by side with them,” she said.  “Our paths crossed often enough that eventually he offered me a job.”

MaGrann put Pietrinferno to work in his office as an administrator. This included working closely with the homebuyers and their architects on custom home designs, identifying cost efficiencies during the building process, ordering materials, and supervising deliveries. Pietrinferno also monitored progress on the job site to ensure that the completed home met MaGrann’s high standards.

She was so successful in that role that MaGrann suggested that Pietrinferno obtain her real estate license.  This would enable her to expand her role in the company and handle all of the real estate transactions for the MaGrann clients. Pietrinferno earned her license in 1998, and began selling new homes. Her construction background gave her an advantage; she was extremely knowledgeable about the product she was representing. New home sales quickly became her passion.

When Weichert New Homes and Land offered Pietrinferno the position of regional sales manager, she couldn’t refuse. It was a chance to learn more, and do more. Pietrinferno then transitioned into the role of an independent contractor while still working for Weichert. She hired a sales team, and built her personal brand by representing builders all over southern New Jersey. In this role, she became the number one listing agent companywide at Weichert for three consecutive years.

In 2014, Pietrinferno came full circle, as Mark MaGrann approached her about becoming his successor.  He wanted her to take his company into the future. Pietrinferno bought ownership shares in MaGrann Construction. Perhaps because she has worked so closely with Mark MaGrann over the years, Pietrinferno maintains the same pride in the company as she might if she had started it herself.  Each MaGrann construction team member shares that sense of pride, according to Pietrinferno.

“The MaGrann team is well known in the community for its expertise in all facets of the construction business,” she said.  “We take great pride in our quality of craftsmanship. If the lumber yard sends a two-by-four that doesn’t have four square edges, we’ll send it back. That’s an example of the level of detail that you get with a MaGrann home.”

As for being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Pietrinferno said, “You have to have a thick skin. People will think you don’t know what you’re talking about; you have to prove yourself every day.  You can’t take it personally; a lot of those stereotypes are ingrained, and you’re helping to change them.  Be confident in your abilities; don’t be afraid to assert yourself when you need to be heard.”

Pietrinferno is inspired by such women as Barbara Chiusano, a builder whose homes she once sold, while working as an agent. “Barbara was a major influence in my decision to take responsibility of a company in an industry where not many women venture,” she said.  She also credits her many mentors.

Now that MaGrann Construction is a Women-Owned Small Business, Pietrinferno hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. “It took time and hard work to get to where I am today, but any woman with the drive and dedication to the industry can have the same success.”

Pietrinferno is a member of the New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) Circle of Excellence and an Individual Superstar award winner from the Burlington Camden County Association of Realtors. She has been, and continues to be, an active member of the Builders League of South Jersey, and serves as the volunteer President of the Sales and Marketing Council. She is a licensed Broker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with Long and Foster Real Estate, and resides in Marlton, N.J.

MaGrann Construction was originally formed to provide construction management services for energy efficient building projects. It has grown to provide award-winning design/build construction capabilities in the new home and remodeling industry. The company continues its energy efficient building techniques in its construction projects and develops projects with green and sustainable practices.

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