During Women’s History Month, we salute the many women who continue to inspire us, particularly those women whose work continues to shape and influence the community of Summerlin!
Meet Nicole Bloom, Division President, Richmond American Homes, who is the top local executive for this homebuilder that has been building homes in Summerlin for more than 20 years.
Tell us about your career at Richmond American Homes.
I started as an onsite salesperson 21 years ago with Richmond American here in Las Vegas, and I became Division President five years ago – on April 6, 2016 – to be exact. Obviously, it was an important career milestone that I won’t ever forget!
Did you always have your sights on securing the top job? How did you set yourself apart to climb the ladder and shatter the glass ceiling?
I did not always aspire to that – I really was super happy for most of my career being in the Sales Management side of the business. It was a slow progression of learning about the other aspects of the business and then after spending some time assisting another division in our company to run all aspects of the business, I really pushed myself to get to the next level. I don’t take myself too seriously; I am never afraid to poke fun at myself; and I am never afraid to ask questions as I am always learning. In terms of shattering ceilings, I received a lot of help along the way. I have been beyond blessed with many mentors, both women and men, who saw more in me than I saw in myself and pushed me to be a better version of myself.
What are you most proud of in terms of your career and your success?
First, I will say that my success means nothing unless I make my husband, my two boys and my mom proud. Ultimately, their approval is the most important to me. I am very proud of the fact that regardless of what position I’ve held in our company, the amazing family of people that I get to work with every day still find me to be the same approachable, fun and hopefully humble person that I was the first day I started here. I am so proud to be involved with something as amazing as building a home for someone – to be able to be a part of where they experience holidays, prom pictures, skinned knees and all of life’s big moments is an honor.
What advice would you share with young women starting a career in the homebuilding industry?
First, It’s a fantastic career choice! Every day is different and challenging. Second, don’t put yourself in a box or let anyone else put you there about what you can or can’t do. Whether you are working in a trade or working towards becoming an executive – learn everything you can about it, ask lots and lots of questions and try to find others who have succeeded and get to them. You would be surprised how many people would love to mentor you on your budding career in homebuilding. Last, don’t be afraid of your femininity in this industry. I would just caution doing a frame walk in high heels. learned the hard way on that one!
What do you love about Downtown Summerlin? Favorite restaurants?
What don’t I love? Downtown Summerlin is one of my happy places! Love sitting outside at Grape Street or Lazy Dog’s – there are so many great choices! My husband and I frequently go to the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, and since I have a little bit of a lip gloss and shoe “issue”, I can often be found in any number of the stores at Downtown Summerlin.
What’s a fun fact about you that everyone should know?
In my younger days and for most of my life, I was painfully shy, introverted and hardly ever talked. That all changed when one of my mentors pushed me to speak in front of a crowd of 800 people. I am so thankful she did because it really was a defining moment in my life and brought me out of my shell!
Why does Richmond American choose to build in Summerlin?
We love building in Summerlin for all the reasons residents love living here. We are able to provide unique elevations with expanded exterior living space set amidst an amazing background of natural beauty and a sea of amenities – more parks and trails than any other community, for starters. In Summerlin, you are nearby Downtown Summerlin, Las Vegas Ballpark, Red Rock – all the places that make Summerlin extra special.
What sets Richmond American Homes apart from other local homebuilders?
I believe one of the things that set us apart is our ability to provide choices. Our company motto is “With Us, It’s Personal” and there is nothing more personal than choosing and building your new home. One of the places that the choices are most apparent is in our Home Gallery, which provide 5,000 square feet of choices for our buyers to truly turn their house into a home. Here, buyers are able to work with a professional designer on anything from doorknobs to flooring and cabinets and everything in between.