Q1 2025 Kovach Ink

KOVACH INK Q1 2025

A Strong Start to 2025 for the Precon & Sales Teams!

As Q1 wraps up, the Preconstruction team is stepping into spring with solid momentum and a sense of pride. According to James Hatch, one of the standout moments of the quarter came with the exciting news that Kovach secured the Lincoln Medical project. This win wasn’t just another project—it was a chance to work closely with a long-term customer on a high-profile hospital job, with plans to collaborate on two additional buildings in the near future. It’s a partnership that speaks to the team’s ability to deliver value and build trust over time.

But the wins weren’t limited to landing new work. Precon also celebrated strong cross-department collaboration, particularly with Project Management and Business Development. “One standout moment of strong collaboration between departments happened when PM, Precon, and BD worked seamlessly to meet a quick turnaround request on the DFCM UDOT Payson Building,” James said. Their joint effort resulted in a well-received proposal that showcased Kovach’s responsiveness and professionalism—two traits that continue to define the company’s reputation.

On the process side, Precon made a significant internal shift by assigning a dedicated point of contact to each pursuit. This simple move streamlined communication, improved follow-up, and gave clients a clearer, more personalized experience from the start of the bidding process.

When asked what he’s most proud of, James didn’t hesitate: it’s the consistent energy and positivity his team brings to every pursuit. That mindset has been key to building momentum—and to fostering the kind of collaborative, can-do culture that makes big goals feel achievable.

As Q2 begins, the Preconstruction team is focused, motivated, and ready to keep the momentum going.

2nd Annual Yard Day

Our 2nd Annual Kovach Yard Day at HQ1 was a fantastic day of learning and connection.

Six of our vendor partners led interactive sessions, showcasing the latest products and services through live demonstrations.

Attendees rotated through each station, engaging in hands-on learning and meaningful conversations.

We wrapped up the day with a pizza luncheon—an ideal chance to network and reflect on the sessions.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Project Management Quarter one was a whirlwind across all departments, and the Project Management team was right in the thick of it—powering progress, solving problems, and keeping projects moving forward with precision.

While their full update isn’t featured this time around, it’s only because they’ve been deep in the work—coordinating complex timelines, supporting field teams, and ensuring every piece fits together behind the scenes.

We’re also excited to share some team news: Maria Robles joined as a Glass Project Manager, bringing valuable insight and leadership to the division. Priscilla Olmstead made the move from the Drafting Department to become an Assistant Project Manager for the Glass Division—an awesome example of Kovach’s commitment to internal growth and cross-functional collaboration.

Whether it’s coordinating the chaos or setting the pace, this team continues to be a driving force behind our success. Their steady presence is felt in every win—and we look forward to celebrating more of their accomplishments in the quarters ahead!

In Q1 2025, the HR team achieved several major milestones that strengthened both company culture and operations.

One of the biggest highlights? Earning the Great Place to Work® Certification—a recognition of their continued focus on building a supportive, engaging workplace. Dana Klinger emphasized that this achievement was a true team effort and a reflection of the strong culture they’ve all helped shape.

But HR didn’t stop there. They introduced impactful improvements to streamline internal processes and support employee growth. These included launching a new ticketing system for HR and payroll support and enhancing the Onboarding experience with added career path guidance and leadership training—key steps toward empowering employees to take ownership of their futures at Kovach.

The introduction of the Stay Interview program further reinforced HR’s commitment to culture and communication. By gathering honest feedback from employees across departments, the team strengthened trust and opened the door for even more meaningful engagement.

Dana also highlighted how the team has balanced all of these initiatives while managing their daily workload—truly embodying Kovach’s core value of Grit.

Looking ahead, HR will continue to focus on streamlining systems, supporting the field more directly, and ensuring that every employee’s voice is heard and valued—all contributing toward our shared goal of becoming Subcontractor of the Year.

At Kovach, excellence is rarely the result of individual effort—it’s the product of true collaboration.

Q1 2025 proved that once again, as cross-functional teamwork became the backbone of one of our most ambitious accomplishments to date. Whether in the field, shop, or office, it was the alignment of shared goals and mutual respect across departments that enabled us to deliver exceptional results.

The quarter culminated in the successful completion of the Novus Structure project—a major milestone and a standout moment for the entire team. Now a striking new landmark in Tempe, this complex project showcased not only our technical expertise but also the dedication and perseverance of everyone involved.

A key driver of its success? Seamless collaboration. The communication and coordination between the Shop, Project Management, Drafting, and Field teams were essential to navigating challenges and keeping the project on track. That unified effort created an efficient workflow and a strong sense of team ownership—directly contributing to the outstanding final result.

