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Get to Know…

Kitchell Portrait, May 2011

Steve Whitworth, Vice President, Texas Region

Our series shining a light on Kitchell’s employee-owners continues with a conversation with Steve Whitworth, Vice President, Texas Region. While we had a base in Texas in the ‘80s, Kitchell opened its first office there since then in Austin in 2014 and we’re staffing our most recent office, in Houston.

While Steve is a recent transplant, he’s taken to the Lone Star State in a big way. (It certainly helps that he spent five years working on projects for Medical City Dallas). It’s welcomed him, and the entire Kitchell team with open arms proving that the great Texan Lyle Lovett knows what he’s talking about… “That’s right you’re not from Texas but Texas wants you anyway!”

Why did Kitchell open an office in Texas?

During the recession, Texas was able to weather the storm better than other regions and we saw great opportunity here. Kitchell’s longevity is based in large part on its nimbleness, our ability to quickly to make a big play in a new market or industry and create a home base where the demand is. Houston is the healthcare capital of the United States, and healthcare construction is our “sweet spot.” In fact we jumped into Texas via healthcare with projects for Baylor Scott & White Healthcare in Temple and in College Station.

Does the Texas market differ from other markets and how so?

Texans likes doing business with Texans. They are very loyal to their own and we’re the new kids on the block. But we’re doing a great job blending our Kitchell culture with Texas culture, hiring Texas natives who have inculcated the rest of us to the Texas way! It’s been fascinating to interview Texans, all of whom have stated they’ll move anywhere as long as it’s in Texas! They simply don’t want to go anywhere else and now I know why.

What’s the feeling amongst the Texas team?

There’s incredible energy as we ramp up and tell Texas our story. We tell people we bring the feel of a small contractor but with large contractor resources. It’s quite thrilling to have this sense of exploring new horizons, but bringing proven depth and strength. Internally, we have the feeling that we’re building something much larger than ourselves and we have the opportunity to shape it the way we want.

What’s the best thing about living in Texas?

Besides good barbeque, it’s a friendly place. People are so nice. There are four large cities but the majority of the state is ranchland. Most people I meet grew up in small towns and on ranches. It’s no lie, Texans are the friendliest, most open people you will meet. I love it here.

What took you the longest to grow accustomed to?

The difference between the markets is eye-opening. Austin is completely different from Houston which is different from Dallas/Fort Worth. It’s akin to the differences between Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles and the distances are kind of the same.

What are you looking for in an ideal Texas job candidate?

We are looking for exceptional project managers and superintendents, specifically those who have spent the majority of their careers in Texas. Prospects are excited by the fact that a 66-year-old company has planted a flag in their home state, and that they can build something from the ground up. It’s very appealing to them. We hear this a lot at our Texas A&M and Texas State recruitment events.

 

Get to Know…

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Talent Acquisition Manager Comesha Cunningham

Today, we launch “Get to know….” a new regular feature that sheds light on employee owner colleagues from across the Kitchell universe. Our first installment is a conversation with Talent Acquisition Manager Comesha Cunningham, who is based in Phoenix and works with all Kitchell companies and departments.

Tell us what brought you to Kitchell and when.

You know when you hear people say “I want to work with an organization that shares the same values as mine?” Well, that is what finally made me accept the offer after I declined the first time. That was a little more than 10 years ago.

How has recruiting in the industry changed since you began?

The diverse pool of candidates in the industry has changed, which is great. The shift in project delivery methods, the different roles general contractors, construction managers and architectural firms play have forced us to think differently about who is a “good fit” for our organization.

In your professional experience, what is the worst thing a prospect has done representing him or herself?

The worst thing a prospect can do during an interview is have that blank stare when asked “What do you know about Kitchell?” Being unprepared does not make for a good first impression.

The interview and follow up process also provides a glimpse of what candidates may expect from us going forward. We provide clear step-by-step instructions with constant follow-ups. That being said, when a candidate is unable to navigate through our hiring process, it can be a big red flag.

How many resumés does Kitchell receive each week?

We receive about 150 resumés per week, but fewer than one-third get past the initial “sniff” test.

What is the best recruiting tool?

As it is with capturing new work, building relationships is our best recruiting tool. We post positions to job boards mostly for branding purposes. Many hires come from our internship program (which is fantastic in “netting” some of our finest recent graduates), networking within industry associations, LinkedIn and employee referrals. Many of our strongest hires in the field come from employees who refer candidates, often their siblings and children! In fact, we have quite a few “legacy families,” which is awesome.

What makes a prospect an ideal Kitchell candidate?

An ideal candidate is someone who meshes well with our culture, inherently relates to our vision and is a stickler for quality and excellence. He or she must demonstrate initiative and add value that drives our organization forward.

Are there specific positions you’re looking to fill right now that are challenging?

Right now there is a battle for top talent within our industry. Finding quality talent has been a challenge for the last six months, in general.  Specifically, Engineers (Electrical, Civil, Structural and Mechanical) as well as Project Managers and Superintendents for California projects within our Healthcare Center of Excellence, which require specific building code experience known as OSHPD.