Modern Support for a Legacy Industry

Streamlined operations, marketing, and bookkeeping support built for the construction industry.

At The Groundwork Group, we bring strategy, systems, and execution to construction businesses through hands-on operations, marketing, and bookkeeping support.

Rooted in respect for the trades and built on practical solutions, we help you streamline your backend so you can focus on growing your business. No fluff, just real relationships and results that help you reach your business goals. Founded by professionals across construction, business, real estate, and marketing, The Groundwork Group is a culmination of industry expertise and operational excellence, bringing you best-in-class services to move the needle for your business.

Meet the Founders Behind
The Groundwork Group

JOSH NIEVES

Josh Nieves is a second-generation Master Electrician, seasoned construction executive, and proud member of IBEW Local Union #3. With deep roots in the trades and a license from the NYC Department of Buildings, Josh’s career spans from working with his hands in the field to leading multi-million-dollar projects as a superintendent, foreman, and executive.

Over the years, Josh has played a pivotal role in some of the most iconic and complex construction projects in New York and beyond, including the Empire State Building, Yankee Stadium, Google Headquarters, One Vanderbilt, Hudson Yards, and major infrastructure undertakings like the Brooklyn Bridge Restoration and the JFK and LaGuardia Airport redevelopments.

Now a sought-after coach and consultant, Josh blends field-tested leadership with a mission to help construction professionals take ownership of their growth, unlock their potential, and become high-performing assets - to themselves and the businesses they support.

Makena Finger Zannini

Makena Finger Zannini is the CEO & strategic engine behind The Groundwork Group—a business operations expert, systems thinker, and trusted advisor to construction industry professionals ready to scale their businesses sustainably.

With over a decade of experience in business operations consulting, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to early-stage startups,  Makena brings a rare blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial agility to the construction space. She’s helped founders double their revenue, streamline their operations, and build resilient, high-performing businesses rooted in strong systems.

Raised in a working-class family, Makena put herself through school and earned a B.S. in Business and Statistics from the Wharton School, guided by a deep affinity for numbers, structure, and strategy. Her journey from Wall Street to business consulting was driven by one core mission: to support the kinds of business owners she deeply admires - those who show up everyday with grit and purpose.

That mission led her to found The Boutique COO, Brick by Brick Collective, and now, The Groundwork Group - a company devoted to helping construction professionals and trades-based business owners lay a solid foundation for long-term growth. Known for her no-fluff coaching style, custom strategies, and Type-A organizational superpowers, Makena works closely with business owners & decision makers to create structure, scalability, and sanity in their business backends.

Jen Dillard

Jen Dillard is no stranger to building, whether it’s high-performing teams, real estate empires, or scalable businesses. As a co-founder of The Groundwork Group, Jen is bringing her deep-rooted expertise in real estate, investing, and systems-driven growth to the construction industry.

With a background as a top-producing agent and team lead of JDRE, one of the most dominant real estate teams in the Columbia River Gorge, Jen has a proven track record of scaling businesses and standing out in competitive markets. Her investment portfolio of over 700 doors speaks to her sharp eye for opportunity and her commitment to long-term value creation.

Jen brings decades of experience in real estate, leadership, and operational strategy to the Groundwork team and helps construction professionals systematize their businesses, scale sustainably, and strengthen the foundation of their success by delegating tasks that take you out of your area of expertise.

As a keynote speaker, Certified Guide for Phil M. Jones, and founder of the Reinventing You Mastermind, Jen has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs to grow with clarity and purpose. Now, with The Groundwork Group, she’s modernizing back office support for those in the construction industry who value structure, strategy, and smart growth.

OLIVIA YATES

Olivia Yates is the Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of The Groundwork Group, bringing over 12 years of experience as a marketing leader across industries - spanning from trades to technology, and everything in between. As CRO, Olivia combines entrepreneurial vision with marketing expertise to help construction professionals clarify their brand, unlock growth opportunities, and build businesses that are both profitable and lasting. She meets clients exactly where they are, sees the bigger picture of what’s possible, and clears the path to help them get there.

Raised in a family of entrepreneurs and craftsmen, Olivia’s passion for business and marketing was sparked early as she watched her family launch and grow a commercial real estate revitalization and development company. That experience shaped her deep-rooted appreciation for tradespeople and the legacies they create. She understands the unique dynamics of building something from the ground up, especially within a family business, and brings a strategic, integrity-driven mindset to every conversation. Her people-first approach centers on crafting narratives that build trust, foster connection, and position companies for long-term success.