Congratulations to everyone who played a role. The Novus Structure is more than a project—it’s a reflection of what we can achieve together.

...continued

Novus Structure - Tempe

The unique nature of the Novus Structure project came with its fair share of challenges—most notably the custom-sized panels required throughout the entire structure.

To address this complexity, the team took a proactive approach by initiating an extensive in-house mockup phase. This strategic move allowed them to identify and resolve potential issues early, ensuring precision and reducing delays during both fabrication and installation. The smooth execution of these custom elements is a direct reflection of the team’s detailed planning, problem-solving, and craftsmanship.

To commemorate the project’s completion, members of the team had the opportunity to walk the finished structure—a moment that served as a tangible reminder of the collaboration and dedication that brought this bold design to life. It was a fitting celebration for a project that now stands as a new architectural landmark in Tempe.

In summary, the completion of the Novus Structure in Q1 is a standout achievement for Kovach. It highlights our ability to tackle complex custom requirements, innovate through in-house solutions like the mockup process, and deliver high-quality results through teamwork and shared purpose. This success not only sets a strong tone for the year ahead but also provides valuable insights for future projects.

The Construction team kicked off 2025 with impressive momentum and a clear focus on growth. One of the most notable achievements this quarter was expanding the team with new hires—bringing fresh talent and perspectives into the field. These additions aren't just filling roles; they’re adding real value, and that’s already being recognized internally and externally.

As Jansen Miller shared, “Hiring up, new talent, new perspectives on how to build—that’s been a big win.” That forward-thinking mindset is setting the tone for the rest of the year. The team isn’t just meeting project deadlines—they’re elevating the standard for what’s possible. Early feedback from other departments and clients alike reflects this shift: Kovach Construction continues to deliver results while building stronger relationships along the way.

This drive toward innovation and growth isn’t happening in a vacuum— it’s directly tied to how the team is aligning with Kovach’s mission.

Dedicating time and energy to thinking differently, working smarter, and leading with accountability is helping ensure not only that we get the job done, but that we do it the right way. Whether in the office or on-site, there’s a shared sense of purpose and pride fueling every milestone.

...continued

The Construction team’s quiet consistency and adaptability make them a force to watch this year.

As they continue to refine systems, support new hires, and uphold Kovach’s reputation in the field, they’re laying the groundwork for a strong year— one project at a time.

In Q1, the team embraced a thoughtful, disciplined approach to continuous improvement. By staying consistent with tools like panel trackers, PSRs, and visual schedules, they’ve elevated both daily performance and longterm agility. These systems kept the team aligned, on track, and focused— proving that small, steady actions are the foundation of sustainable success.

Just as important has been their focus on mindset and morale. Leadership made a point to engage in meaningful check-ins with team members, celebrating wins both big and small. These conversations boosted momentum, reinforced recognition, and helped maintain a positive team culture in the field.

The team also continues to draw from Kovach’s core values—applying them not just in process, but in purpose. It’s that balance of structure and spirit that has helped the Construction department stay resilient, motivated, and forward-thinking—proving once again that getting 1% better every day truly adds up.

Safety & Risk Management

Safety in Action: Q1 2025 Highlights & Achievements Proactive Engagement and Driver Safety Lead the Way This past quarter, proactive field engagement and the implementation of Driver Scorecards and cameras have emerged as standout initiatives in reinforcing workplace safety. Regular site visits, audits, and a focus on proactive measures helped identify risks before they escalated. The Driver Scorecard initiative also elevated driver awareness and accountability, creating a safer environment on the road.

Celebrating Safety Wins We are thrilled to recognize our team’s achievements! In Q1, we maintained zero recordables across all projects—a testament to our collective commitment to safety and vigilance. Special shoutout to Ismael Gallardo for his exceptional work at Samsung, turning around a challenging situation with professionalism and grit.

Strengthening Our Safety Culture Consistency in Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Toolbox Talks have proven critical in embedding a strong safety culture across all teams. Reinforcing these protocols daily ensures that safety remains top-of-mind, building habits that lead to long-term success.

Safety & Risk Management

Safety in Action: Q1 2025 Highlights & Achievements ...cont.

Living Our Core Values – Expertise & Grit Our team demonstrated its expertise through seamless coordination and strategic risk management, setting a high standard in our industry. Even when faced with tough challenges, our grit shone through as we navigated complex projects without compromising safety or quality.

