HomeEditor’s PickInside Vickie DeHart’s Journey as a Trailblazer in Construction

Inside Vickie DeHart’s Journey as a Trailblazer in Construction

Vickie DeHart’s story starts in Jacksonville, Florida, where she grew up with her two brothers in a close-knit family that valued hard work and integrity.

“From a young age, I learned the importance of showing up, keeping your word, and following through,” she recalls. That early sense of responsibility shaped the path she would later carve in an industry few women entered at the time — construction and real estate development.

After graduating from Western High School in Las Vegas in 1979, Vickie began a career that would combine technical knowledge, leadership, and a hands-on approach. Her early experiences taught her that success in business isn’t just about managing numbers — it’s about building trust and creating environments where people can thrive.

Breaking Ground in Construction

Before co-founding EHB, a company that blends real estate development, design, and operations, Vickie served as Principal and Vice President of Powerhouse Construction. Powerhouse focused on framing apartments and condominiums, as well as renovations and tenant improvements for commercial spaces.

What set Powerhouse apart wasn’t just the quality of its work — it was the fact that Vickie carried the general contractor’s license, making her one of the first women in Nevada to do so. “At the time, there weren’t many women with a GC license,” she says. “But I didn’t think about being first. I just wanted to do the job right.”

Her leadership at Powerhouse wasn’t about titles or recognition. It was about performance. She managed complex projects, coordinated teams, and made decisions that impacted timelines, budgets, and client satisfaction. Those five years taught her to blend technical skill with practical business sense — qualities that would define her next chapter.

The Birth of EHB and a New Vision

When Vickie Dehart co-founded EHB alongside Yohan Lowie and her husband, Paul DeHart, she brought a wealth of experience and a clear vision. “EHB was built on the idea that great projects start with great partnerships,” she explains. “It’s about collaboration — between clients, engineers, architects, and city departments — all working toward a shared goal.”

At EHB, Vickie’s role goes far beyond administration. She works closely with the CEO to plan and execute the company’s strategic direction. Her responsibilities include accounting, financing, escrow coordination, and insurance management.

Her day often involves balancing a mix of technical, financial, and human challenges. “One moment I might be reviewing a financial report, and the next I’m walking to a site with an architect,” she says. “That’s what I love — no two days are ever the same.”

Leading with Integrity and Empathy

Vickie’s leadership style reflects her belief that business works best when people feel valued. Colleagues describe her as approachable, focused, and detail-oriented — a leader who listens as much as she directs. “I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about control,” she says. “It’s about creating an environment where people can do their best work.”

Her success, however, hasn’t come without challenges. As a woman in a historically male-dominated industry, Vickie had to prove herself repeatedly. “There were times when I had to earn respect twice — once for being new to the project and again for being a woman,” she admits. “But in the end, results speak louder than assumptions.”

Her resilience and quiet confidence have made her a role model for others entering the field. She believes that the construction and real estate industries benefit from diverse perspectives. “Different voices lead to better outcomes,” she says. “That’s true in design, business, and leadership.”

Balancing Work, Wellness, and Giving Back

Outside of her professional life, Vickie is a strong advocate for balance and wellness. She enjoys hiking, exercising, and spending time outdoors — habits that help her recharge. “Being in nature reminds me that there’s more to life than deadlines,” she laughs. “It gives me space to think.”

Her sense of purpose also extends to giving back. Vickie supports several philanthropic organizations, including the Israeli-American Council (IAC) and the American Heart Association. “Service is part of who I am,” she explains. “I believe in helping others the same way people helped me along the way.”

That commitment to community and compassion mirrors her professional approach — thoughtful, steady, and deeply rooted in integrity.

A Lasting Legacy in Leadership

Looking back, Vickie sees her journey as one of persistence and evolution. From carrying a contractor’s license in the early days of her career to co-leading a company that manages complex, high-value projects, her story reflects a consistent theme — the power of doing things the right way.

“Every project tells a story,” she says. “When you build something — whether it’s a home, a business, or a relationship — you’re creating something that lasts.”

Her combination of hands-on experience, financial discipline, and people-first leadership has made her a respected figure in her industry. Yet for Vickie, success isn’t about recognition. It’s about making an impact that endures.

“I want to be remembered for the people I helped and the projects that made a difference,” she says. “If I’ve done that, then I’ve done my job.”

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