Project Superintendent Carol Sende has built a lot of buildings over her 39 years in construction. But while her output is impressive, including healthcare clinics, senior housing additions, high tech campuses and corporate restacks– she’ll be the first to tell you that nothing compares to the relationships she’s built along the way. This week, a lookback on a long and rewarding KA career.
“Go All In:” Carol Sende on 39 Years in the Construction Field
Talk about how you became drawn to this industry.
CAROL SENDE: I came to this business though my dad, who was a construction superintendent for 38 years at Adolfson and Peterson. In the early 80’s the industry was looking for women and minorities to come into construction, and while he knew it was a tough business, he also knew that I was cut out for it. Very smart man.
What initial training did you pursue to become a carpenter?
CAROL SENDE: I was put in touch with a carpenter Business Agent and luckily KA was hiring. I signed up at the carpenters apprenticeship training program and KA was my sponsor.
Who did you initially report to, and what were some of your earliest jobs?
CAROL SENDE: I started in the fall of 1984 with the KA St. Paul Division office at Canterbury Downs on the stables. Ira “Sam” Sampson was the Supt, Pete Hembroff was the carpenter foreman. I worked at various jobs and then was farmed out to KA Building Division and remained until we joined KA Minneapolis.
Who were your mentors? Who recognized your potential and helped you gain recognition and advance in your career?
CAROL SENDE: There were many that were willing to take me under their wing. I had so many great teachers, other carpenters, foremen, superintendents. Pete Hembroff, George Beckers, Larry Kelly, Don Charpentier, Erling Jaeger, Denny Gustafson, they all seemed to let me know in one way or another I had potential to move up in my career. There are so many more I cannot name them all, but I am grateful to each and every one of them.
What was the path to becoming a Project Superintendent? When did you take on this role?
CAROL SENDE: The natural path to Superintendent is to become a carpenter foreman. The first job that I became a carpenter foreman on was at Masonic Homes in 1991. It was an addition and remodel. I was on the addition. I gladly accepted the opportunity. Some of those relationships went on for years, especially with the subcontractors, I had gained their respect as well. It was a little uncomfortable sometimes with a few of our older carpenters at the time but that worked out as well.
My first job as a superintendent was in 1994 at Mount Olivet Daycare, a new building from the ground up. Bob Sheehy was the project manager. Tom MacNally was my contact from Mount Olivet, we remain friends to this day and went on to do many more jobs together. I truly felt the sense of responsibility and still have that strong feeling. It starts the day you get that big roll of plans– or now on Autodesk (much easier than large roll of plans out on job with wind or rain!)
You’ve been truly a trailblazer in the construction field, KA’s first female project superintendent. What were some of the challenges that came out of being a woman in a traditionally male leadership role on a construction site? How did you address these challenges?
CAROL SENDE: I always just felt like one of the guys or maybe a little sister with many big brothers. Back in the day chivalry was still alive and well, I think they respected me because I always tried to pull my own weight. There are only a couple instances of disrespectful conduct, but I was able to nip it in the bud right away.
Construction is a highly collaborative industry. You’ve worked with over 40 Project Managers and three dozen owners during your career. What, in your experience, are the qualities that make for success in project relationships?
CAROL SENDE: Communication is the key to any team. I have always tried to be a very strong advocate for everyone to be a team player. I think owners like to be involved for the most part and it’s good to take time to explain things in a way they can understand. Surprise, not everyone can understand Construction lingo!
Let’s talk about some of your project highlights. What are the main takeaways for you as you look back on these projects? Challenges and rewards?
CAROL SENDE: Mount Olivet Careview Home – This is a special job, I worked here as an apprentice in 1990 on the addition, Art Smith was the superintendent. Then in 2016 I went back as superintendent and put an addition right in the middle of 2 buildings with 100 residents living there. We also remodeled the building I worked on as an apprentice. Very interesting business indeed!