Looking Ahead – Safety Strategy for 2025 This year, our safety strategy focuses on field engagement, driver awareness, and leveraging technology for real-time risk assessments. By proactively gathering client feedback and embedding safety into pre-construction meetings, we aim to maintain and exceed our high safety standards.

Building Stronger Client Relationships & Industry Partnerships We are committed to showing up professionally and consistently for our clients and partners. In 2025, we will continue to enhance these relationships through clear communication, accountability, and reliable project delivery.

Innovation and Efficiency Goals for 2025 This year, we are exploring digital JHA platforms and leveraging data analytics to streamline safety processes and enhance project efficiency. Our goal is to stay under budget without compromising quality or safety.

Subcontractor of the Year – Paving the Path Forward To help strengthen Kovach's candidacy for Subcontractor of the Year, our team will be diligently documenting achievements and demonstrating our commitment to safety, expertise, and client satisfaction.

We look forward to building on these successes as we continue to prioritize safety, excellence, and collaboration. Here’s to a strong and safe 2025!

o m C m e r i u t t t l e u e C

The Culture Committee kicked off 2025 with energy, creativity, and purpose—dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels connected, supported, and inspired. Here's a look at what we've been up to so far this year.

Rise, Dine & Design We welcomed 2025 with Rise, Dine & Design, a breakfast potluck where employees shared a meal and created vision boards to set goals for the year ahead. It was the perfect way to ease into the new year with intention, inspiration, and connection.

We launched our first-ever Quarterly Bingo in Q1—inviting employees to complete a variety of wellness, positivity, and engagement tasks.

With creative prompts and fun prizes, Bingo added a playful way to connect across teams and boost morale.

Book Club In Q1, the Book Club explored Dopamine Detox and Immediate Action

by Thibaut Meurisse—two short but impactful reads designed to eliminate distractions and reignite motivation. These selections supported our theme of becoming 1% better every day. We're continuing the momentum in Q2 by reading the remaining books in the series to keep that growth mindset going strong.

SPRING TRAINING KOVACH STYLE! Our spring training outing may have been rained out, but that didn’t stop us from making great memories together! We turned a soggy day into a home run for camaraderie. Check out the snapshots from our wet and wonderful adventure!

Front Desk

#KovachONE

H C A V KO

s ’ P MV Q1

The Kovach MVP Awards honor those who go above and beyond to embody our core values and make a lasting impact.

Congratulations MVP’s!

Own It

Positivity Angela Holliger

Braedon Harris

Office Manager

Metal Shop

Shawn Clayton

Nathan Darnell

APM, Metal

Drafting

Excellence

Grit

John Williamson

Ray Hernandez

Special Projects

Glass Foreman

Nahu Torres

Rodolfo RangelSanchez

Carpenter

Glass Shop

KOVACH - AN EMPLOYEE OWNED COMPANY If you've been part of the buzz lately, you know that Kovach has taken a huge step forward—we’re now an employee owned company! But what does that really mean? At its core, it means that each of us isn’t just working for Kovach; we’re working with Kovach. As employee-owners, every bit of effort we put in helps drive the success of the company—and we all get to share in those wins. It's a collective commitment to growth, grit, and greatness.

From a practical standpoint, the ESOP structure adds an extra layer of motivation and ownership. Each department has felt the impact in unique ways, whether it’s finding new efficiencies, collaborating with more purpose, or simply knowing that our hard work directly contributes to something bigger than a paycheck. It’s a shift in mindset that’s not just about business—it’s about building something together, with a shared stake in the outcome. After all, when we all row in the same direction, we don’t just move forward—we thrive.

As we move forward as an employee owned company, the possibilities are limitless. Together, we’re not just building projects; we’re building a legacy—one where every effort contributes to our shared success. With each passing day, we’re strengthening our foundation, growing our expertise, and deepening our commitment to each other. The journey is ours to shape, and the future is ours to own.

Here's to building, growing, and thriving—together.

O w n e r of the

h t n o m

Congratulations to our Owners of the Month at Kovach! Your dedication, expertise, and commitment to our core values shine brightly. Thank you for leading by example and driving our success forward!

Gabriel Hernandez Rodriguez - February Jose Gabriel Hernández Rodriguez exemplifies dedication and craftsmanship, and we’re proud to name him Kovach’s Employee Owner of the Month. Recently, he installed an impressive 110 panels in a single day alongside a teammate, showcasing both skill and teamwork. His commitment to quality was further evident in the precise installation of the system, ensuring all penetrations were properly sealed to minimize the risk of water leaks. Thank you, Jose, for your hard work and dedication—you truly embody what it means to be an employee-owner!”

