Meet Bailey Shey Morris | Project Manager & Claims Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bailey Shey Morris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bailey Shey, what principle do you value most?

In the traditionally male-dominated field of construction and roofing, my unwavering commitment to integrity and authenticity is the cornerstone of my professional ethos. As a female professional in this industry, I have navigated challenges resiliently, consistently upholding principles that transcend gender norms. Integrity forms the foundation of my decision-making, ensuring that every project reflects honesty, transparency, and authenticity. As a roofing professional, trust is paramount; my job is more than replacing roofs every day; it is also about protecting a homeowner’s home, family, assets, and everything that matters most to them. I prioritize building and maintaining authentic relationships with all of my clients. My dedication to them exceeds the project itself, extending to our workmanship and manufacturing warranties.

My dedication to these principles fosters an environment of mutual respect and demonstrates that leadership in construction is not bound by gender but rather by the strength of one’s character. These principles did not start with me but were endowed to me through the culture that my brother and mother have set in stone to represent the foundation of the business. Our objective is to teach, educate, and transform any employee under our employment to recognize the importance of upholding these business standards while guiding them throughout their professional and personal journeys.

As a leader, I recognize the transformative power of authenticity and transparency. In a field where precision and accountability are non-negotiable, my leadership style is defined by open communication and a commitment to being honest. I believe honesty is paramount for trust, a quality indispensable in collaboration within the construction and roofing industry. My executives and I have chosen to empower our team to operate transparently, establishing an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. This approach not only enhances the efficiency of our projects but also creates a culture of integrity that resonates throughout First Choice Roofing and Construction and its employees.

In challenging the status quo, I am not only a proponent for gender equality in the construction industry but also an advocate for a leadership style that places integrity, transparency, and authenticity at its core, proving that success is not only measured in structures built but in the genuine relationships forged along the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I found my way into the construction industry somewhat unexpectedly. As the pandemic unfolded, I m a bar at a local country club while pursuing my college degree. With my family overseeing a business in North Carolina, I recognized an opportunity to be closer to them during these weird times.

With my background in Electrical/Computer Engineering Technology, I felt uncertain that I would be of any help. However, when my mother fell ill from COVID-19 after my move from Georgia to North Carolina, I dedicated myself to assisting in any way possible. Leveraging my critical thinking, technical knowledge, and organizational skills, I immersed myself in the family business. My engineering expertise inhibits me with complex problem-solving that I embraced to transition into the role of a project manager swiftly.

While I did maintain technical knowledge, earning respect in my new role was challenging. Recognizing the importance of a cohesive team dynamic, I started by regularly joining crewman work on the projects I managed, participating in tasks such as shingle piling, job site cleaning, and roof loading. My goal was to establish a foundation of respect, irrespective of gender, proving my commitment to being an integral part of the team. “I am here; let me know what you need” is my message.

Three years into the industry, I’ve become one of the top salespersons in our company, driven by my passion for residential roofing and helping people take even more pride in their homes. I have taken on the role of an advocate for women in the field, serving as the Vice Chair of Raleigh’s National Women in Roofing Chapter. This volunteer-based organization aims to support and advance the careers of female professionals across all aspects of the industry, providing opportunities for networking, mentoring, education, and industry recruitment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If my friend were to visit, our adventure would start at the heart of the community, Fount Coffee + Kitchen. Nestled in Morrisville, this locally owned gem has a great coffee selection and serves a superb breakfast. As a proud Morrisville resident and Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, supporting our local businesses, like Fount, is important to me.

Following coffee, we’d set our sights on Quail Ridge Books, a literary haven in North Hills Raleigh. With a Fount coffee to-go, we’d discover a quaint but exquisite spot for lounging and reading, setting the tone for a fulfilling day. There are so many great shops and boutiques there as well. Plenty to do.

I’d always recommend visiting either the North Carolina Museum of Art or the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a touch of music, so a soirée with the North Carolina Symphony would be definite. Whether it’s the classical “Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4” or the enchanting “Harry Potter Holiday,” the symphony is my absolute favorite.

The best way to end the day would be with a reservation at Oak Steakhouse. A family favorite since we moved to North Carolina, Oak promises not only an exceptional entree but hands-down the city’s finest espresso martini.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My brother and I shared the experience of a mother who championed academic excellence, extracurricular participation, school politics, sports dedication, and an immersion in classical music. My brother and I found not just a parent but a guiding force propelling us towards the best versions of ourselves. With love and unwavering support, our mother became the cornerstone of our resilience, tenacity, and perseverance. She instilled in us the belief that pursuing knowledge, diverse interests, and active community engagement were not simply obligations but pathways to self-discovery and fulfillment in our adult lives. Her relentless encouragement didn’t just push us to excel in multiple domains but allowed us to explore our potential, fostering a well-roundedness that has become the bedrock of our identities.

Navigating our professional careers was different for my brother and me – I chose school, and he chose entrepreneurship. In both pathways, our mother’s influence was the driving force behind our independence and self-sufficiency. Through her example, we learned the value of hard work, the importance of setting high standards, and the beauty of embracing challenges and creating solutions. She instilled the importance of success and taught us how to overcome our failures with grace and resilience. Today, as two distinct individuals trailblazing our paths, my brother and I carry the lessons of self-discipline, ambition, and love of family from her.

Shout out to mom and my brother. My brother inspired my pursuit of a career in entrepreneurship.  I am grateful to be on this journey with you both.

Website: https://firstchoiceroofingusa.com

Instagram: @bshey_firstchoiceroofingusa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baileysheymorris/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceRoofingUSA