Member Spotlight: The AKA Team

Name
Ariane Kirkpatrick

Job Title
President / Owner

Company Name
The AKA Team & AKA Team Waterproofing, LTD

Tell us about your company
The AKA Team consists of forty plus team members, collectively, with over 200 years of general contracting, construction management, commercial waterproofing and other self-performing capabilities. 

Favorite part(s) of your job & why?

My favorite part about my job is the team and the ability to give people the opportunity to be in the construction industry. DEI initiatives are always top on my mind. At The AKA Team we are intentional about our recruitment of diverse candidates. I am also excited to be a part of the community and go the extra mile to provide comfort to the jobs we work on. Recently we were given the opportunity to be the construction managers for the Garden of Eleven Angels project, monument and memorial garden in remembrance of the 11 women killed by a serial killer in Cleveland. 

What has been the key to your company's success thus far?

Our company motto is Always Known As the TEAM you can depend on. We build projects with passion and are driven by the anticipation of the impact it will have in our communities for years to come. The AKA Team focuses on building tomorrow’s diverse future one building at a time. 

What important changes/initiatives are you working on now?

The AKA Team has found a new home, The Jabali Building. We have purchased a 46,000 sq. foot building that serves as our headquarters for our offices and warehouse. We are located in the St. Clair Superior section in Midtown in a beautiful historical building, with breathtaking architecture. The Jabali Building will be iconic in the City of Cleveland. In the very near future we will build a green roof that will offer beautiful views of Lake Erie and the Downtown skyline. 

How has The AKA Team benefitted from its CEA membership?

CEA has been an integral part of the success of The AKA Team. My time as a board member helped navigate relationships and learn more about the collective bargaining process. I would say two of the most beneficial services is the safety program and educational classes. We took full advantage of the opportunity to create our AKA Corporate Safety Policy which we update with the assistance of CEA annually. The classes have been phenomenal in our growth. Our team members love that we give them opportunities that enhance their capabilities. Glen Shumate has done an awesome job in providing classes that have a true impact to construction companies and their employees. 

What is the importance of mentoring and inclusion? If you had/have a mentor, who was it and what value did it provide you/your company?

We have had the opportunity to be involved in two particularly important mentor protégé programs that have been an integral part of our growth. The Cleveland Clinic Mentor Protégé Program Construction Management Program. We were selected by several companies and chosen by Whiting-Turner Contracting company. This relationship has put is in position to not only work with WT on projects such as the Ring Bus and Lakewood Hospitals, but to have construction projects that we have led on our own, from a small closet to renovation of an entire wing. We also partnered with Donley’s Restoration Group to expand our waterproofing division. The AKA Team formed a partnership with DRG and eventually went back on our home to become one of the premier commercial companies in Ohio. I personally have mentor opportunities with other individuals such as Tari Rivera from Regency Construction who never fails to sit down with me and share her knowledge. We have had extensive sessions on GMP, delivery methods and scheduling.  Giving back is such a big part of who we are at The AKA Team. My favorite quote by President Obama is the mantra we follow, “Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential. For several years I have mentoring sessions with individuals that are considering construction as a career. I give them realistic expectations of what the career entails whether it is in the field as a tradesman or on the construction management side. I also speak extensively about the business side, which is the main ingredient to make your business successful.

How does The AKA Team find and retain talent? 

We have a unique relationship with Whiting-Turner Contracting that goes beyond job opportunities. They have a robust talent acquisition program and have invited us to learn and adopt techniques that help us find the right candidates with retainage and quality in mind. We are growing by leaps and bounds. The AKA Team has hired three administrative positions, Director of Human Services, Marketing & Business Development Director and a Chief Diversity Officer as well as several project engineers and superintendents. The AKA Team has hired three administrative positions, Director of Human Services, Marketing & Business Development Director and a Chief Diversity Officer as well as several project engineers and superintendents. We have partnered with Glen Shumate to participate in college fairs and found extraordinary talent.

What would you say to someone at the beginning of their career in construction?

For minorities and women in the field do not allow yourself to be used as a percentage or a number to fulfill a goal. Never rest on your laurels and be satisfied. Continuous education is the key to opening all the doors in front of you.