Vickie DeHart’s story is one built on courage, consistency, and quiet leadership. She was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, alongside her two brothers, Chad and Norman. Over the years, her path took her across the country, and by 1979 she graduated from Western High School in Las Vegas. That move marked the start of a life shaped by resilience and a willingness to step into new challenges.
Vickie became known in the construction and development world for doing what many said was impossible. Early in her career, she served as Principal and Vice President of Powerhouse Construction. She held the general contractor’s licence and became one of the first women in Nevada to earn that distinction. In an industry where women were rarely seen in leadership roles, she built a reputation for strength, precision, and trust.
Today, Vickie Dehart is the co-founder of EHB, where she works closely with the CEO on strategic planning and execution. Her role covers everything from financial management and escrow coordination to insurance oversight and working directly with engineers, architects, and building departments. She also manages leasing and rental properties and supports customers through interiors and home closings.
Outside of work, Vickie values wellness, hiking, and staying active. She also gives back through philanthropy, supporting organisations such as the Israeli-American Council and the American Heart Association. Through every chapter, she has shown that steady work, integrity, and care for others can leave a lasting mark.
Q&A: Vickie DeHart on Inspiration, Confidence, and Building a Life of Quiet Strength
When you think about inspiration, what does it really mean to you?
To me, inspiration comes from showing up when things are not easy. I grew up learning that you don’t wait for the perfect moment. You step forward and figure things out as you go. Inspiration is seeing progress happen because someone stayed committed, even when no one was watching.
What first inspired you to take on leadership roles in your career?
I didn’t set out trying to break barriers. I simply wanted to do the work well. Early in my career, I found myself in environments where there were very few women, especially in construction. That could have been intimidating, but it also made me focus. I realised that if I was prepared, consistent, and fair, people respected that. Confidence grew from competence, not titles.
You became one of the first women in Nevada to hold a general contractor’s license. What did that experience teach you?
It taught me patience and resolve. There were moments when I had to work harder just to be heard. I learned to stay calm, know my numbers, and speak clearly. When you are prepared, you don’t need to raise your voice. That experience shaped how I approach challenges even today. I trust steady work over shortcuts.
How do you inspire confidence in others, especially in high-pressure environments?
I believe people feel confident when they know someone is paying attention. In construction and development, details matter. I focus on being organised, following through, and communicating clearly. When people see that you are consistent and reliable, trust forms naturally. You don’t have to overpromise. You just have to deliver.
What role has risk played in your journey?
Risk has always been present, but I approach it thoughtfully. Taking on large projects or managing finances carries responsibility. I never viewed risk as something to chase. I viewed it as something to manage. That mindset helped me make decisions that were bold but grounded. You move forward, but you keep your footing.
How did your transition into co-founding EHB shape your perspective on leadership?
Co-founding EHB expanded my view of leadership. My role touches many areas—financial management, escrow coordination, insurance, working with engineers and architects, and supporting clients through home closings. It reinforced how interconnected everything is. Leadership isn’t about one big decision. It’s about hundreds of small ones done carefully.
What inspires you outside of work?
Wellness and time outdoors inspire me. Hiking helps me reset and think clearly. There’s something grounding about being in nature. It reminds me that progress takes time and that balance matters. Philanthropy also inspires me. Supporting organisations like the Israeli-American Council and the American Heart Association keeps perspective in place. Giving back reminds you why your work matters.
Have there been moments when doubt crept in? How did you handle that?
Of course. Doubt is part of growth. When it showed up, I focused on preparation. I reviewed what I knew, what I had done before, and what I could control. Confidence returns when you rely on facts and experience rather than emotion. I’ve learned that doubt doesn’t mean stop. It means slow down and get clear.
How do you help others believe in their ideas?
I ask questions. I help people think through their ideas step by step. When someone realises they’ve already done the hard thinking, confidence follows. Ideas don’t need hype. They need structure. When people see their ideas stand up to practical review, they begin to trust themselves more.
Looking back, what do you think helped you get to where you are today?
Consistency and integrity. I never tried to be the loudest person in the room. I focused on being dependable. Over time, that builds momentum. People remember how you make them feel and whether they can count on you. That has opened doors I never expected.
What advice would you give someone stepping into a challenging industry today?
Learn your craft. Respect the work. Don’t rush the process. Confidence grows from knowledge and experience, not comparison. If you stay steady and keep learning, opportunities appear.
What continues to inspire you now?
Seeing things come together. A project completed well. A client feeling supported. A team working smoothly. Those moments remind me that quiet leadership can have a lasting impact.
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