A Chat with Fred Kravetz, Senior Project Superintendent at SR Construction

The staying power of core values, relationships

By Chris Maday Schmidt

Fred Kravetz, ASHE, CHC, senior project superintendent with SR Construction, brings over 30 years of construction experience in healthcare, hospitality, commercial and retail markets. With more than two decades under his belt at SR, and a member of both the American Society for Health Care Engineering and the Associated Builders and Contractors, he provides training, supervision and guidance on a daily basis to all team members onsite and is an excellent liaison between project stakeholders. Join Construction Superintendent as Kravetz shares his biggest career and project challenges, working around the high-rollers at the Venetian and the “tool” he depends on most.

(Q) Share a little about what got you started in the trades and how that led to 24 years of tenure at SR Construction.

Growing up, I was always interested in building, putting things together and taking things apart, as my dad would say. Through grade school and high school, I was always interested in building things, such as motors, dune buggies and trucks, and it just progressed. My dad had a small concrete business, and I learned everything about concrete from him. I worked as a framing contractor in high school, and after two years of college at UNLV, I told my parents I wanted to work full time in construction.

I met Scott Loughridge, CEO of SR Construction, while working for the framing contractor, and Scott was working for another general contractor. When I heard that Scott had started his own company, SR Construction, I immediately contacted him. We hit it off immediately, and he offered me a job directly following my interview. This was 24 years ago, and the rest is history. Scott is the most honest man I’ve ever met and like a second dad to me; he’s just a great guy and dedicated family man.

I’ve seen SR go through many transformations through the years, and I believe part of the company’s success is its ability to change and grow while steadfast in its core values of trust, integrity, quality, loyalty and service. This is why I’m still here 24 years later.

(Q) Talk a bit about your participation in the Nevada Safety Consultation & Training Program and what that entails.

Nevada Safety Consultation & Training Program is a consultation program designed to help employers recognize and control potential safety and health hazards at their workplaces, improve their safety and health programs and train employees. It instructs how to meet OSHA standards, identify potential safety hazards and correct them before an OSHA inspection. We believe that a safe and healthy project is a distinct measure of a well-managed project. From top to bottom, SR ensures a commitment to health and safety on all of our projects, and SCATS helps ensure compliance with all government regulations and other bylaws and codes. Our goal is zero incidents, and we are dedicated to protecting our employees, subcontractors, clients, the public and property from harm.

(Q) Of the myriad building types, you’ve worked on over the past three decades, which project stands out? Why?

I’ve built every type of building from a strip mall to large commercial complexes, tilt-up warehouses, high-end casino restaurants, parking garages, animal hospitals, churches, but after working on the medical side, I would say that building two ground-up hospitals — Henderson Hospital in Henderson, Nevada and Northern Nevada Sierra Medical Center Hospital — were the most impactful. I gained an incredible amount of knowledge and just having the opportunity to run jobs of that size and significance was quite an accomplishment. It’s very gratifying and humbling. It just makes you feel good to be a part of it and lead a team to construct essential lifesaving facilities that your loved ones may need one day.

(Q) What would you say has been the biggest challenge in your career? How did you overcome this challenge?

The biggest challenge is getting architects, drawings, procurement, internal project managers, trades, suppliers on the same page. Not everyone is always in sync, it’s not a perfect rhythm and part of my job is to coordinate all of the team members and make sure the project is delivered successfully, on time, within budget and safely. It takes an army of boots on the ground, incredible foremen and trade partners, to deliver a project successfully. I have made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them and continue to do better every day.

(Q) As far as the high roller room at the Venetian, was there anything interesting or different with that space (security, comfort, etc.)? If yes, please elaborate.

The project involved a fully operational gaming area, which introduced some challenges which were mitigated, such as interaction with guests, noise concerns, public safety and strict scheduling milestones, which were critical to the resort and casino. The work consisted of the improvement of an approximately 15,000-square-foot gaming area. Upgrades include enhanced finishes to walls, ceilings and floors, installation of new crystal chandeliers, exquisitely gilded gold leafing, beautiful fabric panels and elegant new custom carpeting. It was an exciting work environment. There were times that our job was shut down because the high-rollers had been there gaming all night, so the following day, our workday was canceled because the guest was still in there wagering in the millions of dollars.

(Q) What is the one tool you depend on to help you get the job done?

I rely on my team every day. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be successful. Technology allows you to perform more efficiently, but the “tool” that I depend on the most is the relationships that I have built over the years. Relationships and mutual respect are the most valuable tools.

(Q) What is the biggest change you have witnessed during your career in the industry?

The biggest change I’ve seen over the years is the fading away of old-school philosophies, which is the way I was taught — do it right, measure twice, cut once, take pride in the work you do.

(Q) How is SR Construction handling the worker and materials shortages as far as recruitment and project scheduling?

Delays are a common part of the construction industry, but they don’t have to completely disrupt work. We have had to reallocate resources, but each project involves different strategies to negotiate a resolution. Planning ahead, communication and flexibility are critical to a successful outcome. The most important goal is carrying out the work and successfully delivering the project to the client. Documentation and flexibility are crucial in providing better outcomes for all involved.

(Q) Can you share a little-known fun fact about yourself with our readers?

My wife Jackie and I love remodeling our rental properties and our home. We enjoy projects together, no matter if it’s working on remodeling projects or going on vacation together. We enjoy doing things together. I like vodka tonics and martinis.

(Q) How do you like to spend your time when you’re off the clock?

Jackie and I like being home but we also enjoy dinners out, remodeling projects — we like changing things up often. We’ve been together 20 years (17 years married) and hope to own a bar in the Caribbean one of these days after I retire.