Meet Sarah Stolzman, Senior Project Manager at Peak Construction.
Sarah is a Senior Project Manager with Peak. With a strong background in industrial construction and a passion for tackling complex projects like cold storage, Sarah is bringing her expertise to Peak.
Tell us about your role at Peak Construction.
I am a Senior Project Manager at Peak Construction, and my primary focus is to help increase the company’s controlled environment sector of warehousing, which is highly specialized and technical, making it an exciting challenge. Peak has experience in a variety of markets, and with an expanded presence in the cold storage market, it will also open opportunities in related sectors like pharmaceuticals and data centers. It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m looking forward to making an impact.
What drew you to Peak Construction?
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to connect with Peak, and while our paths didn’t align at the time, John stayed in touch, checking in on me every few months. That meant a lot to me—it made me feel valued and showed me how much Peak prioritizes relationships. When the opportunity came up again, it felt like the right time. From my very first interactions with the team, I could tell they truly care about their people. That sense of connection and belonging made my decision an easy one.
How would you describe Peak’s company culture?
The culture here is something special. I’ve worked on teams in the past that felt like family, where we laughed together and genuinely enjoyed working with each other, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever find that again. But Peak has that same dynamic. From the moment I joined, I felt like part of the team. Even during leadership training—something that can often be dry—we had moments of genuine fun and connection. That kind of camaraderie is rare, and it makes a huge difference in the work environment.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
I originally studied interior design but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I started taking construction management classes and cold-calling companies in Manhattan. Eventually, someone took a chance on me, and I began working on luxury condo renovations. From there, I kept pushing to take on bigger and more complex projects. Over time, I worked on everything from historic restorations to flagship retail stores, and I fell in love with the industry. I love seeing a project come to life and the problem-solving that comes with construction management. The combination of my design background, hands-on experience in high-end and technical projects, and exposure to a variety of construction challenges has prepared me well to contribute to Peak’s growth and success in expanding into specialized markets like controlled environments.
How did you transition into cold storage?
After moving from Manhattan to Pennsylvania, I began working in warehouse construction. While it was a big shift from the luxury projects I was used to, my experience with highly detailed, technical work made me a natural fit for cold storage. Cold storage projects require extensive pre-planning and coordination, which aligns well with my background in design-build and developer-led projects. It was a challenge at first, but I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the complexity of these builds.
What skills do you think are most critical for success in your role?
Communication is by far the most important skill. There are so many moving parts in a construction project, and keeping everyone aligned—whether it’s trades, design teams, or clients—is crucial. Attention to detail, adaptability, and managing different personalities are also key. In cold storage, especially, you have to think ahead and be proactive. Things move quickly, and you need to be able to pivot when necessary.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in construction?
I’d encourage finding a mentor. When I first started and had difficulty finding a mentor, I took the initiative to help create a mentorship program for women in construction because I realized how valuable that kind of support could be. Networking is also really important—connecting with people in the industry and learning from them can have a big impact. And don’t hesitate to ask questions. Early in your career, everyone understands you’re still learning. It’s always better to ask now and get the right guidance than to struggle later on.
What are you most excited about in your role at Peak?
I’m excited to help Peak expand into new markets. Controlled environments and cold storage are a huge opportunity, and I love that the team trusts me to take the lead in this development. It’s also exciting to be part of a company that continues to grow. Peak has a strong foundation and a close-knit culture, yet there is still incredible potential to deploy those strengths into new markets. Being part of that journey and helping shape the future of the company is something I’m really looking forward to.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have a French bulldog who I’m obsessed with, and I recently became an aunt, which has been amazing. I’m also a certified yoga instructor and am currently working toward a specialization in prenatal yoga. I love kayaking, working on home projects—I’m currently fixing up a log cabin—and anything outdoors. Peak has a lot of outdoor enthusiasts, so I feel like I’m in good company!
