FROM INVESTMENT BANKING TO BUILDING LUXURY HOMES w. ALLISON GRAFTON EP. 171
- Cory Cleveland
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
Allison Grafton is the award winning President and Founder of Rockwood Custom Homes. In this episode, she shares the details of her journey, from kicking off a career in the male-dominated investment banking industry in the early 1990s to starting Rockwood Custom Homes after facing obstacles in her own renovation projects.
“One of the reasons I think I have been incredibly successful is my deep connection to perseverance and my optimism that I run with every single day.” — Allison Grafton [0:08:40]
We discuss the personal attributes she considers as fuel for her success, where her confidence comes from, and what she would advise other women in male-dominated fields.
Next, we get into the premise and foundational values that she has built her business on and the epic scale of the projects that she has completed.
“I have a really big, beautiful, real life and that comes from a lot of hard things. I’ve been through a lot and been challenged a lot and thank God for every single one of them.” — Allison Grafton [0:12:50]
We touch on plenty of different topics, from vulnerability in leadership to mentorship among women, book recommendations, and more.
KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE:
An introduction to Allison Grafton’s career journey which began in investment banking before premier luxury homes.
The story of how her renovations sparked the idea to start Rockwood Custom Homes.
Allison’s positive experience of the culture of support in Calgary.
What it was like for her to work in the male-dominant investment banking field in the early 1990s.
Which personal attributes she considers as fuel for her success.
Where her confidence comes from and the challenges she has overcome.
Advice to women in male-dominated fields and why she believes that women actually run the world.
How her business has been built on a value system and why it is so fulfilling for her.
Her philosophy for building homes: dream, design, and knowing you can build your client’s vision.
How she would describe her leadership style.
Vulnerability in leadership and mistakes she has made along the way.
Women’s relationships and mentorship.
Why she is such a voracious reader and what she does in her spare time.
The awards and accolades that she has received and leveraging PR.
LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
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Please note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.