Beth Noska didn't plan on a career in construction. A friend called and said she needed backup at a construction company. Beth said yes without really knowing what she was agreeing to. Seven years later, she's the General Manager at Clark Custom Homes in Texas, overseeing custom builds ranging from modern farmhouses to 7,500 square foot homes with interior courtyards.
Beth talks openly about what that first year looked like. Subcontractors would listen to her instructions, then go up the chain to double-check if she actually knew what she was talking about.
"It took a really long time for there to be any middle road. I always felt like I was winning or losing and nothing in between."
What changed? She kept showing up. She asked questions, even when they felt dumb. She sat with tile guys and framers and learned the work from the ground up. Over time, the testing stopped. The trust built.
The conversation digs into what respect actually means on a construction site and why earning it sticks while demanding it doesn't. Beth's take might surprise you.
"I think in a lot of ways, it's easier being a woman. We're able to ask more questions, and they're more willing to show us."
There's a good chunk dedicated to how Clark Custom Homes operates: the initial Q&A sessions, electrical walks, cabinet walks with the maker on site. The goal is no surprises at the end.
"You can't pick out our houses. Ours are all as unique as our clients are."
Beth also shares her management philosophy and approach to hiring.
"I take all the credit for the problems and I give them all the credit for the successes."
"I'm not necessarily hiring off of knowledge. I'm hiring off of give a shit."
When asked if more women should get into construction:
"Absolutely. Where else do you get to work all day every day with no HR department?"
Beth Noska is a lifelong Texan who grew up in Garland and has called Royse City home since 1997. She discovered real estate at 17 and spent years building hands-on construction experience across North Texas. Her background spans site prep, material selection, custom builds, renovations, and insurance claims.
She's worked her way from project manager to general manager, earning trust through showing up, asking questions, and getting it right. When she's not on a job site, you might find her driving her 1981 Z28 or taking a side-by-side through the mud park.
Beth on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethnoska
Clark Custom Homes:
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Sound Capital
00:40 Michael's Intro
01:59 Early Beginnings
03:42 Challenges and Earning Respect
11:54 Mentorship and Career Growth
13:35 Current Role and Responsibilities
17:08 Unique Projects and Innovations
22:35 Balancing Custom and Remodeling Work
29:11 Networking and Industry Insights
31:21 Collaborative Decision-Making in Construction
34:11 Role and Responsibilities of a General Manager
34:20 Training and Hiring Project Managers
35:11 Custom Homebuilding vs. Production Building
37:56 Client Engagement and Customization
41:37 Lead Generation and Marketing Strategies
44:12 Budget Management and Transparency
52:26 Staying Updated with Construction Technology
55:25 Importance of Teamwork and Communication
57:56 Encouraging Women in Construction
59:05 Personal Hobbies and Recharging