As mentioned above, K-Five Construction Corporation has been designated one of the nationwide 2024 Best Contractors to Work for in Construction. This prestigious award- bestowed by Concrete Contractor, Equipment Today, Asphalt Contractor and Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction and Best Companies Group- recognizes companies that excel in creating positive and rewarding work environments. 

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best contractors to work for,” said Robert Krug. “This award is a direct reflection of our incredible team and our commitment to company culture and investing in our employees.”  

Companies from across the country entered to determine the Best Contractors to Work for in Construction. The evaluation consisted of each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, demographics, and surveyed employee experience, which was weighted heaviest. As K-Five Construction completes its 47^th construction season, this honor is a testament to the company’s prior leadership that laid the foundation for the company and culture that exist today.

“This recognition is a significant achievement. Our line of work is extreme. Competition is tough. What sets up apart is our team,” Krug said. “People are the cornerstone of our longevity. We’ve worked to create a collaborative workplace where employees feel appreciated, valued, and have an opportunity to advance.”

K-Five Construction was proud to once again be an official Toys for Tots- DuPage County Drop Site this year. The mission of the Toys For Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.

As with our previous years working with this great organization, K-Five Employees and Friends really showed up for this event! We managed to fill a van full of overflowing boxes of brand new, unwrapped toys, games, bikes, make-up kits and more for kids in need!

This display of generosity is not new or surprising for the K-Five team but nonetheless is a moving and powerful testament to our employees' generosity and compassion during this busy time of year. What a meaningful way to celebrate this season!

The K-Five team and our equipment has been featured in two great videos put out by our industry partners recently. The first video (posted above left) features some familar faces from K-Five Construction discussing a recent equipment acquisition: the Wirtgen W 220 XFi cold milling machine from Roland Machinery. Watch to learn about how we use the innovative features and benefits of this powerful machine. The second video (posted above right)- with even more familiar faces from our team- is about why K-Five choose to rebuild our machines with Altorfer utilizing the CAT Certified Rebuild Program. Check these out today!

This time last year the survey department relocated their office space to a new location within the shop. The office became available with the expansion of the trucking department. The relocation included a paint refresh and additional desks for Justin Smith, Drew Kastning, and an area for field staff to have space to work on notes and discuss project specifics. The desks were positioned to easily collaborate along with a dry erase board for notes and instructions. The relocation created more storage space in the previous office to keep the robotics and GPS equipment better organized.

Article + Photos by Justin Smith

With the winter season upon us, we closed our asphalt plants on Friday, December 6, 2024. At our Hodgkins Plant, we’ll continue to offer high-performance cold patch, CA-6 limestone and processed recycled asphalt for base applications, and 5-gallon pails of prime-ensuring you have the materials that our customers need through the winter months. Anyone can still reach out to Alex Vargas with orders or questions. 

The 2024 paving season was another successful year, and we’re all looking forward to a great 2025! 

Name: James Jessie (JJ)

Role at K-Five: Superintendent

When did you start at K-Five? September 23, 1997

How did you first learn about K-Five?

A close friend who worked at K-Five: Mike Rorex.

What first drew you to work at K-Five and how has that changed during your time here?

I worked for a brick-paving company that was going out of business, and Mike drew me to K-Five.

What was your first position at K-Five (if it’s a different position than what you have now)?

I started as a laborer, then a laborer foreman, grinder foreman, job foreman, and now am a superintendent.

What has been your favorite project while working at K-Five and why?

My favorite project was the I-355 Expansion Project in 2007. The best part was having no live traffic. It was also the year I met my wife, Amanda.

What has been your biggest hurdle at K-Five?

The biggest hurdle I've had was learning how to use the GPS and various operations on computers. It has made me more patient!

What has been your proudest moment while working at K-Five?

My proudest moment at K-Five was when I saved a woman's life at work. She had a seizure and drove into a retention pond. I dove in the water and pulled her out.

If you had to pick a job in a completely different field, what would you do?

I would be an offshore fishing boat captain. I would be living somewhere warm.

What was your most interesting job before coming to K-Five?

I have worked at K-Five for most of my life, but my most interesting other job was building the Engineered Materials Assisting System (EMAS) at Midway Airport. I have never been through so many zip ties.

What are your hobbies?

The list of my hobbies never ends. I am outdoorsy, so I like fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and my newfound love- golf.

You get to spend a week to travel anywhere in the world. Where would you go

I would go to Costa Rica. I would love to go deep sea fishing for sailfish.

Who’s been the most influential person in your life and how have they influenced you?

