As vice president of sales at Campana Building Consultants, Teresa A. Lee leads with determination and a vision for growth. Her journey to this leadership role began unexpectedly. While working as a waitress, she caught the attention of industry professionals who saw her potential and encouraged her to join a leadership training program for college graduates. This pivotal moment launched her career in the steel industry, where she started at the ground level in a Texas steel plant. As the only woman in her workplace, Ms. Lee faced significant challenges, including the lack of basic amenities and the need to communicate in Spanish with her predominantly Hispanic coworkers. Undeterred, she immersed herself in learning the industry’s intricacies, earning her colleagues’ respect through her work ethic and dedication.
Ms. Lee’s academic background laid the foundation for her success. She earned a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Florida State University and later pursued a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. These achievements equipped her with the analytical and leadership skills necessary for her multifaceted career. In 2023, she further enhanced her abilities by earning John Maxwell leadership certification, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. At Campana Building Consultants, Ms. Lee oversees the sales team, ensures profitability, and generates sufficient revenue to support the company’s design budgets. She excels at recruiting new customers, maintaining relationships with existing ones, and collaborating with the operations team to meet project deadlines. Since joining Campana in 2018 and assuming her current role in 2019, Ms. Lee has driven remarkable growth, increasing the company’s sales from $3 million to over $75 million within five years. Her success is a testament to her strategic vision, customer-focused approach, and ability to build a high-performing team.
Progressive leadership roles across the manufacturing and building systems industries have defined Ms. Lee’s career. Before joining Campana, she worked as a district sales manager at Mesco Building Solutions, expanding a territory’s sales from $2 million to $10 million. Earlier in her career, she spent over a decade at NCI Building Systems, holding positions such as continuous improvement manager, operations manager, integration and development manager, and quality improvement manager. These roles allowed her to comprehensively understand operational excellence, customer relationship management, and growth strategies. Ms. Lee has thrived in male-dominated fields by fostering mutual respect and maintaining an unwavering commitment to learning. Her ability to bridge experience gaps and deliver valuable insights has made her an asset to her colleagues and the industry. As a leader, she emphasizes inclusivity and accountability, empowering her team members to achieve personal and professional success. By celebrating each individual’s unique strengths, she fosters an environment that encourages growth and collaboration.
Ms. Lee’s contributions to the industry have earned her recognition as one of the top women in manufacturing early in her career. She remains actively involved in professional organizations such as the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association, and Women in Manufacturing. These affiliations provide her with platforms for advocacy, professional development, and networking, further amplifying her impact on the industry. Among her most significant accomplishments is the transformation of Campana Building Consultants under her leadership. Her ability to implement effective growth strategies, acquire new customers, and build a strong sales team has positioned the company as a leader in the building consulting industry. She attributes her success to her grounding principles, prioritizing customers, operational excellence, and financial management.
Ms. Lee’s leadership philosophy is rooted in her belief in fostering positive workplace environments and empowering others. She is passionate about coaching and mentoring, helping individuals define and achieve their goals while distinguishing between managing and leading. Looking ahead, Ms. Lee plans to establish her own consulting business to support executives in adopting customer and employee-centric approaches. She envisions guiding others in creating strategies that balance operational efficiency with a commitment to people. Ms. Lee’s journey from a steel plant to a prominent leadership role demonstrates her resilience, adaptability, and dedication to excellence. Her career reflects the power of perseverance, a growth mindset, and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities. As she continues to forge her path, Ms. Lee remains an inspiring figure in her industry and beyond.