We asked our KRU, “Why did you choose a career in construction?” For some, construction runs in the family. For others, it’s the satisfaction of seeing their work come to life or the collaboration that drives every project forward. Each story is unique, but together they touch on what makes this industry and working with a passionate team so rewarding. Here’s what they had to say.
Gary Dupuis – Chief Financial Officer
“What really attracted me to the construction industry and why I’ve stayed so long is basically five things:
- Variety – Every project is different with its own set of challenges and a new chance to thrill a customer.
- Finished Product – We build things we can be proud of that will stand the test of time. I still drive by buildings we built 30 years ago and say, “We built that beautiful building!”
- Collaboration – It takes a team of people working together to do what we do. Collaboration makes it fun.
- Interacting – I love connecting with coworkers, customers and subcontractors and always enjoy meeting new ones.
- Problem Solving – We’re in the problem-solving business and it’s gratifying to be part of a team that can figure out any challenge that comes our way.”
Erin Anderson – Project Coordinator
“What I love about construction is…
The dynamic environment that brings together a diverse group of people, each contributing their unique skills to create a lasting impact and fostering a strong sense of teamwork. Knowing that my efforts contribute to the successful completion of a project gives me a real sense of accomplishment.”
Bob Enger – Project Superintendent
“I chose construction because I grew up in the industry and felt it closely aligned with my natural skill set. My father and uncle started as Union Carpenters and both ended up as Superintendents and Directors of Safety. I spent time working alongside my dad, learning and enhancing my skill set to push me to be the dedicated professional that I am today.”
Joe Krusinski – Founder & Chairman Emeritus
“I did not choose a career in construction; it chose me… and probably because it was in my blood.
My dad was a carpenter and superintendent. My brother followed in his footsteps, also becoming a carpenter and superintendent. Another brother worked as a union elevator repair technician. My uncle was a successful architect who started his own general contracting business. This allowed me to work on job sites during holidays and summer vacations.
After completing high school, I decided to become an architect as a first step toward a career in construction. After graduating from the University of Illinois in Chicago, I obtained my license as a registered architect in Illinois and began working as the Midwest Division Architect for the Southland Corporation. In 1973, I met a successful Chicagoland real estate developer. We agreed to work together …voilà… so began the fulfillment of my dream to build buildings and be a general contractor, eventually starting very small with only three people and growing with the help of a hard-working family business and over fifty dedicated construction professionals.
Today, with the support and trust of both local and national clients, we have successfully grown our business with projects from coast to coast, and I could not be more proud of our KCC TEAM.”
Russ Smallwood – Project Engineer
“What I love about construction is working on difficult problems with a group of equally motivated professionals.”
Steve Beck – Quality Control Manager
“Construction matters to me because it is an opportunity to provide a client or occupant with a space critical to their business. I appreciate the challenges that must be overcome along the way and look for ways to proactively plan for them.”
Rick Drews – General Superintendent & Director of Safety
“I got into construction, specifically carpentry, when a few friends joined the carpenters’ union. What started as a good-paying job quickly became a passion. I enjoyed learning the craft, building and seeing projects through to completion, especially the more complex challenges. Over time, I took on more responsibility and grew in my career. Krusinski has been instrumental in helping me develop beyond carpentry, and the experience I gained in the trades has been a strong foundation for my role as a superintendent.”
Aaron Linker – Project Engineer
“I chose a career in construction because I have always enjoyed creating and building, and I wanted to apply that passion to real-world projects.”
