> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foundedbywomen.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Lenea Morrison on Leading a Construction Materials Testing Business Where Details Matter - URL: https://www.foundedbywomen.org/women-who-lead/lenea-morrison-on-leading-a-construction-materials-testing-business-where-details-matter/ - Published: 2026-10-05T09:56:36.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-05T09:56:36.000Z - Author: Editorial team - Tags: Women Who Lead Construction materials testing is rarely the first career that comes to mind, yet it sits behind every safe and reliable building project. Before concrete, soil, or asphalt goes into the ground, it has to be tested, and the people in laboratories and out in the field depend on the right equipment to do that work properly. Lenea Morrison, Chief Executive Officer at Certified Material Testing Products ([Certified MTP](https://certifiedmtp.com/?ref=foundedbywomen.org)), found her way into this industry gradually and has built a career around supporting that work. In a highly technical and traditionally male-dominated field, Lenea has often been the only woman in the room. Rather than trying to prove herself, she chose to focus on learning the business, asking questions, and being prepared. Her leadership style follows the same principle: she takes the extra time to understand a customer's testing requirements, checks the specification before making a recommendation, and encourages her team to stop and ask rather than assume. For her, quality and compliance come down to being careful and not taking shortcuts when the details matter. In this conversation with Founded by Women, Lenea shares what drew her to materials testing, how she approaches quality and compliance as a leader, and what is next for Certified MTP. She also offers honest advice for women considering entrepreneurship in technical industries: don't wait until you feel like you know everything, and give yourself a chance to see where your idea can go. > Know a founder (or are one) doing incredible work? **Founded by Women Awards** are open for entries. If you're building something bold, leading with purpose, or driving change in your industry, we'd love for you to enter. 👉 [foundedbywomen.org/awards](https://www.foundedbywomen.org/awards/) --- ### Q: What inspired Lenea to build a career and lead a business in construction materials testing, a highly technical and traditionally male-dominated field? I didn’t really plan on ending up in construction materials testing. It happened over time as I learned more about the industry and the work that goes into making construction projects safe and reliable. What interested me was how important materials testing is, even though most people outside the industry probably don't think about it. Before concrete, soil, asphalt, or other materials are used in a project, they have to be tested. There are a lot of people in laboratories and out in the field who depend on the right equipment to do that work properly. I liked being part of that. Being a woman in a technical industry has had its moments. There have been times when I was the only woman in the room, and there were also times when I felt I had to work a little harder to show that I knew what I was talking about. Over time, I stopped worrying so much about that. I focused on learning the business, asking questions when I needed to, and being prepared. I’ve found that people eventually see whether they can trust you and rely on you. For me, that has been more important than trying to prove myself. ### Q: Can she share a specific example of a challenge she's navigated in ensuring quality and compliance in materials testing that speaks to her leadership approach? One thing we deal with quite often is helping a customer figure out what equipment they actually need for a particular testing application. It can sound straightforward, but it isn't always. The test method, specification, material being tested, and how the equipment will be used can all make a difference. I've learned that it's better to take a little extra time and ask questions than to make a quick recommendation and find out later that something was missed. Sometimes we need to check the applicable specification or go back and look at the testing requirements before making a decision. That has also influenced how I lead my team. I don't expect someone to have every answer immediately. If they aren't sure about something, I want them to ask. I'd much rather have someone stop and check than make an assumption just to get something done faster. In this industry, small details can matter. For me, quality and compliance come down to being careful, asking the right questions, and not taking shortcuts when the details need to be checked. ### Q: What's next for Certified MTP, and what advice would she give to other women considering entrepreneurship in technical industries? We're continuing to grow Certified MTP and find better ways to support the construction and materials testing community. There is always something new to learn in this industry, so I don't see that part ever really stopping. For women thinking about starting a business in a technical field, I would say don't wait until you feel like you know everything. You probably never will. When I started, there were plenty of things I didn't know, and there are still things I learn along the way. You ask questions, talk to people who have more experience, make mistakes, and learn from them. That's part of running a business. I also don't think you need to try to fit a certain image just because you're working in a technical or male-dominated industry. Be prepared, know your business, and be honest when you don't know something. Then go find the answer. And if you have an idea that you really believe in, give yourself a chance to see where it can go. It may not always be easy, but that's not necessarily a reason not to do it. > Are you a woman leader with an inspiring story? Founded by Women elevates the voices of women making an impact. > Breaking barriers or paving the way for others? We'd love to feature you. Get in touch! 👉 [hi@foundedbywomen.org](mailto:hi@foundedbywomen.org)