From boots to budgets, panels to post-bids, and everything in between, Kevin Arevalo is putting together big pieces of his career puzzle. His career at Kent Companies spans eight years, five different roles, and exposure to two operating divisions.
Arevalo started his construction career in 2015. He joined the Kent Companies team at the age of 19. Kevin worked alongside his father, Fernando Arevalo, a 27-year Kent Companies veteran. With little working knowledge of construction, he got to work.
Kevin quickly gained experience in the structural concrete division performing a variety of work including footings, pads, slabs, retaining walls, cores, and cast in place decks. “There was a lot to learn, but I asked questions. I had a solid team surrounding me, and over time I gained a lot of knowledge,” said Arevalo.
As he honed his skills, Kevin moved from general labor to skilled labor. “My progression continued from there at a good pace. Over the next couple of years, I moved from skilled laborer to right hand man and even did some carpentry for cast in place decks,” said Arevalo. “It wasn’t always easy, and I was never perfect. I made mistakes, but I learned from them. Listening and showing up every day really made the difference.”
In 2020, Kevin was promoted to Project Engineer. “Kevin showed a lot of promise, so we developed a plan to expose him to more of the business and financial processes driving our business,” said Division Manager Jordan Berens. “His experience in the field, management abilities, and connections with the crew made him a great asset to our project management team.”
In 2022, a project management role emerged, and Kevin was the natural fit. Berens continued, “Kevin has a highly valuable combination of hands-on construction and project management experience. Because he put in the time to learn construction methods and processes, he can approach bidding and budgeting strategically – and communicate a clear game plan to set our team and our customer up for success in the field.”
Kevin continually gives all the credit for projects to his team in the field. “Without them, we would be nothing. It’s my job to be a liaison and get them the tools, resources, and information they need. I work for them; not the other way around.”
Kevin Arevalo embodies Kent Companies’ Four Hallmarks of Safety, Productivity, Quality and Customer Service. Beyond his normal duties, Kevin looks for opportunities to lend a hand to our team and in the community. He’s often found translating to Spanish language during orientations; volunteering to mentor high school students interested in construction; and participating in networking and development opportunities. Kevin frequently teaches blueprint reading classes to our own team in Spanish and English.
He shares, “I want to give back. The people of Kent Companies helped me a lot in my progression, so I am honored to help others grow their skills too.” He continues, “There are a lot of guys who encouraged and challenged me, and that helped me get where I am today. The list of names is long. That is what is great about Kent Companies; everyone is willing to help and wants to see you succeed.”
His greatest advice for early-career construction professionals: “Always ask questions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and simply show up. Focusing on these three things will help you learn and show your team that you’re invested in success. That truly goes a long way.”
Project Manager Kevin Arevalo is making moves. You can be a part of the growth at Kent Companies by visiting our careers page and connecting with our talent team here: https://www.kentcompanies.com/careers/
