Silver Service Recognizes Longtime KA Employees
Change is constant, and our lives are filled with the constant flow of new technologies and processes. Yet it is enduring relationships that are at the heart of Kraus-Anderson’s values. And nowhere is that commitment better exemplified than by KA’s strong corps of longtime employees.
On March 5, 2018, Kraus-Anderson hosted its annual Silver Service dinner and awards program at the Minneapolis Club. The Kraus-Anderson Silver Service Program recognizes employees who have at least 25 years of service to Kraus-Anderson. Currently that team includes 72 members, approximately ten percent of KA’s workforce. Six new members were inducted this year, as described below in notes and remarks from the program.
GARY FRANCISCO, Lead Superintendent, Kraus-Anderson Construction-Bemidji. Gary was an original employee of the Bemidji office when it was established 25 years ago. His teammates consider him honest, kind and unselfish. He epitomizes Kraus-Anderson’s core values and is a great ambassador for the company. One of the highlights of Gary’s career was being awarded the Everett A. Hansen Industry Advisor Award from Dunwoody College by Bruce Engelsma in recognition of his outstanding, dedicated effort to provide a “best in class” educational experience for Dunwoody students.
JEFF MOORE, Project Superintendent, Kraus-Anderson Construction, Minneapolis. Jeff started at KA’s Circle Pines location as a carpenter and became a project superintendent. He is considered instrumental in helping to build KA’s Midwest office. Jeff is hard working; has a great work ethic and exhibits true leadership skills. He can be counted on in anything he does. His most challenging project proved to be the coordination, sequencing and safety necessary to keep the four buildings at Flint Hills Refinery on schedule for over ten years. His teammates consider him a “true construction worker”.
JEANETTE CROOK, Project Coordinator Trainer, Kraus-Anderson Construction, is a KA multi-company employee, having worked for Transpacific Finance, KA Mortgage, and for the past 19 years, KA Construction. She has been dedicated and invaluable in all of her roles, putting her heart and soul into the growth and success of Kraus-Anderson. She was instrumental in the rollout of the Viewpoint TIP21 project, and continues to help Project Teams learn to use the latest technologies. She has traveled far and near, including working with jobsite teams on 17 Cabela’s stores. She is considered honest, kind, dedicated, determined, adaptable, and willing to take on challenges. She does whatever it takes to get the job done.
JOHN CAMPOBASSO, Vice President/Manager, Business Development, Kraus-Anderson Construction. “I still remember John’s initial interview at KA,” said Al Gerhardt, President and COO of Kraus-Anderson Construction. “Our HR procedures were a little different back then. John must have been pretty impressive because when (then president) Bill Jaeger and I met with him for the first time, Bill offered him the job 15 minutes into the interview. Now, as our Director of Business Development, John has been instrumental in representing KA to the community, serving on numerous community organizations and being the face of the redevelopment of the KA block. He is considered the ultimate KA employee. Humble, knowledgeable, fair, caring, and connected. He gets in early, stays late, and pushes, supports, and encourages the KA team.”
RICH JACOBSON, Executive Vice President, Kraus-Anderson Construction. When co-workers were asked to comment on Rich’s contributions to KA, words that were repeated over and over were: loyal, dedicated, motivated, a leader, steadfast, a teacher, a role model, a friend. Rich rose to the role of Kraus-Anderson construction’s executive vice president through years of loyal service. His care for clients, architects, partners, associates and subcontractors seems outweighed only by his support, advocacy, cheer leading, and leadership to the employees of KA. He lives and models the behavior he expects in others. He is an excellent communicator, a strong and effective decision maker; he delegates and empowers his team. And he is highly respected.
JILL GUNDERSON, VIP Account Executive, Kraus-Anderson Insurance. “Jill has a quirky and delightful sense of humor; and her teammates consider her caring, dedicated, and a great mentor,” commented Dennis Diessner, Executive Vice President and COO, Kraus-Anderson Insurance. Her clients include millionaires and a few billionaires, clients who have ranches and yachts, multiple homes and personal car collections. These people can buy insurance anywhere. It is Jill’s attention to detail that leaves our clients with a feeling of confidence, knowing that Jill is always looking out for their best interest. She is a great person and a good friend.
Also recognized for additional service milestones were:
30 Years of Service:
Brian Kampf, KA Insurance
Carolyn Miler, KA Insurance
Dan Rothbauer, KA Construction
Gary Skogman, KA Construction
Dian Parnell, KA Realty
Dan Tkach, KA Realty
35 Years of Service:
Scott Bulthuis, KA Construction
40 Years of Service:
Roger Camp, KA Realty
“With the opening of the KA Block, this has been an especially momentous year for our employees and our company,” commented Bruce Engelsma, Chairman, Kraus-Anderson Companies. “For all of you who have been with us through past challenges, victories, and changing conditions, it is especially poignant for us to celebrate with you in this historic year. Your outstanding performance, positive outlook and support of our business sets an example to KA’s younger and newer employees. You are the heart and soul of Kraus-Anderson and what sets us apart from others,” he concluded.
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Congratulations to Dian, Dan, Roger and all. What a group of honorees! So fortunate to be working along side you!