Anyone can boast about values and list them for all to see, but at KLE, we hope to stay accountable to each other to live them. If we can live our values, we believe that everyone at KLE will flourish, even when they’re away from the main office. Strong company culture is our goal, but there isn’t a straight line between writing our values down and seeing them become reality. For a culture that reflects our values, KLE depends on every single person on the field and in the office to pull together as one.
So just what are our values? Over the years, we’ve boiled it down to the following seven pillars:
- Loyalty
- Lead by example
- Go the extra mile
- Take ownership
- Build positive and fun relationships
- Never stop learning
- Be disciplined
While it would be a bit easier to nurture KLE culture and stay accountable to each other if we were always working in the same geographic area, that’s not the case. Wide open spaces can be inspiring, but they also present greater communication challenges than you’d see in an urban operation.
This is where our people come in. From laborer to project manager, everyone we bring on board is hired through the lens of whether they are a cultural fit. Don’t have a lot of experience? If you succeed in living out the golden rule and want to learn, you’ll fit in at KLE.
An example of one of our employees who lives and breathes KLE culture is Will Kullman. Will was working on a pipe crew after serving in the Marines. He’d always wanted to operate big machinery, and coming out to North Dakota was a dream come true. For KLE, Will is also “a dream come true” because he’s always taking the initiative to teach his crews and help each individual grow.
Will believes that each person is part of a bigger whole. This is evident when it comes to the respect he shows for the tools we use, from a safety standpoint and from the perspective of stewardship. He treats the equipment well and teaches his crews to do the same. At the end of the day, what we do affects everyone at KLE. By treating the equipment like it’s his own, Will demonstrates regard for everyone else who will use the same machinery.
Will’s not shy on aptitude, but it’s his positive attitude that really stands out when the temperatures are dropping and his crew is scattered over a long stretch of road. Will makes an effort to build strong relationships with his team and put people where they’ll excel, and he knows how to encourage others when facing challenges.
When asked about how he feels about KLE, Will says, “when I’m introducing myself and I say ‘hey, it’s Will from KLE,’ I immediately know that I have this entire company standing behind me. I’m proud to work for a company with a great reputation, and I work hard to uphold that reputation.”
We owe our good name to our amazing people. Without them, we wouldn’t be KLE. From the original Everett family to foreman Will Kullman, KLE is made up of individuals who take to heart the idea of giving it all you’ve got and taking pride in your work. We’re grateful for a team that keeps us accountable to our word and brings our values to life.
Want to join us on the KLE adventure? Contact us or check out our careers page at https://kleconstruction.net/careers/
Ready to experience the KLE difference on one of your projects? We have offices in Billings, Montana and Williston, North Dakota to serve your needs.