Q & A with Mamie Causey of Robins & Morton Construction, contractors for the Federal Courthouse in Greenville
1. Name – Mamie Signa Causey
2. Job Title – Field Office Assistant
3. How did you end up in the construction industry? A fellow restauranteur in town was asked by
our Senior Project Manager if she knew of anyone that would be interested in the position. She
referred me, and I agreed to an interview. It was such an exciting project in Greenville, I was
thrilled to be a part of it.
4. What has it been like day by day? Each day provides a new learning experience for me. I am
constantly asking questions and observing the day-to-day progress of the building. Our project
manager, superintendents and safety manager always take the time to explain each step and
phase of construction.
5. Obviously, this project is temporary. What are your long-term plan after the project is over? I
have initiated conversations with Robins & Morton to potentially stay on with the company in a
different role while remaining in Greenville. I am a lifelong resident here, and we love raising
our family in Greenville surrounded by family and friends. Whatever I decide to do, I plan to
stay here.
6. What do your friends and family think about you working in construction? They are all very
proud of what I am doing, and are thankful I have the ability to be home at night with them.
The restaurant industry didn’t afford that opportunity, so it’s been a nice change for my family.
7. What is the difference between owning a restaurant and working in construction? The
restaurant industry is 24/7 and high stress. It is so nice to be able to go home at the end of the
day and be where my family needs me to be.
8. What is it like being the only female onsite? I have enjoyed getting to know the guys I am
working with day-to-day. Being new to the construction industry, they have been so kind and
patient with me, and have taught me so much. I have new questions every day, and they are
always willing to take the time to answer and explain any questions I have.
9. Have you had a chance to reflect on what this project means to you, and the role you’re playing
in Greenville history? It was the main driver in my accepting the position. This project has been
in the works for years, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have such an involved role in
it. Watching the building go up each day has been so rewarding.
10. Do you have anything else you would like to add regarding your time on the project? In addition
to getting to know the construction industry, and the Robins & Morton community, I have
enjoyed building relationships with our stakeholders and trade partners. I am a firm believer
that each person I interact with on a daily basis was put into my path for a reason. I am looking
forward to watching the building progress and seeing the impact it has on our community.
11. Quarterly update, progress report, etc. –
August brings new construction milestones for the future three-story Greenville Courthouse.
With 50% of the building’s steel structure now in place, the construction team led by Robins &
Morton anticipates reaching structural completion within the next few months. The
underground plumbing and electrical rough-in utility work is nearly complete, and the team is
also halfway through all slab-on-grade concrete pours.
As the steel continues to rise to its full height, the construction team follows each completed
area with the metal decking installation that will become the second and third stories. This is
critical preparation for the concrete slabs that will be poured on top of the decks to form the
floors.
The next three months will conclude these activities, and the process of enclosing the building
and installing the roof will begin. Once the facility’s interior is no longer exposed to the
elements, the construction team can start building out the various spaces inside its 55,000
square feet.
