Celebrating 25 Years of Leadership in Purchasing: Ramie Havens
March 1–7, 2026 marks Women in Construction Week (WIC Week)—a national celebration recognizing the vital contributions of women across the construction industry. Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction - Puget Sound Chapter continue to advocate for visibility, leadership development, and career advancement opportunities for women in the trades, project management, engineering, and operational leadership.
At Holaday-Parks, we’re proud to recognize a woman whose steady leadership has shaped our operations for over two decades!
A Career Built on Determination
Ramona Havens, known to most of us simply as Ramie, began her journey in the HVAC industry in the early 1990s as a dispatcher in service. As a single mother determined to build stability and opportunity for her son, she didn’t just take a job—she built a career.
That determination defined her path. Just weeks after the birth of her daughter, Ramie returned to work—balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and career with remarkable resolve. For several months, baby Rianna came to work with her, a reflection of both Ramie’s commitment and the supportive culture that allowed her to continue building her future without stepping away from it.
Service is where Ramie says she was “born in this industry.” While dispatching technicians, she was also responsible for sourcing and purchasing the parts needed to complete service calls. That hands-on exposure sparked what would become a 25-year career in procurement and purchasing.
Today, as Holaday-Parks’ Purchasing Manager, Ramie oversees and participates in purchasing operations companywide, helping drive consistency, vendor relationships, and is a fierce advocate for internal team culture.
The Backbone of Every Project
In the MEP/AEC industry, purchasing isn’t glamorous—but it is mission-critical! Materials show up on time or projects stall. Pricing is negotiated well or margins shrink. Vendor relationships are nurtured or they fracture. Ramie has spent 25 years ensuring these details are handled with precision so field teams can execute.
She describes her favorite part of the job as the daily interaction with vendors and employees. She loves problem-solving, learning new things, and being available to support others. Even after 25 years, she still approaches each day with curiosity and commitment.
That longevity matters and with that experience, Ramie has helped position purchasing as not just a transaction function—but a strategic partner.
Leading with Respect
When asked about the biggest lesson she’s learned, her answer is simple:
“When you show respect to your coworkers, you gain their respect.”
That principle has guided her leadership style. She openly admits one of her greatest challenges has been learning to delegate—letting go and trusting her team. A self-described “doer,” Ramie naturally steps in to make others’ jobs easier. But after years of growth, mentorship, and development, she now leads a team responsible for 95% of the company’s purchasing operations; a team and department culture others could rely on. That culture is something she takes great pride in.
Mentorship & Legacy
Ramie credits her early development in purchasing to her mentor, Guy Wigley, whose impact on her career continues even after his passing. Following in his footsteps, she has carried forward both the technical rigor and the human element of the role.
In 2013, Holaday-Parks lost Guy to cancer—a loss that deeply impacted both the company and Ramie personally. As she navigated the grief of losing her mentor, she also carried the responsibility of keeping projects moving and supporting the teams who relied on her. That season required resilience, professionalism, and strength—qualities that continue to define her leadership today.
Ramie also credits the mentorship and leadership of Holaday-Parks’ Executive Vice President, Grace Pizzey, as instrumental in her continued growth. “Having a woman in executive leadership who believed in me made a lasting impact on my career. Her guidance, encouragement, and confidence in my abilities gave me the courage to grow into leadership and continue developing professionally.
That’s what Women in Construction Week is truly about—not just visibility, but legacy. Each generation of women in the trades and operational leadership creates a pathway for the next.
The Bigger Picture
Construction has historically been male-dominated, but women now represent a growing and essential segment of the workforce—across project management, safety, engineering, fabrication, marketing, finance, and procurement. The industry is stronger when diverse perspectives shape decision-making, culture, and operations.
Women like Ramie demonstrate that long-term careers in construction are not only possible—but impactful.
Her journey, from single mother and dispatcher to 25-year Purchasing Manager, reflects resilience, accountability, and steady leadership.
Beyond the Job
Outside of work, Ramie is equally proud of raising two children who are now compassionate, productive adults. She recently purchased her family’s cabin—bringing a 30-year piece of family history back to life. It’s her ‘”Happy Place,” a reminder that hard work builds opportunity not just professionally, but personally.
25 Years of Dedication
For a quarter century, Ramie has helped ensure projects run smoothly, teams are supported, and vendor relationships remain strong. She embodies what Women in Construction Week celebrates:
Commitment
Growth
Leadership
Respect
And the quiet strength behind operational excellence
To Ramie—and to all women building careers in construction—thank you for the work you do, the culture you shape, and the example you set.