A successful career at Kinsley Construction does not have to start in one place or follow one formula. Some employees begin in the trades, some come through college and others bring skills from another industry. What they find here is room to learn, take on responsibility and build a career doing work that matters. For Chris Kotchish, Jhorielkys “Jiki” Cabrera Frias and Natalie Cutright, three very different starting points led to the same thing: opportunity.
Chris Kotchish
Kinsley Construction was part of Chris’ life from an early age. His father spent nearly 40 years with the company, giving Chris an introduction to Kinsley long before he joined the team himself. He initially attended college to pursue a career in structural engineering, but quickly realized that he wanted to do the work, not just design it. After deciding to leave college, he returned to his roots and started his career as an apprentice at Kinsley Construction in 2000. More than 25 years later, Chris has gone from apprentice to leading major infrastructure projects and the people behind them.
“Show up to work, be ready to learn and embrace every opportunity in front of you,” Chris says.
That’s what a career in construction can be. Not a fallback. Not a job you take until you figure something else out. A career where you can build skills, take on responsibility and keep moving forward.
Jhorielkys “Jiki” Cabreras, Building carpenter, offers another perspective.
Jhorielkys “Jiki” Cabreras
Growing up, Jiki attended an elementary school located directly across from Kinsley Construction’s Training and Development Center. On his walk to and from school, he watched our red trucks come and go, giving him an early glimpse into the work happening at Kinsley. With a grandfather who worked as a heavy equipment operator and other family members connected to the company, construction was familiar to Jiki from an early age.
After high school, Jiki considered college but knew it wasn’t the right fit for him. He liked being outside, wanted to work with his hands and didn’t want to take on student debt. After talking it over with his family, he joined Kinsley Construction as a carpenter apprentice in 2022. Today, Jiki is a full-time Building carpenter who enjoys being versatile and adding new skills to his toolbox.
“For me, you never know what tomorrow is going to hold,” he says. “That’s part of what makes a career in the trades rewarding. You aren’t limited to one skill or one job title. The more you learn, the more you can contribute and the more opportunities you can create for yourself.”
Jiki’s advice to the next generation is simple: work hard, be honest and don’t be afraid to ask questions. At just 24 years old, he has a home, a family and a growing list of skills he’s proud of.
What a Construction Career Can Become
Chris and Jiki’s stories show that a career in construction doesn’t have to follow one set path. Someone can start with little or no construction experience and learn the fundamentals of a craft. Over time, that can lead to opportunities to operate equipment, lead a crew, become a foreman or superintendent, manage complex projects or take on other leadership roles. Along the way, employees can continue building their skills, discover new interests and find opportunities they may not have considered when they first started.
As the industry continues to evolve, there are even more opportunities for people with different skills and interests to find their place. GPS-guided equipment, drones, 3D modeling and other technologies are changing how teams plan, communicate and work more efficiently. For people who enjoy solving problems, learning new systems or working with technology, those advancements are creating new ways to contribute and grow within the industry.
No matter where a career takes you, construction offers something few industries can: the opportunity to see your work take shape. You can point to something you helped build, see its impact on a community and know it may still be there long after you’re gone. A career in construction gives people the chance to build a legacy, keep moving and learning.
There’s More Than One Path
Construction takes a lot more than the people operating equipment, building structures and managing crews. It takes accountants to keep projects and the business financially strong.
IT professionals keep teams connected and technology moving. Marketers tell Kinsley Construction’s story, showcase the work happening in the field and help the company connect with clients, employees and the community. Engineers, estimators, project managers, HR professionals and many others bring specialized expertise that keeps projects and the company moving.
These roles may look different from the work happening in the field, but they are all connected to the same goal: building something that lasts. They also offer opportunities to learn, take on new challenges and grow, whether you come to Kinsley with a construction background, a college degree, experience in another industry or simply an unexpected opportunity.
Take Kinsley Construction CEO Jason Stouffer. His career started as a summer laborer, working in the field before joining Kinsley Construction as a project engineer in 2003. From there, he took on roles as an estimator, vice president of the Pennsylvania Site Division, executive vice president of the Civil Division and COO before ultimately becoming CEO.
For others, the path into construction may come from somewhere completely different.
Natalie Cutright
Natalie Cutright, Human Resources coordinator, came to Kinsley Construction after earning a degree in health services administration with a minor in business and gaining experience in healthcare billing and recruiting. She was looking for an opportunity to expand her skills and take on new challenges. She found that opportunity at Kinsley.
“Kinsley Construction has given me the chance to learn something new every day,” Natalie says. “The more you take the time to understand the people and the work we do, the more successful you’ll be.”
Natalie’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to start in construction to build a career in it. The skills you bring from another industry can open the door to something new, and the willingness to keep learning can take you even further. You don’t have to wear a hard hat to have a hand in what we build. You just have to find where your skills can make an impact.
Growing People, Growing Careers
At Kinsley Construction, careers are built over time. Employees who have helped build our legacy over the last 60 years are now helping shape the future by mentoring the next generation. Through hands-on learning and guidance from those who have been there, they’re passing along the knowledge that can help someone else take the next step.
Founder Bob Kinsley and Chris Kotchish
There is no single path to a career at Kinsley Construction. You can start in the field, in the office or somewhere in between. What matters is being willing to learn, take pride in your work and embrace the opportunities in front of you. Because the work we do doesn’t just shape communities; it builds careers.
If you want to leave your mark, take pride in what you do each day and create something to show off to your family—then join ours. Explore our opportunities.