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Holly Brenner has earned a reputation for growing businesses and strengthening communities. As a forward thinker, she is always up for a challenge. Her impact in the organizations she’s worked with has caught the attention of area leaders. Justin Smith, the CEO and President of C.D. Smith Construction was one of those leaders. “He was looking for a fresh perspective and thought I could provide that,” Holly shares. “I was eager to be a part of transformational growth with a company that had a long-standing commitment to building relationships and delivering quality work.” She made the industry switch from health care to construction in 2020 and now serves as a Senior Vice President at C.D. Smith. “I was excited to learn from my peers and jump in with both feet.” Holly credits generations of talented, hard-working team members for laying a solid foundation for the company’s future growth. “Our recent work on the world’s tallest mass timber tower, Ascent, in Milwaukee, exemplifies C.D. Smith’s ability to lead the way in construction,” she says. A servant leader, Holly also volunteers for multiple community and civic organizations and is recognized for her board leadership and willingness to help others.
“Sometimes being selfless with your time and talent is the best thing you can do for yourself.”
-Holly Brenner
Q&A
What was your career path up to C.D. Smith Construction?
My background is in strategic planning, marketing, and business development. Prior to working at C.D. Smith Construction, I was working in healthcare. I had a career that I loved, and I also had a young family and a healthy commute. Justin, the CEO at C.D. Smith, contacted me. He was looking for a fresh perspective, and he thought I could provide that. I was very excited to join a growth-minded entrepreneurial team with big plans for the future. C.D. Smith has always been a pillar of the community. It was important to me to work for a company that values relationships, has proven performance, and also gives back to the community. It’s been rewarding to be surrounded by talented people doing great work in construction.
What was it like being involved in the construction of Ascent, the world’s tallest mass timber tower?
That project drew eyes globally. Milwaukee’s already a great city, but this project added another highlight. It was great to be able to showcase the city. I was very excited for the opportunities that this building offered to expand our expertise in mass timber and help reach further into new markets.
