MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – JARED KREDIT

Posted by: Arizona Builders Alliance

Name: Jared Kredit

Company/Position: K2 Electric – President & CEO 

As the President and CEO of K2 Electric, I am responsible for leading the team, managing the operations and direction of the company, and spending time developing new and existing client relationships. My favorite part of my role is supporting my K2 team members in personal and career growth opportunities and developing new and existing client relationships.

I joined the ABA in 2016, mostly to participate in LDF. While that program was great for myself and our company, the benefits go well beyond that program. For example, the ABA offers the opportunity for top-notch leadership training, networking and political advocacy. This variety allows a lot of our team to engage with the ABA’s offerings. I think the training and networking are very visible and that is where many people participate. But what the ABA and their National partners do for political advocacy is invaluable to our industry.

I’m engaged in a few other organizations outside of my company and the ABA. I serve on the School Board at Grace Christian Academy, and I am an active member in the Camelback Society & Young Presidents’ Organization.

Within the industry I’m an active member of the Arizona Builders Alliance (Past YBC Chairman, 2017 LDF Alumni, current Workforce Outreach Committee Chair, current LDF Alumni Committee member and current Board Member), Associated Builders & Contractors – National (Current member of the Legislative Committee), the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (Former Board of Directors & Apprenticeship Committee member).

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife Natalie and our three children. We’re staying busy with sports, where I help with coaching for soccer and baseball. As a family we enjoy hitting the slopes in the winter for skiing and snowboarding. I also really enjoy CrossFit style workouts with K2 Employees and friends in our gym – Superior Fitness at K2 Electric corporate offices in Phoenix!

My philosophy that I try to live/work by is that life is all about relationships. Approaching those around me with compassion, generosity, and investing in their growth and well-being is the most rewarding return on my time.

I am thankful that my career is in the construction industry – truly the best people! I look forward to serving on the ABA board!

K2 Electric recently took part in the 35^th annual Greater Phoenix Chamber 2022 IMPACT Awards program, and was recognized as one of three finalists in the Mid-size business category. K2 Electric was joined by Dircks Moving & Logistics and Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, PLC as the Mid-size category finalists.

The IMPACT Awards luncheon occurred on May 13 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. At the event, Jennings, Strouss & Salmon was named the Mid-size Business of the Year, with Concord General Contracting, Inc. winning Small Business of the Year and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona taking home Large Business of the Year honors.

For K2 Electric, taking part in the IMPACT Awards process was a valuable lesson. To develop a successful submission, the K2 team had to examine its efforts both in the industry and in the community and evaluate the impact those efforts can have. Then, after being selected as a finalist, K2 leadership took part in interviews with the IMPACT team and were able to share their story with the committee.

“Throughout the entire process, we had to evaluate what is it that we do that has an impact that really matters and that other people recognize,” said K2 Electric President Jared Kredit. “It was humbling and fulfilling to be among the nine finalist companies across the Arizona business community. We came away with strong connections in the community and better insight into how we as a company can continue to make an impact.”

The Greater Phoenix Chamber’s IMPACT Awards began in 1987 and have grown into one of the most sought-after awards programs in the Arizona business world. The goal of the IMPACT Awards is to honor the accomplishments of businesses and the impact they’ve made on the Greater Phoenix business community. The Chamber highlights companies with a strong footprint in the Valley that are deserving of special recognition.

“This award wasn’t just within our industry, which is different for us,” added Kredit. “We’re being recognized across all industries. I think sometimes we set our sights on what other people are doing and how we can do things better than the next competitor. This is just how we compare to all types of companies, so it is unique and humbling to have that element to it.

“The value for us isn’t just limited to external marketing messaging or messaging to potential employees or even our current team. The value is really knowing what people outside of our organization see as having an impact and bringing value to our company and the community.”

Southern Arizona is a unique marketplace for the commercial construction industry. In Tucson, Arizona, K2 Electric’s branch manager, Sean Salveson, has quickly understood the challenges and opportunities in this market after moving here from California in 2020.

