Celebrating Marlee Benson: A Notable Woman in CRE and Construction

Marlee, first congratulations on being featured in the Twin Cities Business 2025 Notable Women in CRE and Construction section of the October/November issue. 

Q: Tell me about your career path so far?

Upon graduating from college, I began my career as a project engineer at RJM Construction. In this position, I primarily focused on tenant improvement projects at Methodist Hospital, along with various other healthcare facilities such as Park Nicollet, Allina, and Fairview. Transitioning into a project manager role allowed me to collaborate more closely with developers, which ignited my interest in this aspect of the commercial real estate sector. After discussing my aspirations with several contacts from MNCREW, I was motivated to reach out to Pat Barrett, the Chief Development Officer at Oppidan, whom I knew from coaching his son on the Minnetonka Alpine Ski team. We met for coffee, and this conversation ultimately led to my transition to Oppidan.

Q: You have been with Oppidan now for a few years, what has been the highlight of your time here at Oppidan.

• A Family-Like Culture: It may sound cliché, but I genuinely believe that Oppidan fosters a culture that is truly unique. Valuing family highly, Oppidan promotes a strong work-life balance. Our team is so united that our construction crew eats lunch together nearly every day.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Another significant highlight is the chance I've had to advance in my career, along with the unwavering support I received throughout my journey. In less than two years, I transitioned from managing tenant improvement projects to becoming the construction manager for a $26 million construction contract. We often joke that, as a small company, we might not excel in training, but I thrive on hands-on learning, so I appreciate this approach as long as the support is available when necessary.
• Traveling for Work: Finally, I've had the privilege of traveling across the country to various job sites. Learning how to construct in different states, collaborating with contractors from Boise to Birmingham, has been an incredibly fun experience.
  
  

Q: Construction has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. What motivated you to pursue a career in this field, and what have been some of the biggest challenges—and rewards—of carving your path as a woman in construction?

• I stumbled into an “Intro to Real Estate and Construction” class at the University of Denver, led by Barbara Jackson, the head of the construction department. In our very first session, she emphasized that everything we encounter daily is a result of the built environment. From the roads we drive on to the water bottles we carry during hikes in the woods, all of it stems from construction. This revelation ignited my passion for the industry, prompting me to change my major the very next day.
• At that time, I wasn’t focused on the fact that this field is male-dominated; I simply decided it’s what I wanted to do, so I was going to do it. I’ve always been adept at connecting with people, regardless of who they are. I thrive on challenges, and the male-dominated nature of this industry only fueled my ambition to excel.
• I've encountered questions about my age, comments regarding my hair, and even apologies for swearing in my presence. However, I believe these experiences can occur in any field, not just construction. I have the choice to feel offended or to embrace these remarks as a challenge to demonstrate that I am the right fit for the job.
  
  

Q: You’ve been deeply involved in MNCREW’s mentorship program and Rising Leaders Committee. What lessons have you learned about the importance of mentorship, and how has it shaped both your career and the careers of the women you support?

• I joined MNCREW right after graduating in 2018, and just a few months later, I enrolled in the mentorship program. Having a mentor who offered a perspective outside my company has significantly contributed to my career development. While it's incredibly beneficial to have strong leaders or mentors within your organization, having someone with an external viewpoint is just as crucial. These mentors guided me through difficult work challenges, taught me how to negotiate for a raise, and often alleviated my imposter syndrome by sharing that they had experienced similar feelings. Ultimately, they also assisted me in transitioning to Oppidan.
• In an industry that is predominantly male, meeting with my MNCREW mentor and other connections monthly has been invaluable. It has provided me with a platform to exchange ideas, seek advice, and broaden my understanding of the industry beyond just my current projects. However, I also believe it’s essential to have a male mentor who will advocate for you in your absence. For me, my male mentors have typically been within my company, while my female mentors have come through MNCREW.
• As a middle child, I’ve always found myself mediating, which has fostered my passion for helping others. I initially joined MNCREW to grow personally and expand my network, but I’ve continued my involvement out of a desire to support other young women in having similar experiences to mine. This year marks my first as a mentor for a younger MNCREW member, and I am dedicated to continuing this mentorship role in the years ahead, whether through MNCREW or in other ways.
  
  

Q: From Learning Care Group projects to The Pillars of Hermantown, you’ve managed large, complex developments. What’s one lesson or insight from the jobsite that you believe applies equally well to leadership outside of construction?

• If you assume, you’re probably wrong. Effective communication is essential in construction—and in life, to be honest. It’s never too early to start coordinating, and over-communicating is crucial for ensuring a successful and smooth project.
• I've received advice that didn't align with my management style. What I learned from this is that just because someone is your boss, it doesn’t mean they are always right. Yelling or asserting authority in an aggressive manner has never resonated well with anyone, especially when coming from a woman. It’s important to be yourself and focus on your strengths instead of taking action that doesn’t align with your values, just because you were instructed to do so. Every role matters on a construction site. From the superintendent to the laborers, each person contributes to the creation of a building and deserves to be acknowledged as such. The worst thing an owner can do is act as “the big man on campus.” We’re all part of a team, and collaboration makes the experience much more enjoyable. I firmly believe that negative energy affects those around us, so I strive to maintain a positive outlook and focus on moving forward whenever challenges arise, rather than placing blame.
  
  

Q: For young women who may be considering careers in construction or commercial real estate, what advice would you share to help them feel confident in pursuing this path?

My recommendation is to follow the career path that truly inspires you and ignore any naysayers. There's a spot for everyone in the industry, and no one individual is more deserving than another. Additionally, **JOIN MNCREW**; it's the best organization dedicated to the advancement of women in commercial real estate. Finally, anyone contemplating a career in real estate is welcome to reach out to me for a conversation. If I cannot provide the answers they seek, I will make every effort to connect them with someone who can.

Q: As you reflect on your career so far, what changes do you hope to see in the construction and CRE industries over the next decade, particularly when it comes to supporting and advancing women leaders?

• I genuinely believe we are in a much better position now compared to the past. During my ten years in the industry, I have witnessed a significant increase in the number of women entering the field and taking on leadership roles. This trend is also reflected in the growth of MNCREW, which had around 100 members when I joined in 2018, and now has just over 300.
• The most beneficial action companies can take is to support women and their unique work styles. While our approaches may differ from those of men, there isn't just one way to achieve a goal. If everyone takes a moment to reflect, they might find that our methods could actually be more effective.… :)
  
  

Click this link to learn more about Marlee: tcbmag.com/notablehonoree