Building Homes—and Breaking Barriers—in Sunbridge
In an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men, Molly Maykut shines as a senior homebuilder at David Weekley Homes. From her background in commercial contracting to now spearheading the construction of many homes in our Weslyn Park neighborhood, Molly’s professional journey exemplifies determination, adaptability, and a passion for helping families create their dream homes. Molly recently sat down with us to share insights into her role, her (occasionally-challenging) experiences as a woman in construction, and what makes her work in Sunbridge so fulfilling.
Can you tell us about your role as a senior builder at David Weekley Homes?
Molly Maykut: At David Weekley Homes, we call our supervisors “builders,” while other companies might use terms like “superintendents” or “project managers.” As a senior builder, I oversee the construction of homes from start to finish. I’m heavily involved with homeowners, guiding them through the process with weekly calls and updates. The “senior” part of my title reflects my tenure and leadership within the company. I started as a builder in 2018, became a lead builder a year later, and have been a senior builder for over three years now.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Molly: Every day is different, which is one of the things I love about my job. While the process of building any home follows a general sequence, each home brings its own unique challenges. My days are filled with problem-solving, coordinating schedules, managing tradespeople and vendors, dealing with inspectors, and ensuring everything stays on track. It’s a lot of on-your-feet, out-of-the-box thinking.
Have you ever had to get hands-on at a construction site?
Molly: Yes, there have been times when I’ve had to step in and do some hands-on work, like tearing out drywall or fixing tiles. While I think I’m better at directing others, sometimes you do have to get in there and get things done yourself, especially when things aren’t going as planned.
How did you come to work in this field?
Molly: My interest in construction started with my dad, who is very handy and has his own handyman business. I started my career in the hospitality industry, before deciding I didn’t want to be a bartender forever. I then tried some different things, including massage therapy and real estate, before landing a job with a commercial contractor. Next, I transitioned to residential construction with David Weekley Homes, where I’ve been since 2018. Along the way, I also earned a business management certificate from Cornell University. That’s in addition to the real estate license and general-contractor license that I currently hold.
How rare is it to encounter other women in your line of work?
Molly: When I started at David Weekley, there were only five female builders in the company, out of more than 360 total builders across the company. Across the entire construction industry, it’s still uncommon to see women in leadership positions. This line of work requires unusually thick skin and the ability to command respect in an environment where a woman in charge is not the norm.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Molly: It’s incredibly rewarding to see a home go from a piece of dirt to a completed house. It’s very satisfying to hand the keys to happy homeowners, knowing that I played a part in creating their new dream home.
How much of your workload is focused on Sunbridge?
Molly: In the six years I’ve been with David Weekley Homes, I’ve had the opportunity to work in several communities in metro Orlando, including Lake Nona’s Laureate Park neighborhood. Recently, a significant portion of my work has been focused on homes in the Weslyn Park neighborhood in Sunbridge. The community here is vibrant and growing, and it’s exciting to be part of its development. Each project in Weslyn Park brings unique challenges and rewards, and it’s truly satisfying to contribute to a community that values innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
From your perspective as a builder, what makes Sunbridge unique compared to other communities?
Molly: Sunbridge is a special place because of its strong emphasis on sustainability and community. The designs and construction practices here are tailored to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly, which aligns with my personal values and those of David Weekley Homes. Additionally, Sunbridge’s master-planned layout and amenities create a cohesive, welcoming atmosphere that you don’t always find in other neighborhoods. It’s not just about building houses. It’s about creating a holistic lifestyle and a sense of belonging for residents.
How do you see Sunbridge evolving in the future, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?
Molly: I see Sunbridge continuing to grow as a model of sustainable living and innovative home design. With more phases and new amenities in the works, Sunbridge is set to attract diverse residents who value quality and sustainability. My goal is to ensure that every home we build meets the high standards that Sunbridge is known for.
We’re proud to have such a dedicated and skilled professional as Molly shaping homes—and lives—in our naturehood! Click here to find your new home and plant your roots in Sunbridge.
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