I have had a few influential people in my life. Number one is my Dad for raising me to be the man I am. And Mike Rorex for being the person I could call when I needed- and he introduced me to my wife!

Thanks for sharing with us, JJ!

This Project consisted of roadway reconstruction, underground utilities, structural retaining wall, widening and mill / overlay in various configurations and combinations on East Ave, 55^th St and Joliet Rd in (3) different Villages. It was designed with 5 primary Stages with multiple substages to maintain traffic flow during construction. Work began in February of 2022 with an original completion date of 10/31/2023.

Almost immediately, existing utility conflicts were identified delaying work in Pre-Stage. Ultimately navigating these, Stage 1 was implemented wherein significantly more, multiple direct utility conflicts, were discovered. Applicable delay notices were issued where IDOT directed Utility Companies to proceed with their work while K-Five and subs maintained the site with support as needed. Portions of Stage 1 were completed in 2022, with the balance completed in 2023. Stage 2 began in mid-2023 with completion late that year.



Stage 3 began in the winter of 2023 into 2024 which saw was large scale subcontract work taking place. A 2,000 lineal feet structural drilled shaft soldier pile with PCC Cap retaining wall per Contract was constructed as well.

On 10/30/24, the Project was deemed substantially complete by IDOT, (1) year later than the original completion date. K-Five submitted a (1) year time extension request in March of 2023 that was ultimately granted by the Dept. in accordance with actual 2024 substantial completion.

An immense amount of coordination was required to navigate the numerous utility conflicts, delays, large volume of industrial traffic, and design changes with IDOT, the respective villages, and subcontractors. In addition, remaining productive throughout these challenges and negotiating change orders as necessary was a monumental task for Field Operations Staff and Project Management. Despite these problems, solutions were prosecuted in a very successful manner given the unique challenges that seemingly never stopped arising.

K-Five congratulates IDOT, the Villages of, Countryside, McCook and Hodgkins, K-Five and Subcontractor Staffs for what has ultimately resulted in a successful Project for all involved.

Article + Photos by Bill Jennings

The winter season is here to stay, and with that come Winter Hazards to be aware of. The cold temperatures and icy conditions that are often a part of Chicagoland winters bring extra risk.

Hazards

·             Cold Stress – Exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

·             Hypothermia – The body can no longer maintain its core temperature, causing persistent shivering, confusion, and poor coordination.

·             Frostbite – Parts of the body are exposed to extremely cold temperatures or come into contact with cold objects, causing the tissues to freeze.

·             Slips, trips and falls – Ice, snow, slush, wet surfaces, and mud (during thaw) can cause slips, trips and falls. A slip on the ground can cost you weeks off work. A slip at height can cost you your life.

·             Carbon monoxide (CO) – CO is a clear, colorless gas that you can’t smell or taste. It interferes with your body’s ability to use oxygen. Even in small doses, it can kill you.

Identify Controls

·             Wear several thin layers of clothing instead of one thick layer.

·             Wear gloves, as well as a hat or other head covering that can fit under a hard hat.

·             Wear one pair of thick socks or two pairs of thin socks.

·             If you get hot when you’re working, open your jacket but keep your hat and gloves on.

To Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

·             Clean the ice and snow off the soles of your boots and from access areas and work platforms.

·             Use sand, salt, or other de-icing material. Ice often forms on the underside of platform materials, so don’t just turn them over.

·             When working at height, be extra careful in the morning since there may be new frost and snow.

·             Watch your footing. Platforms may be clear in sunny areas but icy in the shade.

·             When walking, have at least one hand free to help keep your balance and cushion a fall.

To Prevent Exposure to CO Gas:

·             When heating an enclosed space, use an indirect-fired heater.

·             Check propane heaters for leaks and proper venting.

·             Operate engines outdoors when possible.

·             When engines must be operated indoors, take the following precautions:

• Choose electric rather than fuel-powered equipment.
• Make sure the area is well ventilated. Keep doors and windows open and use fans to bring in fresh air.
• Monitor CO levels regularly with a gas detector.

Photos above and below: the K-Five team at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

For our annual team charity effort, K-Five was incredibly proud to be part of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 6th at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. During an approximatively 2 mile walk around the grounds of Cantigny, K-Five employees and friends had a fantastic opportunity to come together as a team, support a great cause, and make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a serious health issue that impacts countless individuals and families. By participating in this walk, we not only raised funds for research and support services, but we're also showing our solidarity and commitment to finding a cure. It was a wonderful way to connect with our colleagues, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to a meaningful cause!

In the end, the K-Five Construction team raised almost $6,800.00 for the American Cancer Society! Always moved by the spirit and generosity of the K-Five family.