Firm setting standard for financial, IT excellence
HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 5, 2014 – The Hartford Business Journal named KBE Building Corp. CFO Tim O’Brien a finalist for its coveted CFO of the Year Award, in recognition of his contributions and commitment to KBE’s people and mission.
“I’m humbled to be named a finalist – and a little surprised, given the extraordinary pool of candidates,” said O’Brien, who became CFO in 2010 after joining KBE in 1996. “I couldn’t have made a single advancement without the support of everyone at our offices in Connecticut and Maryland.”
‘The Consummate Team Player’
KBE staff members at all levels reciprocate O’Brien’s appreciation. Accounting Department members are especially grateful for his caring demeanor, which has helped many of them achieve unprecedented professional growth within the organization.
Principals also acknowledge O’Brien’s positive attitude: “Tim is the consummate team player – highly practical, with an exceptionally calm demeanor that lends great confidence to our organization,” said Mike Kolakowski, Principal and CEO.
“A true multi-tasker, he is the go-to person for many people in the company to resolve issues at all levels, whether related to business practices or finding better ways for departments to work together.”
A Year of Innovation
O’Brien’s focus on building trusting relationships while keeping KBE in the vanguard of technology has driven the positive direction the firm has taken with clients, sub-contractors, auditors, bankers, and its bonding company to help increase growth and profitability.
Going above and beyond the traditional CFO role, O’Brien also oversees various entities outside financial, including KBE’s IT Department and its employee benefits program.
In 2014, O’Brien
- streamlined business operations with the implementation of several new software platforms, including iEmployee, Viewpoint, and Karan IT;
- helped KBE determine the best insurance programs for the firm through his focus on risk management; and
- helped ensure cross-collaboration between business systems, thus avoiding redundancy and improving efficiency.
Financial Leadership with a Philanthropic Focus
O’Brien stands out for his commitment to KBE’s four core values – dedication, innovation, integrity, and pride – while serving as an example to the broader industry and community.
- chosen as 2015 Chairman for Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Connecticut Chapter (CT ABC), a leading construction industry organization
- continues to serve as Vice President of the Board of Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)
- participates with his family each year in Camp Challenge Ride to benefit Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp as well as the CT National Guard’s Operation ELF
- actively participates in KBE’s corporate philanthropic program 50 Ways to Make a Difference
Established in 2009 to celebrate the firm’s new ownership, name change, and 50 years in business, 50 Ways has helped KBE associates donate more than $1.2 million and 5,000 volunteer hours to charitable causes benefiting children, seniors, and military veterans in Connecticut and Maryland.
KBE’s 2014 charitable efforts include $17,000 in scholarships awarded to students within Connecticut’s technical high school system and the founding sponsorship of a year-long Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN) campaign and documentary. Made In Connecticut premiered on Oct. 23 on CPTV, and related programming will continue to air on CPBN and CPTV into spring 2015.
A high-resolution photograph of Tim O’Brien is available below. Credit: KBE Building Corp.
http://impactmarketing.net/press/KBE-Building-Corp-CFO-Tim-O’Brien.jpg
Caption: Tim O’Brien, CFO, KBE Building Corporation
About KBE Building Corporation
Regionally located in Farmington, Conn., and Columbia, Md., KBE Building Corporation is a full-service, single-source commercial construction company strategically positioned to serve the Eastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Founded in 1959 and incorporated in 1966, the firm is celebrating its 55th year providing preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and general contracting services to clients in the educational, senior living, federal, corporate, hospitality, health care, institutional, and retail markets. KBE has managed more than $2.5 billion in construction volume over the last decade and is ranked among Engineering News-Record magazine’s top 400 construction companies nationally.
Media Contact: Jonelle Lawhorn | KBE Director of Marketing
t: 860.284.7431| c: 860.836.7517 | f: 860.284.7831 | e: jlawhorn@kbebuilding.com