Thriving in Chaos: How Cassidy McDaniel is Building a Legacy in Construction

I love telling other people’s stories. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I especially love telling the story of strong, successful women who have found success in the world of small business.

My new series, Thriving in Chaos: A Focus on Women in Small Business, was born out of this desire to share more of these stories. Selfishly, I take inspiration from connecting with these women and sharing their stories. But more importantly, I think people need to hear the stories of women who are changing their corner of the world, one day at a time.

So, without further ado, here is the first installment of my new series, Thriving in Chaos: A Focus on Women in Small Business. It features Cassidy McDaniel, a powerhouse woman in a male-dominated industry whose talent is renovating the Delaware shoreline.

Getting Started in Construction

Cassidy McDaniel, General Manager and Co-Owner of Boardwalk Builders

For Cassidy McDaniel, the smell of 2x4s and the sound of power tools brings back the same happy memories that other people might get from family trips or the sight of the ocean. With a grandfather in commercial construction and an aunt in residential renovations, construction is just a way of life for Cassidy. It’s the industry that raised her.

After graduating from college, she was a Jill-of-all trades at a variety of establishments and even ran her own business as a Fractional General Manager for trade partners and subcontractors in her hometown. Eventually, it became time to take her unique life and work experiences to the luxury renovation and remodeling company her aunt Patty McDaniel had started in Sussex County, Delaware, in the late 1980s, Boardwalk Builders.

Making a Name for Herself in a Family-Owned Business

Cassidy worked for her Aunt Patty for a few years, learning all the ins and outs of the unique touches that had made Boardwalk Builders a household name. Using what she had learned in her previous roles and pairing it with expertise and wisdom from Patty, she created space for herself in a typically male-dominated industry.

During her time as General Manager, the team won multiple awards including Best of Houzz, the Guildmaster Award for Service Excellence, and a place on the Qualified Remodeler Top 500 List multiple years in a row. Their work is absolutely breathtaking and well-known throughout the beach towns that dot the Delaware coastline.

Kelsey and Cassidy of Boardwalk Builders

When Patty decided it was time to retire, it only made sense that Cassidy step up to the plate. She, along with her cousin and Patty’s daughter, Kelsey Hamilton, officially became Co-Owners of Boardwalk Builders in January 2024. (Even though they had been working in these roles behind the scenes for over a year before the paperwork was finalized!)

A Q&A with Cassidy McDaniel

Q: Cassidy, what is your favorite part about owning a small business?

Cassidy and her cousin, Kelsey, as kids.

I absolutely love what I do. I love that we are able to create incredible and one-of-a-kind spaces for our clients. Construction along the coast comes with some challenges, so finding solutions to those issues is always fun. My favorite thing about my job, though, is that I get to work with my cousin, Kelsey, every day. Kelsey and I grew up together. We’re more like sisters than cousins. We know each other so well, which makes running a business interesting sometimes!

Q: How did you know it was time to step into your new role as co-owner?

When Aunt Patty told us she was retiring, it just seemed right. Kelsey and I had watched her work so hard our entire lives. We know what she put into this business. It really is something incredible. I was honestly so honored that she wanted me and Kelsey to continue her legacy.

Q: What sets your business apart from other construction businesses in your area?

Boardwalk Builders was built on quality. Aunt Patty would never deliver a product that she wasn’t absolutely proud of. Kelsey and I are excited to continue offering the same high-quality product the Boardwalk Builders name has become known for.

Q: If another woman came to you about starting a business in your industry, what would you tell them?

A renovation project by Boardwalk Builders

Construction is a good ol’ boys club. Walking into the space as a young(ish) woman poses unique challenges, but most people will accept you with open arms. Starting a business (or taking one over) can be daunting, especially in this industry. Change must be embraced for forward progress. It’s okay to acknowledge that just because something has always been done a certain way, that doesn’t mean it’s the best or only way to do it.

I would also recommend that they spend time (so. much. time.) creating the systems and processes for all projects because this is what will make your business successful. Hold yourself and your employees to a high standard. And, most of all, run your business in a way that aligns with your morals and values.

Q: If you could go back in time to 2004, what would you tell yourself about your life now?

If I could go back to 2004, I would tell myself that, by some miracle, I have a wonderfully full life. I survived the struggles that seemed impossible in my early twenties and would do it all over again if it meant that I would end up in this same place again. But girl. For real. Don’t get that tattoo in 2009 that you just had to have. It’s not worth it. LOL!

Q: Why did you want to be featured on this blog?

With 3 kids, a man, a dog, and a business… I am chaos! Plus - I like you!

My Take on Cassidy’s Story

When Cassidy agreed to be featured on my blog, I was so excited! I met her and Kelsey, her co-owner, a few months ago when I worked on their rebrand and the big announcement of their new roles. Talk about inspiring! They are both so down-to-earth, smart, and funny. I don’t know if they realize just what an impact they’re making, not just on the construction industry, but on young girls who will see their work and know that it’s possible to follow in their footsteps.

I am excited to follow their journey and can’t wait to see more pictures of their stunning work! You can find Boardwalk Builders on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you are a woman in small business and you would like to be featured on this blog, please click here to fill out the form. I can’t wait to tell your story!