Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.
-Thomas Edison
We’re grateful our employees show up and give their valuable time and energy to what we’re doing at KLE day in, day out. But we’ve started to ask… why? Why do people choose construction? How did they get started? What do they love about their job?
We’re no mind readers, so we simply went out and asked people about the work they do. Here’s what people said, both KLE employees and others in the industry:
Foreman
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved being around equipment. I also just appreciate the fact that they’ve given me a chance to be a foreman. There are a lot of companies that won’t even look at someone my age for a foreman position, even if they’ve earned the shot.
Operations Assistant
I never thought I would be in this industry. I was working at a local restaurant when they called me asking if I would be interested in an office position. I immediately jumped on the chance and went in for an interview. A couple of days later, I was a member of the Construction family. I have never looked back.
Superintendent
When I was young, I never knew that I wanted to move dirt for a living. I went to EMT school, racked up some student loan debt, and thought that was just what everybody does. These days, I look at what I do as an art form. I’m able to take the landmass around me and totally reshape it.
Creativity is essential when it comes to problem-solving in the dirt world. When many of the successful businesses that you see today got started, the only way to get a foothold in the industry was by doing something that set you apart from the next guy.
You could work faster. You could work harder. You could work cheaper.
Or, you can use your creativity to solve problems in a way that takes careful analysis, like the time a large midwestern earthmover waited until the lake between his jobsite and his destination froze in order to port the dirt across its 5 mile surface rather than drive the 63-mile circumference.
Ingenuity is always in high demand, and in construction, people who like to solve problems and be challenged will find themselves in the right place.
Pipe Crew Foreman
I have always loved to dig, so that’s enjoyable for me. The challenges of this job are also appealing to me. I love to be challenged, and if I’m not being challenged, I can get bored quickly. More than anything though, I am always so proud of the people that work on my crew. I’m proud of them for being able to pull off the tough jobs we do.
Like a lot of people, these individuals weren’t 100% sure what life would look like after college. They eventually surprised themselves by ending up in construction, and couldn’t feel more at home.
Administrative Assistant
It was a little bit of a struggle to figure out which way to go after graduation from college, but I was taught to keep going no matter what life throws at me. Fast forward a couple of years to July 2020 when I started with KLE, and everything started to fall into place.
Project Coordinator
Both of my parents are in the construction industry, so when my mom came across this job opening she encouraged me to give it a shot. I did not feel nearly qualified enough and was extremely intimidated, but I am also a competitive person and wanted to prove to myself that if I put in the effort, I could figure out a way to be an asset to the company. So, I applied despite feeling intimidated, and here we are one year later. I finally found a career path I truly enjoy.
If you’re a creative person, you know that your disposition doesn’t merely influence the way you solve a problem. It also has to do with taking pangs to showcase your hard work in the light that it deserves.
Backhoe Operator
When I come out to work and my superintendent or foreman asks me to dig a ditch, that’s my canvas. I am trying to make this big masterpiece for everyone in the world to see and I want to get it as close to perfect as I possibly can.
Excavator and Dozer Operator
I was in college when COVID hit and I came home to work with my stepdad. When he got an offer, he kinda looked at me to see if I would follow him. It’s not what I expected to be doing but I can’t picture myself doing anything else. And my crew? I love ‘em. They are like my brothers.
With days outside, constant variety, and the opportunity to grow a career, it’s evident that these millennials and Gen Z’ers love what they do.
Could construction be the career waiting for you? Check out our open positions here and apply today, or send us an email with your resume at jobs@kleconstruction.net.
At KLE, we’ll match opportunity to hunger. If you’re looking for a career with a strong culture, work you can be proud of, and excellent benefits, come be a part of our amazing industry!