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July 25, 2016 40 Under Forty 2016

Karrie Kratz

Karrie Kratz Karrie Kratz
Karrie Kratz coaches one of Gilbane's younger engineers at a construction site.
Karrie Kratz describes sailing on the ocean as her “happy place.”

Age: 37

Company: Gilbane Building Company

Title: Vice President, Connecticut Operations Manager

Town where I live: Westbrook

Town where I work: Glastonbury

College: New England Institute of Technology

Q&A:

What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I manage Gilbane's field operations, serving as the construction principal-in-charge for a portfolio of $220 million in construction contracts. I'm responsible for coordinating and developing our teams, setting expectations and goals, and monitoring our progress.

What are your goals for your community involvement? I strive to create a synergy between youth, education and the construction industry. I try to introduce and inspire people of all ages to see the opportunities that are available in construction. My hope is that through these connections I can help young people find a passion for building like I did.

What's your biggest passion? My biggest passion is being on a team. I love being with people and helping them achieve a greater cause. Being a collaborator and integral team member on many complex projects is what has driven my career thus far.

What are your future aspirations? I plan to continue to lead Gilbane's extremely talented construction teams in any capacity needed. I plan to be a collaborator on some of Connecticut's future landmark projects. I will teach the young people of my industry all that I know so they can become master builders themselves.

If you had one wish to brighten Hartford's economic future what would it be? One wish for the future of Hartford as well as the state of Connecticut is a communication of positivity. The saying 'perception is reality' couldn't be more true today in how we communicate about our home. There is so much negativity that bombards the masses about the state of the state, it is very easy to join in commiserating the troubles we face as a community and the hard decisions that have to be made only pointing to the negatives.

The only way to rise above that negative stigma is with the power of positivity. There are great things going on here, we need to talk about them!

List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:

  1. I am one of the youngest vice presidents within my company.
  2. I was the first and youngest woman to be named operations manager in my company's New England region.
  3. I dedicate myself 110 percent to leading high-performance teams for extraordinary and profitable outcomes.
  4. I balance my work success with raising my beautiful family. They are both my life's greatest accomplishments.

Time Tested:

What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? I have a beautiful pearl necklace that my mother gave to me on my wedding day. I wear it whenever I need strength to get through a tough day.

What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Sailing with my grandfather and dad

Twenty years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? I thought I would be a stay-at-home Mom.

Who do you consider your mentor? Steven Kononchik, Gilbane Building Company, retired Vice President, District Manager

See the complete list of Forty Under 40 Winners for 2016! 

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