Construction Leader Spotlight

Jenn Sussman

Director of National Accounts, Powerhouse

When you talk about passion-driven leadership in retail construction, Jenn Sussman's name comes up.

With 15+ years across diverse industries, Jenn brings an unconventional perspective to national rollout programs. She's managed everything from chain-wide remodels to delivering 3-story glass panels through removed tollbooths for Valentino's Fifth Avenue flagship.

I appreciate leaders who took the scenic route. Jenn's journey from journalism major to construction proves that sometimes the "wrong" path builds exactly the right skills.

Her story reminds us: follow your passion, question the status quo, and never accept "it can't be done."

Jenn Sussman, Director of National Accounts at Powerhouse, brings 15+ years of diverse experience to retail construction leadership.

Breaking the Rules to Find the Path

Jenn's career started nowhere near a job site. Marketing manager. Business development. Even a stint at Hair Club for Men & Women.

She was advised early on to stay at jobs for at least two years. Show stability. Build a linear resume. She watched talented colleagues follow that advice. Many lost their spark.

Jenn kept moving. Job after job. Year after year.

In 2012, she landed at Tricarico Architecture & Design. Marketing and business development for retail projects. Something clicked. The work combined client relations, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving.

She'd found retail construction.

"I unearthed a passion I didn't know existed, despite taking a more wayward route to get there."

Eight years at Tricarico built her foundation. She drove new retail partnerships. Grew the firm's client base. Learned the language of construction without ever picking up a hammer.

In 2020, Powerhouse recruited her as Director of National Accounts. Now she manages key retail programs nationwide. Hundreds of store locations. Rollouts, refreshes, facility initiatives.

The scattered resume that once seemed like a liability? It became her superpower.

There's Always a Solution

Jenn's leadership centers on one belief: no problem is insurmountable.

Her team knows it. When the Valentino project needed 3-story glass panels delivered, highway tollbooths blocked the route. Most teams would've redesigned. Jenn's team coordinated overnight removal of the tollbooths.

Problem solved. Materials delivered. Project stayed on track.

"There is a solution to every challenge."

This mindset shapes Powerhouse's approach. Brainstorming sessions identify risks. Historical data analysis prevents repeats. Site surveys catch issues early. Every potential problem gets an owner and a mitigation plan.

It's proactive risk management with creative problem-solving built in. The result? Fewer surprises. More client trust.

Jenn and Jon Makowski presenting Powerhouse's EV charging implementation services — innovation meeting execution.

Retail Isn't Dead – It's Evolving

For nearly a decade, Jenn's been fighting the "retail is dead" narrative.

The headlines repeat: store closures, bankruptcies, vacant malls. But the headlines miss the evolution. Experiential retail concepts. Sustainable store formats. Technology integration. EV charging stations.

"Retailers must adapt, innovate and evolve if they want to survive – with change comes opportunity."

Jenn engaged with Powerhouse's EV charging station rollout services when very few national providers existed. She guides retail clients through installing chargers at scale. That early involvement positions Powerhouse ahead of the curve.

But innovation requires more than new services. It demands questioning processes.

Contractors meet budgets and deadlines. That's table stakes. Jenn believes experts should provide insight. Help clients navigate complexities. Adopt creative strategies. Drive innovation.

"We need to question customary processes and reshape industry standards."

That's how retail construction proves it's not dying. It's thriving.

Jenn and the Powerhouse team at ConnexFM 2025, where relationships and solutions come together.

Looking Forward

Jenn's vision for the future centers on diversity and innovation.

She's committed to empowering women in construction. Featured in Commercial Construction & Renovation's Women in Construction series, she speaks about the "boundless, uncanny energy" women bring to the industry.

She mentors young professionals entering retail construction. Her advice? "Choose a career that feeds your soul, not just your bank account."

It's advice born from experience. From years of job-hopping until she found her passion.

Her unconventional path taught her that diverse perspectives drive better outcomes. That innovation requires questioning assumptions. That retail construction's future belongs to those willing to evolve.

Jenn Sussman reminds us: sometimes breaking conventional wisdom leads exactly where you need to go.

Until next time,

Michele

KRCrossing Consulting