Employee’s breast cancer journey inspires company to support cancer research

Builders Post-Tension has built its reputation on more than just shoring up concrete — the company believes in providing a foundation for individuals and communities far beyond construction needs.

Greg N. Tomlinson and Brian Q. Conley founded the Houston-based company in 2001. They’ve grown the business into one of the most active providers of concrete reinforcement services in Texas, with offices in Houston and Dallas. Their work ranges from single-family homes and sports courts to commercial slabs and high-rise structures. Tendons, rebar and wire mesh are just a few ways the company lends strength and stability to concrete structures.

“We just celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary,” Tomlinson says. “I credit our success and longevity to a three-legged philosophy: Keep our customers happy, keep our employees happy and be fair with our vendors. This approach is ultimately responsible for the growth that allows us to give back.”

That giving back translates into a list of charitable priorities, including MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“Every October, we promote breast cancer awareness by using pink cables in all of our construction jobs,” Tomlinson says. “It has generated more publicity than we expected, and our customers love it.”

Unexpected blessings

In addition to using their products to raise public awareness, Builders Post-Tension donates every fall to support breast cancer research at MD Anderson. The inspiration for these gestures is Gretchen Hodge, a beloved employee and breast cancer survivor who has worked at the company since its founding.

“I was diagnosed a couple years ago,” recalls Hodge, collections manager at Builders Post-Tension’s Houston office. “It took me by surprise. No one ever thinks it will happen to them until it does. My doctor immediately referred me to MD Anderson.”

Under the care of Meghan Karuturi, M.D., associate professor of Breast Medical Oncology, Hodge is doing well. Most of her treatment was performed at MD Anderson’s Texas Medical Center Campus, plus radiation therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center The Woodlands. She still visits campus every six months for routine screening, but her treatment is considered a success.

“After my diagnosis, a parent from my daughter’s theater group said, ‘Aren’t you blessed.’ I thought that was a strange thing to say. But she was so wise in her words. Some days cancer is overwhelming. But it connected me with new people. It showed me areas in my life to focus on. It brought me closer to my loved ones. It really was a blessing in many ways.”

One of those blessings was the support from her work family.

“When people think of construction, they imagine all these hardworking, tough guys,” Hodge says. “But those guys have wives and daughters who may have gone through something similar. My experience with breast cancer mattered to them — not only in how they embraced me as a person, but with how the entire company now supports the cause. I am lucky to work at such a special place.”