Contact me at jean@absreps.com or 630-234-6324.I started my professional career as a Middle School Math Teacher. While I loved my students, my teammates and feeling the joy of watching a child succeed, I reached a crossroads where I knew if I continued in what I was doing that I would have burned myself out. With a little bit of "block in my blood," I took a leap of faith and considered how I could still teach in a different way. Luckily, my father had owned a block manufacturing company called Chicago Block & Brick and with a little bit of industry knowledge and a lot of encouragement from other industry professionals, I joined the Northfield Masonry Team in August of 2017. Upon starting as an Architectural Sales Rep for Echelon Masonry products, I was so fortunate to learn from a compassionate group of veterans in the industry who would do anything to see me succeed. I pushed myself to learn even more by taking courses through National Concrete Masonry Association. In 2018, I earned the title Concrete Masonry Technologist and am now certified to give AIA recognized masonry presentations on behalf of NCMA. I take great pride in the relationships I've built with Architects and Design professionals, even in just a few years in the masonry industry. I have a growing interest in learning all the ins and outs of our production capabilities. I'm always looking to learn something new that will improve how I support my Architects and help them create a masonry design that is not only cost effective but allows them to push the envelope and use masonry in ways never seen before. As of January 2020, I am a proud member of Chicago Women in Architecture (CWA). Throughout my years as an Architectural Rep, I've partnered with various Architectural firms to donate to their annual Chicago CANstruction competition or other charities of their choice.