Work with Groundwork

We provide the construction industry with modern, no-nonsense operations and marketing support - rooted in respect for the craft, built on practical solutions, and driven by real relationships. Our mission is to bring clarity, efficiency, and growth to the people who keep the world moving.

OUR SERVICES

  • Our Business Growth Strategy Session is built for construction professionals who are ready to scale with intention. Whether you're laying the foundation, looking to break through a growth ceiling, or taking over the family business and are looking to modernize things, we’ll work with you to map out a clear, actionable path forward, grounded in real-world experience and proven systems.

    In this session, we’ll cover:

    • Proven frameworks to scale your construction business with confidence

    • Goal-setting

    • Customized action plans designed for long-term, sustainable success

  • Our Systems & Tools Audit helps construction businesses get clarity on what’s working, what’s not, and where there’s room to improve. We take a practical, no-nonsense look under the hood of your operations to help streamline your workflow, reduce waste, and make sure every tool you’re paying for is actually earning its keep.

    Our Systems & Tools Audit includes:

    • A review of all paid tools to assess ROI and ensure each one is serving your business effectively

    • An analysis of your current systems (or gaps) with recommendations to optimize workflow and boost efficiency

    • A detailed outline of suggested SOPs—with the option to have The Groundwork ops team build them out for you

  • At The Groundwork Group, we offer strategic marketing and social media services built to help construction businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up your presence, we create marketing strategies that align with your goals, speak to your audience, and actually move the needle.

    Our marketing & social media strategy services include:

    • Multi-channel marketing plans customized to your business and target audience

    • Integrated digital and traditional marketing strategies that get results

    • Personalized content plans to elevate your brand and tell your story

    • Social media engagement strategies designed to attract and convert qualified leads

  • Our Virtual Assistant and Executive Assistant services are designed to take the day-to-day administrative load off your plate, so you can stay focused on the jobsite, the team, and the big picture. Our U.S.-based support team understands the fast pace and high stakes of the construction industry, and we bring structure, responsiveness, and professionalism to every task.

    Our VA & EA support includes:

    • Contract and compliance management to keep your business protected and up to code

    • Project and schedule administration for smoother timelines and fewer dropped balls

    • Client nurturing and lead follow-up to keep relationships warm and deals moving

    • Email inbox management so nothing important gets missed

    • Phone answering with a professional, approachable tone that represents your brand well

  • We provide construction companies with marketing services that are as practical and hardworking as the teams we support. Rooted in deep industry knowledge and built for the real-world pace of the field, our marketing solutions help you show up professionally, generate qualified leads, and grow your business.

    Our marketing service offerings include:

    • Custom branding and web design tailored to the construction industry

    • Social media content creation and account management

    • Lead magnet development to capture and convert prospects

    • Email marketing strategy and implementation

    • Paid ad campaign planning and execution

    We bring a hands-on, solution-oriented approach to everything we do—partnering with you to create marketing that works in the field, not just on paper.

  • We provide essential financial support for construction and trades businesses through accurate bookkeeping services and strategic budgeting and forecasting tools. Our approach ensures your finances stay organized while giving you the clarity and insight needed to plan for profitability, manage cash flow, and make informed business decisions with confidence. From financial planning for specific projects to an overview for the entire business, our highly experienced team of bookkeepers is here to help.

  • At The Groundwork Group, we empower construction professionals to elevate their careers, grow as leaders, and achieve both personal and professional success. Whether you're an emerging leader or an experienced tradesperson ready to take the next step, our coaching programs are designed to help you advance with clarity and confidence.

    Co-Founder Josh Nieves offers both 1:1 and group coaching, tailored to meet individual needs and organizational goals. Companies can also hire us to provide internal coaching, helping to fill leadership gaps, define clear career paths for team members, and reduce turnover by investing in the growth of their people.

    Core coaching offerings include:

    • 1:1 & Group Career Performance Coaching

    • Field Leadership Training & Development Workshops

    • Workforce Strategy Consulting

    For individuals, our flagship 10-week 1:1 coaching program is designed specifically for field professionals ready to step into leadership. Participants develop key skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and personal development, while creating a clear, actionable roadmap for their next career move.

    Whether you're leading a crew or looking to lead your own future, Josh provides a personalized approach paired with practical, actionable training solutions.

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