Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Shaylyn Cullen, Shaylyn Cullen is Founder and President of Cullen Construction Management. Join us as we delve into Shaylyn’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind her success in the Construction Management and Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
As an experienced general contractor, I saw a communication and knowledge gap between the owner and the AEC team. I had the expertise to offer a consultant service to owners and developers and bridge that gap with a knowledgeable team of industry consultants. We advocate for our clients through their new construction or renovation project with our expert construction management services.
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
Celebrating 10 years at Cullen Construction Management and seeing remarkable growth in employees, projects, revenue and national reach. Also, being a founding member of the Professional Women in Construction Chicago group and seeing it’s growth from 4 to 300 members and hearing personal stories from women and their career growth and goals through this organization.
Shaylyn has led Cullen Construction Management growth into many market sectors landing roles on large-scale iconic projects fueling the growth of the firm. In the past twelve months
Shaylyn has led Cullen CM through the following milestones:
• 55% increase of team member growth in 12 mos.
• Celebrated the 1 year anniversary of our second office in Austin, Texas
• Expanded geographically with active projects in 21 states across the nation
• Expanded growth in Higher Education and Aviation markets
• Doubled Annual Revenue year over year
Awards
• Titan of Industry, Women in Real Estate | Chicago Association of Realtors | 2022
• CBJ “Woman of Influence” | 2022
• WPO’s 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned Companies | 2022
• CRE | Project Management Firm of the Year Finalist (Cullen CM) | 2023
• CRE Woman in Real Estate | RE Journals | 2024
Honors/ /Membership/Certifications
• LEED A.P.
• OSHA 10-hour safety certified
• Future Engineers, Program Founder
• PWC Board Member
• Steel Bronco Robotics Board Member
• Goldie Initiative Mentor
• Marquette University Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering Board
• Woodlands Academy Board Member
What challenges have you faced as a woman business owner, and how did you overcome them?
Not all women are eager to advocate for each other. One of my character traits is the value I place on my team’s individual professional success. In a world where some leaders claw to top by holding others down, I pinpoint team members strengths, highlighting their wins giving each person a high-level confidence in their skills and abilities to do more and achieve more with a leader championing them from behind. I do my best to identify tools, mentors, speakers, organizations, and opportunities to influence my team members’ growth as well as my own.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Surround yourself with strong women, find a mentor and don’t give up.
Cullen Construction Management
The Cullen CM is a Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) providing premier Owner’s Representation and Construction Management Services. Our experienced team of architects, engineers, and construction managers delivers exceptional results for developers and clients. With a decade of industry expertise, we combine technical excellence with hands-on project management to ensure successful outcomes for every project. The Cullen CM’s integrated approach and commitment to quality have established us as a trusted partner in construction management.
Surround yourself with strong women, find a mentor and don’t give up.