Collaboration in the construction industry has always been essential, but when women come together to support one another, the impact can be revolutionary. Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW) recognized HealthPartners Specialty Center as an aspiring example of women in leadership collaborating to drive success by combining their expertise, determination and shared goals. The Specialty Center, encompassing 56,000 square feet, was awarded the Collaborative Business Award for the teamwork and collaboration provided by Kraus-Anderson, Mint Roofing and American Drapery Systems.  

Leading with Impact

Collaboration and Overcoming Challenges

Working on the HealthPartners Specialty Center project were three women and leaders: Kraus-Anderson Senior Project Manager Rachael Oelke, Mint Roofing Executive Vice President Christy Lewis and American Drapery Systems VP of Sales & Business Development Chelsey Klasnich.

For those not familiar with the commercial real estate and construction industry, it’s built on relationships and an understanding that project timelines, budget and quality work drive the bottom line. Every successful project has its challenges. One significant hurdle with the HealthPartners Specialty Center was its tight timeline, which required roofing work to begin during the Winter months. Utilizing relationships built through MNCREW, the project team was able to lean on industry partners in more ways than one. Christy and her team at Mint Roofing knew about the project timeline and proposed an alternative roofing material that could be installed efficiently in low temperatures. Her team was able to come in competitively and provide solutions to help Kraus-Anderson buy out the roofing scope for the project within the target budget. This proactive approach prevented delays and ensured the project stayed on budget.

Collaboration and Overcoming Challenges

As the interiors of the project began, the contracting team hadn’t received a proposal for the window treatments within the planned estimate; Rachael reached out to a trusted industry partner, American Drapery, and Chelsey was able to provide one without affecting the timeline or altering HealthPartners’s organization standards.  

All in all, trust and communication from relationships built through MNCREW were key factors in overcoming challenges and delivering top-tier results. The HealthPartners Specialty Center project team delivered a state-of-the-art healthcare facility on time and within budget, strengthened professional relationships between companies and set an example of women in construction supporting one another to achieve common goals. Oelke encourages other women in the construction industry to leverage their network, lead with innovative problem-solving and support one another. 

 

Recognition, Amplifying Collaboration Through MNCREW

MNCREW (Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women), which facilitates connections and supports women in commercial real estate through collaboration, excellence and leadership, acknowledged this partnership with its Collaborative Business Award. This award highlights instances in which members leveraged collective strength to grow businesses and achieve impactful results, emphasizing MNCREW’s core mission of igniting the industry through women’s achievements. 

By connecting members in settings such as luncheons and committee collaborations, MNCREW provides fertile ground for relationships that evolve into impactful partnerships. The HealthPartners Specialty Center project is a testament to how this network supports not just business growth, but also personal and professional development. Visit minnesota.crewnetwork.org for more information on MNCREW. 

Key Takeaways

  1. Leverage Your Network: Opportunities often come from connections. Get involved in organizations to build trusted relationships with industry peers. 
  2. Lead With Solutions: Be proactive when challenges arise. Innovative problem-solving can turn a potential setback into a moment to shine.
  3. Support Each Other: Collaboration strengthens not just individual careers but the industry as a whole. Foster an environment of trust, empowerment and mutual respect.

CATEGORY: Construction