In 2021, southern Arizona maintained a strong non-residential market and anticipates to continue to see this success throughout 2022 and 2023. However, according to Salveson, this success does not come without obstacles. In this area of Arizona, there is a labor shortage of workers at all experience levels. Although Arizona is on track to reach the anticipated population growth goals, Salveson says Tucson isn’t on par with other areas of the state. “A less dynamic economy makes it more difficult to find quality help in a booming construction market.” Salveson believes the best way to overcome the labor shortage challenges is to continue the longstanding K2 Electric value of putting people first. “No company accomplishes greatness without a great team,” according to Salveson. “The goal is to build the company from within, help our employees grow, and put them first because clients will reap the benefits of strong company culture.”

A shortage of workers comes with a lack of supplies. Like many industries, the commercial construction industry is still seeing the repercussions of the Covid pandemic and faces a problematic supply chain shortage that has continued to worsen from 2020 to 2021. Although, Salveson is hopeful for the anticipated reprieve that local experts believe will come in the fourth quarter of 2022. Until then, K2 Electric continues to overcome the hurdles of supply chain shortages by building solid relationships with other industry leaders. K2’s reputation has allowed it to service its customers timely and efficiently.

Despite these challenges, Salveson is excited about the years ahead and anticipates seeing the growth of the K2 Electric team in southern Arizona. He is not only looking forward to the development of the company, but also hopes to continue to foster a relationship with the community and industry leaders in southern Arizona. “Tucson is a great community; it welcomed my family with open arms, and we will continue to give back through community involvement, both personally and professionally.”

2021 was a very busy and rewarding year thanks in large part to graduating from the Leadership Development Forum (LDF) program hosted annually by the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA).   

As described on ABA’s website, “ABA’s Leadership Development Forum (LDF) is a year-long intensive management education program that requires significant commitment on behalf of each candidate and employer. The program is limited to 30 students. It has sold out annually since being introduced in 1993. The annual, in-depth course focuses on management skills, leadership, and public speaking. The program has received both state and national awards and has graduated more than 800 constructors over the past 25 years.” 

The program covers a range of topics from “Finance in Construction” and “Work/Life Balance” to “Public Speaking.” One of the best parts of this program is the incredible instructors that are brought in to teach the classes. An example of one we’ve had was Dr. Tom Schleifer, ASU professor and author of “Construction Contractors’ Survival Guide,” who taught what he learned from failed contractors. Other speakers included John Murdough, CPA with Henry Horne, who is one of the original founders of this class, and they taught us about construction in finance in a way that is easy to understand. Danielle Feroleto, Owner and President of Small Giants as well as a case study judge for the program, showed us the art of how to tell a story while presenting. 

To qualify for this prestigious program, the following criteria must be met: 

• Must have a minimum of eight years of construction experience or have participated in the Emerging Leaders Forum program with at least six years of construction experience   
• Submit the application 

• Produce a two-minute video explaining why you should be selected for the program   
• Be nominated by your company’s C-level management (with the time commitment, it is imperative that your company understands and supports you during this program. I am very thankful that K2 and my fellow coworkers gave me the opportunity to take the time needed). 
• Be willing to attend 100% of the LDF meetings once a month 
• Actively participate in the group’s community service project  

By having this stringent application process, the Arizona Builders Alliance is ensuring a strong group of leaders from the Arizona job market and the same level of dedication among peers, which facilitates a successful and unified experience.  

One rewarding aspect of the commitment to the program is the community service project built together over the course of the year. Our class selected Advocacy, Support & Assistance (ASA) Now, which is an organization located in East Mesa, AZ that helps foster kids and families. Our group was able to build a horse arena with a tack shed, so they can bring in horses for equine therapy; construct a raised garden bed, run power and lighting to the basketball courts; and we will soon be constructing a new pergola shade structure with outdoor seating.   

There were many parts of this class that helped me grow tremendously, but the most impactful part was presenting our LDF case study portion. We were split into teams of six and given a case study to roleplay as employees seeking to buy out the original owner.  

The presentation needed to include: 

• A financial plan 
• Explanation of our culture  
• What we believed to be the best solution for the owner 

The comradery of my teammates and the class in general made this program successful and rewarding. We stepped out of our comfort zones and were able to grow professionally. I am thankful for my hours spent in the LDF program. My relationships with others in the industry have been strengthened, my leadership skills have been sharpened, and I have learned a tremendous amount from my peers and all the wonderful experts that shared their knowledge with us. I highly recommend anyone starting in their career to join the association and become involved!