Moxie International, Inc. is unique as a third-generation, family-owned company providing specialty products that have transformed the construction industry — and as a construction company led for decades by a woman. Founded in 1975 by Frederick Harrison Giles, Moxie celebrates 51 years in business, with its longevity and success due in large part to Giles’ daughter, Turia Davis, president since 2000.

“Successfully networking and negotiating in a traditionally male-dominated industry has been part of my life’s work and I hope my journey encourages other women to pursue leadership roles in construction.”— Turia Davis, President

Moxie manufactures specialty concrete admixtures, penetrating sealers and related technologies designed to waterproof and vaporproof concrete, improving its durability. The company serves projects nationwide and is expanding internationally.

Turia joined the family business in 1990, but her remarkable story began in Bora Bora, where she was born in 1945 while her father was stationed there with the U.S. Navy. She later grew up in the tiny gold-mining town of Alleghany in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, where her father owned and operated the Gold Crown Mine.

Turia put herself through Sacramento State working as a professional Polynesian dancer, graduating with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. She initially planned to teach, but found success in real estate before joining Moxie.

“Women in construction leadership were far from the norm when I started, but I was eager to help the family business and quickly gained experience and responsibility,” says Turia. “Successfully networking and negotiating in a traditionally male-dominated industry has been part of my life’s work and I hope my journey encourages other women to pursue leadership roles in construction.”

Turia’s leadership combines compassion with remarkable tenacity and perseverance — qualities that helped Moxie navigate construction downturns, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My grandfather founded Moxie, but my mother is the bridge that made a third generation possible,” says Managing Director Michael Davis. “She carried this company through difficult seasons with compassion, tenacity and absolute perseverance. The opportunity our generation has today to expand Moxie across the United States and around the world rests on the foundation she helped build and strengthen.”

Now in its 51st year, Moxie looks toward its next half-century with Turia’s legacy firmly at its foundation.