Vickie DeHart Shares Insights from a Life in Construction

Vickie DeHart is a respected leader in the construction and real estate industry, known for her steady approach to business and long-term thinking. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, she grew up in a close-knit family that valued responsibility and hard work. These early lessons shaped the way she leads today.

After graduating from Western High School in Las Vegas in 1979, Vickie built a career in construction at a time when few women held senior roles. She later became Principal and Vice President of Powerhouse Construction, a company focused on apartment framing, renovations, and commercial tenant improvements. During this period, she earned and carried the general contractor’s licence, becoming one of the first women in Nevada to do so.

Vickie DeHart went on to co-found EHB with Yohan Lowie and her husband, Paul DeHart. At EHB, she works closely with the CEO on strategy and execution. Her responsibilities include financial oversight, insurance, escrow coordination, and daily operations. She also manages leasing and rental properties and works directly with clients on interiors and home closings.

Known for her attention to detail and calm decision-making, Vickie leads through consistency rather than noise. She believes trust is built through follow-through and clear communication. Outside of work, she prioritises wellness and community involvement, supporting organisations such as the Israeli-American Council and the American Heart Association.

Her career reflects a practical, disciplined approach to leadership, focused on results, relationships, and building work that lasts.

An interview with Vickie DeHart: Building leadership in construction

Vickie, let’s start at the beginning. What first shaped your work ethic and interest in business?

I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, with two brothers in a family where responsibility mattered. Everyone pulled their weight. That environment teaches you early that if something needs doing, you step in and do it properly. Those values stayed with me. Later, after moving to Las Vegas and graduating from Western High School in 1979, I carried that same mindset into work. I didn’t set out to be in construction, but I was drawn to environments where results mattered, and effort was visible.

How did your early career in construction take shape?

My real foundation was built at Powerhouse Construction, where I served as Principal and Vice President for five years. The company specialised in framing apartments and condominiums, along with renovations and tenant improvements for commercial retail spaces. I was involved in everything from project coordination to problem-solving on-site. Carrying the general contractor’s licence was a turning point. At the time, very few women in Nevada held one. It wasn’t about breaking records, but about responsibility. Once you hold the licence, the outcome sits with you.

What lessons did that period teach you?

Construction teaches clarity very quickly. If instructions are vague, something goes wrong. One early project ran behind schedule due to a breakdown between suppliers and the site team. Instead of reacting emotionally, I changed the way we communicated. We introduced daily briefings, even for smaller jobs. That experience taught me that most issues come from poor communication, not lack of effort.

What led to the creation of EHB?

EHB was formed with Yohan Lowie and my husband, Paul DeHart, after we saw a gap between planning and execution in development projects. Too often, design, finance, and operations were treated as separate pieces. We wanted a more integrated approach. At EHB, I work closely with the CEO on strategy and execution, ensuring those parts stay connected from start to finish.

What does your role at EHB involve day-to-day?

My role covers financial oversight, insurance, escrow coordination, and daily operations. I also manage leasing and rental properties and work directly with clients during interior selections and home closings. One moment I may be reviewing numbers, the next I’m coordinating with architects or city departments. That range keeps me grounded in both detail and direction.

How would you describe your leadership style today?

I lead quietly. I don’t believe in overcomplicating decisions or managing through pressure. Consistency matters more. People need to know that when something is agreed, it will be followed through. I also believe in being present. Walking a site, meeting people face to face, and understanding challenges first-hand makes better decisions than managing from a desk.

How has being a woman in construction shaped your career? 

It made me very focused on competence. Early on, I learned that preparation speaks louder than opinions. There were rooms where I had to earn credibility more than once. Over time, results took care of that. I think the industry benefits from more varied perspectives, especially in leadership roles.

How do you maintain balance in such a demanding field?

Wellness is essential. I hike, walk, and stay active. Some of my clearest thinking happens outdoors. Construction and real estate carry constant pressure, and physical activity helps reset that. I also make time to disconnect. When you step back, decisions feel less urgent and more accurate.

What keeps you motivated after decades in the industry?

Building something that lasts. Whether it’s a property, a process, or a team, the goal is durability. I enjoy seeing projects move from concept to completion and knowing that people rely on what we’ve built.

Looking back, what has mattered most in your career?

Trust. Titles change, projects end, and markets shift. What remains is whether people trust you to do what you say. That principle has guided every role I’ve held and continues to shape how I work today.