Sandy Andrews President
Q. C. Enterprises, Inc. was founded by Sandy in 1995, opening a three- person office to pursue a career in the construction industry. Her qualifications came from her former
position as a sales and marketing person in a family owned and run service business. She combined her innovative entrepreneurial approach and her expert managerial capabilities to begin her road into a male dominated industry. With her hands- on approach to business and client-driven motivation, she is committed to quality and service. As leader in sales, in a women owned business, it has driven her to achieve great success in a very competitive field.
Customer satisfaction is her highest priority in every project. She exceeds expectations in her approach to strong project solving, organizational , and analytical skills, to obtain maximum project results. Daily assignments are met with great precision. Coordinating material logistics by preparing, presenting, and negotiating all proposals and contracts are part of her daily routine. She establishes, along with her team, all sales and marketing plans. She is a master at managing construction projects that also include design consultation. Sandy is a member of Women Contractors Officers & Executives (WCOE). She is also a philanthropist that supports many civic and religious organizations.
In her almost 30 years in business, she has expanded QC into many different types of projects, from stone restoration to custom mosaic mural installation. Sandy views every project from the client’s perspective and always acts in their best interest.
Inspiration to all Women in Business…
”It took many years to break the ceiling in our industry. I love what I do every day. Now
I am going to embark on shattering that ceiling.”
Nelda Ramirez Tile Foreman
Born and raised in Chicago, Nelda takes great pride in her Hispanic Heritage. So far in her career, Nelda has participated in many City of Chicago projects, such as CPS Schools, O’Hare Airport Concessions, and CTA Station projects, plus numerous other projects around the City.
Reminiscing on her first day of orientation, she did not know what the future held for her being a female in an industry mostly dominated by male tile setters. Shortly after completing the Chicago Women in Trades program, Nelda then met Ms. Andrews, who sponsored her into the apprenticeship program for the Tile Finishers. Once completed, she went on to become a Journeyman Tile Setter. Nelda has now left her mark as the first female tile foreman leading the path for other women in the trades.
Her role now as foreman includes scheduling personnel on jobs, attending job meetings, handling material inventory, problem solving, quality control, and safety issues, while always being in contact with the project manager. She strives to meet the deadlines and budgets on every project.
Nelda is member of Chicago Women in Trades. This organization ensures women who want to work with their hands can earn a good living, while having equal access to information, training, and employment opportunities. She is also a member of Local 21’s Union Committee, which is a mentorship program for females in the trade. While on this committee, Nelda advocated for a 12-week maternity leave for future mothers.
Once her day is completed at work, she is also a full- time mom to her son Max. They enjoy bike riding, nature walks, cooking, and doing many family activities. Nelda also is very passionate about candle making as she enjoys her Divine by Nelda company in her spare time.