Mount Olivet Victoria – We went on to this job directly from Careview. This was a very interesting job as well. We had 2 stories below grade, a walkout towards the lake. Tom MacNally and Nancy Nash were my partners from Mt Olivet and they are the best!
ADC Telecommunications – various remodels on this major corporate campus.
Izatys Four-Plex Addition. KA has done so much to make this vacation area successful, it was good to be a part of it.
Old Country Buffet Headquarters, Eagan – This was the first large job I did as a superintendent in the late 90’s. It was very challenging , but my main contact was Diane Hasbargen and we remained friends for many years, though have been out of touch in the last while. It was a beautiful job but not without its challenges.
United Health Group Restack – I moved into this job in 1998. It started out as an addition and remodel at their then main headquarters of the 10 story in Minnetonka. It turned into 8 years of all of their campus work, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley and Edina. I had crews going all over at times. It was very challenging but I had the greatest team ever– All of our KA people and all of our trade partners.
Ecumen Interior Remodel, North Branch- I was told the reason we got job was my part in it. Also this was in the middle of pandemic but we all made it work to keep residents safe.
HCMC Hyperbaric Chamber – I could not believe it was possible to do this job, the logistics alone, nightmare. It turned out beautiful. The chamber came from Australia, so happens I have distant relatives there. I mentioned Seppelt wine to the men that built and supplied the chamber, they knew of it! When they came back to install the chamber, they brought me 2 bottles of Seppelt wine that now sits on my hutch, treasure. I had some iron workers on site after the chamber was delivered, it was completely sealed. I told them maybe some kangaroos will come out when we open it up, they said “do you think so?” So funny! But it’s good to have humor on the job, things cannot be serious at all times.
HealthPartners Woodbury Clinic Expansion – Again, another job where I made a great friend, Edie. We had a lot of work to do but truly worked as partners, first the addition and then the remodel. We still keep in touch but not as often unfortunately.
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You’ve perhaps done more repeat work for our client Mount Olivet Church than any other client. Do you have any comment or insights into what has made that relationship so enduring and satisfying?
CAROL SENDE: These are truly wonderful people. They know what they want, we are a great team. Their church in Minneapolis is known their water challenges, I believe lower level floor is below the elevation of Minnehaha creek. It has caused many challenges and we all have had to work together with trade partners to come up with ideas to keep them dry. They are always willing to learn and take advice.
As you’ve grown in your career, you’ve also helped to encourage young people- including girls and young women- to look to construction careers. Talk a little about the importance of providing role models and mentors in our industry.
CAROL SENDE: KA is a great company and that speaks volumes, people aspire to work here. I have probably mentored more young men than women. I am probably the hardest on women in trades just because it is not to be taken lightly and you should want to be a part of it because it’s a great job and career, not just to be a minority.
What inspires you?
CAROL SENDE: My dad has been the biggest inspiration in my life. He taught me the meaning of loyalty, hard work and giving it your best shot. Don’t do things half-way or don’t do it at all.
What advice would you give to a young person just getting into this field today? Or, what advice would you give to your younger self if you could?
CAROL SENDE: As I just said, go all in. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as long as you learn from it. A wise carpenter once told me if you never make a mistake you aren’t learning anything. This is a great way to make a living as long as you don’t mind extreme temps, mud, rain and anything else nature can dish out.
Anything else you’d like to say?
CAROL SENDE: I would say this has been a remarkable 39 years. No 2 days alike. Every day you are working yourself out of a job. Construction can be organized chaos at best. Some of the best people I have met ever, very loyal people. The best thing I ever hear at the end of a job is that “you are the best superintendent I have ever worked for,” not the best woman superintendent just superintendent. As I get to the end of my career it is very bittersweet for me. I will miss the people and I love the challenge of putting a job together but it is time for me to take on my other jobs full time, mainly wife, mom and momma (that’s what my grands call me). Thank you for all the memories.
congratulations Carol on your retirement.
Congradulations Carol on your retirement. You have done a great job.
Carol. It was an absolute pleasure knowing and working with you. Congratulations on your retirement.