October 15, 2024

Jane Megown: How a House Fire Ignited Success

Episode 42
“Take care of people, and in return, you’ll be taken care of.”

Jane Megown: How a House Fire Ignited Success

Episode 42

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It's not about me selling and, you know, me making money. It's about you being satisfied and happy with what you want and what you need. And I've always had that kind of philosophy, and my dad had that, too. And people recognize you're not in it for yourself, you're in it for them. And you're sincere, and it really goes a long way.

The She Lift Project, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick welcomes Jane Megown, President and Owner of Elastizell, who shares her remarkable journey from a career in marketing to leading a construction company specializing in lightweight cellular concrete. Jane’s company is behind critical infrastructure projects, often unseen but essential, such as filling spaces under stadiums and bridges with lightweight, custom-formulated concrete. Despite entering the male-dominated construction field with no prior experience, Jane credits her success to values she learned early on from her father: honesty, integrity, and putting people first.

Jane’s path was far from linear—she initially avoided construction, only to be drawn back in due to a series of life-altering events, including a devastating house fire. The fire not only tested her resilience but also prompted her to re-enter the workforce, leading to her eventual ownership of Elastizell. Jane’s leadership philosophy centers on transparency, teamwork, and focusing on long-term relationships rather than short-term gains. Her ability to build trust through honesty, even when it meant admitting she didn’t know all the answers, has been key to her success. Through her story, Jane offers inspiration on how to navigate career pivots, embrace challenges, and turn hardships into opportunities for growth.

Guest Contact Information

Jane Megown

President/Owner
Elastizell of St. Louis

Links from the Episode

Show Notes

Introduction and Background (00:0012:25)
  • Jane McGowan is the president/owner of Elastizell
  • Elastizell is a specialty subcontractor for lightweight cellular concrete
  • Jane has a degree in marketing and business
  • Jane’s father took her on sales calls from a young age
  • Jane learned valuable life lessons from her father about business and relationships
Early Career and Sales Experience (12:2521:19)
  • Jane started her career selling fax machines
  • She prioritized customer needs over sales quotas
  • Jane’s honesty and customer-focused approach led to success
  • She moved into medical sales before joining her father’s manufacturing business
Transition to Construction Industry (21:1928:45)
  • Jane initially avoided the construction industry
  • A series of life events, including a house fire, led her to consider a construction business
  • Jane and her husband took over Elastizell in 2018
  • The transition was challenging but aligned with Jane’s core values
Leadership and Company Culture (28:4539:07)
  • Jane focused on developing and enhancing the company’s core values
  • She emphasized the importance of team alignment and shared values
  • Jane faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry
  • She prioritized building relationships and networking in the construction field
Personal Hardship and Growth (39:0746:39)
  • Jane shared the story of her house fire in 2016
  • The fire and subsequent insurance issues led to significant personal and financial challenges
  • These hardships ultimately pushed Jane into her current role in construction
Overcoming Challenges and Personal Philosophy (46:3954:09)
  • Jane emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during difficult times
  • She discussed the value of finding blessings in hardships
  • Jane highlighted the role of faith in helping her overcome challenges
Leadership Lessons and Business Insights (54:0901:04:06)
  • Jane discussed the unpredictable nature of the construction industry
  • She emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability
  • Jane shared insights on building and maintaining relationships in a project-based industry
Personal Growth and Advice (01:04:0601:18:56)
  • Jane reflected on the lessons learned from hardships
  • She emphasized the importance of gratitude and finding positive aspects in difficult situations
  • Jane discussed the value of self-awareness and understanding one’s core values
  • She highlighted the importance of continuous personal growth and learning

Content Notice

This podcast and all She Lift Project content represents the opinions of Cynthia Kirkpatrick and her guests. The content here is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice – financial, legal, medical, or otherwise.

Views and opinions expressed in the podcast and across all She Lift Project media channels are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

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