This article is in support of National Women in Construction Week, March 5 – 11, 2017. For more information, visit nawic.org. Be sure to catch all five BW features of different women shaping the industry! 

With only four years in the industry, Kari Hogeback has managed to work her way up from laborer to Field Lead at Lithko Contracting. Although Hogeback credits her mentors for the reason why she has so quickly advanced in the company, her teammate, Kim Plummer, says, “[Kari’s] success is all her own. [At only 25 years old, Kari is] just beginning her career and has made tremendous progress — she will be a force to reckon with!”

Let’s see what the rising star had to say about her experience in the industry.

KARI, tell us about YOUR ROLE AT LIKTHO.

My role at Lithko is to plan, guide, and execute phases of work throughout each job.  As a field lead, it is my job to point my crew in the right direction and get the job done safely and efficiently.

WERE YOU ALWAYS INTERESTED IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT?  

I have always been somewhat interested in the built environment.  I was never aware that this is where my career path would lead me to, but it is satisfying being a part of building the newest structures.

YOUR TEAM COULDN’T SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT YOU, AND THEY MENTIONED THAT YOU’RE ADVANCING IN THE COMPANY QUICKLY. WHY HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT?

I have been able to advance so quickly at Lithko because of the great leadership that I am surrounded by and finding the leader within myself.  I know there are endless opportunities ahead of me, and that is what I work towards every day.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY WORKING AT LITHKO?

I enjoy working at Lithko because I go home every day and feel like I have accomplished something.  I really enjoy being a part of a company that is constantly growing.

You’ve been on many projects — WHAT HAS BEEN ONe OF THE MOST EXCITING?

One of the most exciting projects I have been on would probably have to be Liberty Way.  Having multiple buildings, crews, and phases of work going on at one time really opened my eyes to what an interesting future at Lithko will be like.  It was the first job that I got to be more involved with planning, budgets, and interaction between trades to keep the jobs running properly.

Can you Tell us about YOUR MOST CHALLENGING MOMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY?

One of the most challenging moments would be overcoming my fear of heights.  I have always been terrified of heights and never even tried to get over it.  It was pretty simple, I had to get in a man lift and get something done for the job, so I just did it without thinking about it.  Now it is nothing for me to climb a tall wall or get in a lift.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU’VE YET TO ACCOMPLISH THAT YOU HOPE TO IN THE FUTURE?

Something I have not yet accomplished is running my own job as a Project Lead.  I know that I still have some things to overcome before I am ready to successfully do so.  It is definitely the goal I am working towards right now.

WHAT COULD BE DONE TO GET MORE WOMEN TO JOIN THE INDUSTRY?

I think by getting involved specifically with women at high schools, community colleges, and job fairs to show them the opportunities for women in construction could grab interest.  I think it is definitely something that needs more attention.