Today's guest is architect Alyse Makarewicz.

“Be better today than I was yesterday.” Alyse Makarewicz applies this philosophy to her life as a mother, wife, architect, small business owner, and volunteer. She is the founder and president of AMB Architects, based in Houston, Texas. In this role, she ensures happy clients and successful outcomes on projects the firm undertakes and maintains a work culture that keeps employees fulfilled and energized.

AMB specializes in corporate, retail, and healthcare interiors and new construction, and provides landlord and facilities management services. Alyse’s goal with AMB, and what most sets it apart from other firms, is the firm’s employee-first culture. No more all-nighters and burning the candle at both ends; AMB’s staffing is organized to provide employees balance.

“Work-life balance is a huge focus here at AMB. People do their best work when they’re enjoying life, so everybody benefits.” This mentality leads to happy employees, enjoying their work, and giving it 100%, ultimately resulting in great projects and satisfied clients.

Abraham Lincoln is reported to have said, give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend four sharpening the ax. Alyse believes in this philosophy and as such has invested heavily in her own leadership and management skills.

She is a Certified DISC Consultant and Ziglar Legacy Certified Trainer. She uses these skills to train employees based on their strengths and personal development goals.

Alyse donates her time to the American Institute of Architects, BNI, her neighborhood HOA, and her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, holding a variety of leadership roles in each. She holds personal time sacred and uses it to spend time with family, build massive Lego projects, crochet, read, and travel.

Today, you'll discover the valuable lessons Alyse Makarewicz learned surviving two recessions, and how this experience has prepared her and her team for the COVID-19 pandemic.