Meet Keith Dafcik, our Chief Operations Officer at Peak Construction.
With over 38 years of industry experience, Keith’s goal is to contribute to the company’s growth and expansion into different geographic and vertical markets. He’s involved in many of the company’s operational efforts to optimize managerial, operational, and administrative processes, and ensures maximum operating results and customer satisfaction.
Tell us about your role at Peak Construction.
My role involves, bringing operational expertise to Peak from my experience with larger national companies and pursuing new business in different geographical and vertical markets. The network of relationships I’ve built with clients, subcontractors, and colleagues over the years has helped make the path easier and has been incredibly rewarding. Mentoring and coaching others, along with pursuing new work, are aspects of the job that I particularly enjoy.
What inspired you to join and pursue a career in the construction field?
I have always enjoyed creating things with my own hands, designing, and putting things together from scratch. Growing up, I loved building small projects, which peeked my interest and led me to a career in the design/build construction industry. The satisfaction of taking an idea from concept to completion has always driven me. Early on, I knew I wanted to be in this field, and it’s been a fulfilling journey ever since.
What do you enjoy most about working at Peak?
The culture and people at Peak are fantastic. We operate like a family with an open-door policy. Everyone, including executives, are often involved in projects from start to finish. The camaraderie and collaborative environment are unique and make Peak a great place to work.
What skills do you think are the most critical for success in your role?
Leading by example and maintaining a hands-on management style have been pivotal throughout my career. Problem-solving and people management skills are essential in navigating the complexities of our projects. Successfully managing each unique individual with diverse skill sets demands a high level of understanding, and patience.. Furthermore, a key aspect of my role is the willingness to mentor, coach, and train staff effectively. This approach not only fosters productive employees but also cultivates the next generation of leaders.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at Peak?
One of the most memorable experiences was pursuing and winning significant projects in the Northeast and Southwest markets. The pursuit process, budgeting, and collaboration with our teams to overcome challenges has been incredibly rewarding. These projects not only tested our strategic capabilities but also underscored the importance of building strong relationships with clients.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career?
Treating people fairly and with respect is vital. This applies not only to those on your immediate team, but also to clients, subcontractors and consultants. Building long-term relationships based on mutual respect and integrity is critical in our industry, as the professional community tends to become smaller and more interconnected with experience. By fostering an environment of trust and respect, you not only enhance collaboration and efficiency but also ensure a positive reputation that stands the test of time. This approach has been instrumental in my career, helping to cultivate strong, lasting partnerships and a network of reliable professionals.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in construction or at Peak?
Dive-in and learn as much as you can. Take the initiative, ask questions, and don’t wait for instructions. It’s crucial to work hard and consistently put in the effort to develop your skills and expertise. Understanding how buildings are constructed and sequenced in the field and having a firm understanding of project management fundamentals will set you up for success. Building relationships and maintaining effective communication are also essential. Networking with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors can provide invaluable insights and support throughout your career.
What are your interests and passions outside of work?
Fishing for all kinds of fish, whether in fresh/salt water, is my biggest passion outside of work. I also enjoy spending time with the family, clay shooting and watching Boilermaker basketball! At Peak, we often organize fishing and hunting trips, which helps build camaraderie and strengthen professional relationships. These experiences foster a sense of unity and teamwork that is valuable to our work environment. Peak’s encouragement of personal interests and outdoor activities contributes to a positive, engaging, and well-rounded workplace culture, where employees feel supported both professionally and personally.