Jose Ortiz - March Jose joined us just eight months ago, and from day one, he’s shown genuine excitement to learn, grow, and be part of the Kovach team. What’s really stood out is how much his attitude and mindset have evolved, he’s stepped up with a strong desire to lead, and he’s quickly become one of the rare team members that foremen specifically request. Jose has been working at Project North, and he’s become a key component to the success of the unitized setting crew. His ability to troubleshoot issues on the fly, stay a step ahead, and focus on hitting daily goals has truly set him apart.

JT Hanger - April J.T. Hanger was selected for April’s Owner of the Month in recognition of his strong alignment with Kovach’s core values. J.T. consistently brings a positive mindset to work, no matter the challenge. He doesn’t shy away from difficult projects or tight schedules—instead, he steps up and takes ownership.

Recently, J.T. jumped in to support both the Herberger and Align projects, demonstrating true grit and accountability. He works hard, manages his time effectively, and stays focused on hitting deadlines. His drive, initiative, and willingness to tackle complex issues make him an invaluable part of the team.

J.T. leads by example, always looking ahead and taking action to keep projects moving forward. His dedication, reliability, and cando attitude embody what it means to “Own It” at Kovach.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION KWIC (Kovach Women in Construction) was proud to celebrate and spotlight the achievements and contributions of women in the construction industry during Women in Construction Week (WIC Week)

We kicked off the celebration early with a Thursday forum hosted by ASA’s Build Her Up in partnership with ASU’s Del E. Webb Construction program, setting the tone for an inspiring week ahead.

Here’s a look back at our WIC Week highlights: We joined a special NAWIC event, honoring women in diverse construction roles and exploring how the industry has shaped their lives and careers.

KWIC members enjoyed a relaxing Happy Hour, where stories were shared and connections deepened over drinks.

We came together to create heartfelt “Sleep Well” cards for the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Shelter, spreading kindness and comfort to those in need.

Though the weather rained out our spring training plans, we didn’t let it dampen our spirits—we gathered at an alternate location and still enjoyed fantastic fellowship.

We wrapped up the week with a refreshing weekend hike, celebrating not just our accomplishments but the camaraderie we've built along the way!

WIC Week is a powerful reminder of the impact, resilience, and passion that women bring to the construction industry. We’re proud to support the women shaping its future and can’t wait to continue building on this momentum.

e n i h s t

r o ne p

R

Su

Kov

h c a

Welcome to the Kovach Sunshine Report, where we celebrate the bright moments and joyful news happening in our Kovach family!

From welcoming new babies to personal milestones, weddings, graduations, and everything in between—this is the space to share those special moments that bring a little extra sunshine to our days.

Congratulations to Kyle Kovach and Family!

We are excited to announce the arrival of Kruz Zachary, born to Kyle Kovach and his family on January 7th.

Congratulations to Taylor Robinson and Family!

We are thrilled to share the joyous news of the arrival of Emily Denise, born to Taylor Robinson and family on January 29th

Congratulations to Josh Hainsworth and Family!

We are celebrating the arrival of baby Adaline Jo, who made an early appearance on February 14th!

Congratulations to our families, on the arrival of their beautiful new babies! Wishing each of you endless joy, precious moments, and all the happiness that comes with this special time. Welcome to the Kovach family, little ones!

Have good news to share?

We want to hear about it! Email angelah@kovach.net with your announcement, and we’ll make sure it shines in the next issue of Kovach Ink. Because at Kovach, we don’t just build projects—we build connections, support each other, and celebrate life’s best moments together.

INTRODUCING

KOVACH

Wellness Committee

At Kovach, we believe that taking care of our people goes beyond the job site—it’s about supporting your well-being in every aspect of life. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Kovach Wellness Committee, dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, and financial well-being of all our employee-owners.

A big thank you to the committee for their first initiative of adding fresh fruit to HQ1, providing a healthy snack option that keeps us fueled and focused throughout the day.

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the Wellness Committee would like to help you thrive both in and out of the workplace. Here are 5 simples things you can do to take care of your mental health: Take Breaks When You Need Them — Step away to recharge, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Stay Connected — Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues. Sharing and listening can make all the difference.

Get Moving — Physical activity, even a short walk, can reduce stress and boost your mood.

Set Realistic Goals — Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Practice Gratitude — Take a moment each day to reflect on something positive.

Together, we’re building stronger foundations—not just in our projects, but in our lives.

Stay tuned for more from the Kovach Wellness Committee!

Thanks for an Incredible Q1 and for Reading KOVACH INK

*Submit your ideas for the next newsletter to Angela Holliger