We're celebrating our amazing employees during our 50th anniversary year, highlighting team members who have helped make KEPHART who we are today.
This month we're introducing you to Principal and Chief Financial Officer, Colleen Cichy.
What brought you to KEPHART?
John Binder, Principal and Senior Director of Architecture, and I worked together at a previous firm on the East Coast before John moved to Colorado. It was a large firm and in my accounting role, I was exposed to many aspects of how a successful Architecture Firm is run. I eventually moved to Colorado after visiting two best friends and falling in love with the state. My boss at the time emailed John my resume along with her letter or recommendation, in hopes, that through John’s connections, he might be able to pass my information along to others in the industry. To my surprise, John reached out to me after a couple of months with a potential opportunity at the firm he was working for, KEPHART. When I walked into the office, I just knew this was it.
What was your first position at KEPHART?
When I started at the end of 2005, Paul Campbell (KEPHART’s second President) had fully transitioned into his CEO role after Mike Kephart’s retirement. It was determined that he needed an assistant to help him manage his day-to-day. At that time, having just moved to Colorado, I was looking for a job that met my skill set, ideally in accounting, but more so in the industry I was familiar with, as well as a company that had a strong and lively culture. So, I accepted the offer and joined our Blue Team (KEPHART’s administration team) to manage Paul’s schedule. Over the course of the year, I quickly expanded my role to assist with accounting functions, in addition to the administrative role I had working with Paul. And not long after that I was present with the opportunity to work full-time as the Financial Manager for KEPHART. I remember being completely honored with this opportunity, but also concerned that I did not have enough experience. Paul, however, eased my concerns and told me that I would be given all the tools and support I would need to learn and grow in my career, and it happened. I worked with and continue to work with our business consultant, Earl Eisenberg, a mentor of mine, who has helped me every step of the way. In addition to having Earl on speed dial, the support of Paul, the other leaders, and our communication consultant, Dennis Tallon, has gotten me to where I am today.
What is your biggest piece of advice?
In my role, I have had to wear multiple hats at any given time, so I have learned the importance of staying flexible with my workday, asking questions, and being comfortable asking for help. This would be my advice to others. Stay nimble, don’t be afraid to learn something new, recognize when you have too much on your plate, and ask for help.
What is your proudest moment at KEPHART?
Well, there are many proud moments. Simply working for KEPHART is a source of pride. If I have to narrow it down, I would say my proudest moment was when Paul asked me to join the Leadership Team and becoming an Owner in the company. Another thing I am very proud of was being a part of the development of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) a benefit for all KEPHART employees. There was a lot of forethought, research, and education, even just before implementing it, and it was great to be a part of the group that figured out how it worked and developed an execution plan. It is an amazing and rewarding feeling to have been a part of being able be able to give back to our employees.
What is your favorite part about working at KEPHART?
I would say I have two favorite parts. One is the people. It is a comfort to be able to joke around throughout your day, and to not take ourselves too seriously. So, I really love that aspect of it, where, you know, you work hard, and have fun at the same time. The people have been a big part of my life and have seen me through some of my biggest moments. I would say my second favorite part is the experiences and genuine investments I’ve seen in others’ careers and experienced myself. I’m not in an architecture role, but I’m constantly surrounded by people who inspire me and encourage me to continue to grow in my leadership role. We are a people-first company, and you can feel that inside our office walls.
