Someone San Diego Should Know: Shandon Harbour

Since 2017, Shandon Harbour has served as CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego (known as ABC), a trade association that provides training and other services for primarily small and mid-sized contractors.

Although a leader in the industry, Harbour is not a skilled construction worker. She is a former elementary school teacher.

The construction industry has historically been male-dominated. But, breaking glass ceilings has not been the focus of Harbour’s leadership, despite being ABC’s first female CEO.

“It’s been about delivering results,” she said. “And it’s worked out great. I’m still here at ABC and love it.”

Born in 1969 and raised in Point Loma, Harbour’s father instilled a “can do” attitude that has stuck with her.

“He always pushed me to do more and be confident,” she said, recalling an example when she was 8 competing in a sailboat race with older boys and faster boats.

“I struggled, and the boys teased me. I sailed to the dock, tears streaming down my face while telling my dad that I quit. He promptly turned my boat around, pushed me off the dock and yelled, ‘Go get them!’ I floundered and cried, but it was a valuable lesson. I don’t give up easily.”

Beginning at 14, she worked after school and during summers in the family-owned alarm business, which she continued doing through high school.

After graduating college in 1991, Harbour felt a calling to teach, earned credentials and taught secon...