Marcie Manfredonia Siciliano is the owner of Nationwide Maintenance, a woman-owned minority business (WBE/MBE). In an industry notoriously dominated by men, Marcie admits that overcoming adversity and getting her hands dirty was nothing new. She credits her success to the early stages of her childhood, growing up as a “tomboy” and helping her father collect scrap metal instead of doing normal "girly" things. At the age of 13, Marcie lost her father to cancer, leaving her mother and four children to fend for themselves.
Having to grow up fast, Marcie was unable to complete her education and left school at a very early age to begin working two jobs to help make ends meet. This lack of education would later influence some of the skills she would need to run a business, especially at a higher level.
As a result of these circumstances, Marcie became more determined to ensure her children were not faced with the same financial burdens she had once faced. She started an exterior cleaning company. Over 25 years later, Nationwide Maintenance has grown into a full-service maintenance and general contracting company, servicing the tri-state area and dispatching out of multiple locations for some of the largest names in the commercial and retail industries.
Marcie’s success has allowed her the opportunity to inspire other women to overcome obstacles she herself faced being a woman, single mother, and business owner. She also wanted to remember her parents, bring awareness to cancer, and educate women while battling cancer and letting them know they are not alone. To date, her foundation “Building A Cure” has helped raise thousands of dollars for ACS research. Marcie is an active advocate for cancer awareness, an official ACS board member, and finds the time to donate her time and money to other nonprofit organizations including the SPCA.
In addition to Nationwide Maintenance & General Contracting, Marcie started Custom Candle Company, a candle and specialty gift store with locations in the Westchester Mall in White Plains and in Bedford Hills, New York.
How did you get started in the construction business?
As a single mother raising six boys, I had a need to succeed and was always intrigued by the construction industry. I chose power washing to start my venture and eventually expanded into maintenance and construction.
What are the pros and cons of being a female in the maintenance and construction field?
As a female, there were many roadblocks such as men that were set in their ways and used to working only with men. Being able to prove them wrong built confidence and allowed me to progress and expand my business.
How have you been able to get past the prejudices shown towards women in construction?
Overcoming prejudice is never easy. As a woman in construction, I have found there are many organizations now that were not available when I first started. These were a great help in both networking and information, but perseverance is the only way.
While being so busy in your construction business, what motivated you to start Custom Candle Company?
After having a successful business and working hard to get it that way, I looked into something that would be a little more fun and enjoyable and at the same time play my part in saving the planet. Custom Candle Co. started as a recycled and cut-bottled candle and has become a full-blown candle factory/multiple store business.
What does the word "empowerment" mean to you?
Empowerment is a feeling I’ve achieved by pushing myself so hard to become the businesswoman I am today. It is also enabling and empowering others around me to strive and achieve their goals.
customcandleco.com
nationwidemaintenance.com
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