United Group is proud to celebrate Kaitlyn Robinson, Construction Project Specialist, on reaching her five-year milestone with the Company!
Kaitlyn joined United Group in 2021 in a Construction Assistant position and has been a valued member of the team ever since. As Construction Project Specialist, she plays an integral role in supporting construction projects across the organization, helping ensure each project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Over the past five years, Kaitlyn has consistently demonstrated professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to excellence. Her collaborative approach, problem-solving skills, and dedication to the success of every project have made her an invaluable member of the Construction team and to United Group.
To learn more about Kaitlyn's journey with the company, check out her Q&A below.
Congratulations on five years, Kaitlyn! Here's to many more milestones ahead.
Questions
1.) Take us back to day one! What was it like? What do you remember about your first day?
On my first day Tim Haskins coordinated a group lunch at Alexis Diner with the team, and the banter between him and Tom Uccellini as we went out the door made me know I was in the right place. I was also asked 3 things I learned at the end of the day, and it was all about how kind and welcoming everyone was (and how cute their dogs are). He prepared me for this very moment of being asked, and how much he looked out for me from the very beginning is something I always look back on fondly.
2.) Walk us through a typical work day!
The fun part of my position is that no two days are ever truly alike. I typically scan emails in the morning and see what loose ends I need to wrap up from the day before or if anything needs to be prepared for an upcoming meeting. The construction department is very collaborative, so even if we’re on the road or calling vendors we keep in touch to balance workloads and responsibilities to aid the overall projects. After we make time to discuss next steps we usually spend the rest of the day checking items off our lists or in meetings to keep the projects moving forward.
3.) What is your favorite memory (so far) from your time at UGOC?
This is quite a silly one, but it means so much to me. When I started one of my biggest responsibilities was aiding with the procurement at Arcadia Gardens for various parts of the site. One of the things I helped purchase and plan placements for were the dog waste stations across the site, and when I attended the Grand Opening I got to see them installed and in use by residents. I was so overjoyed to see my direct impact on the site that I excitedly ran over to the porter and begged him to take a picture for me.
4.) What advice would you give yourself reflecting on the last 5 years?
I would go back and tell myself to be more comfortable making mistakes and advocating for additional education. This is a company that loves to invest in their employees, and though I was previously weary of the truth in that sentiment I now know the validity. I have been able to learn and grow exponentially, and I know this is only the beginning for myself.
5.) How has your role changed over the years? (If at all possible)
I was initially hired as the Construction + Development Assistant, with most people outside of my direct superiors thinking I was just an intern. There was a shift once people understood I was here to stay that only grew after being promoted to the Construction + Development Coordinator. I’ve also received my ARM designation and been able to aid other departments here and learn how many of the wheels turn for the overall United machine. The largest shift was then to the Construction Project Specialist, my current title, and being solely dedicated to the Construction department at this time.