Kelley Wathen

Never stop learning! I’m always looking to grow from my mistakes and consider what can be improved next time. The number one lesson I’ve learned during my career is to ask questions. Even if you think you know the answer, you may learn a new perspective simply by asking the question anyway.

At Truebeck, we are constantly seeking ways to build better—to be better. “Raise the Bar” is so much more than just a tagline here. It’s what makes us uniquely successful, and why I’m so proud to be part of this company.

Construction is both a science and an art form. It requires immense technical knowledge, but also emotional intelligence and people skills. I love the balance and the opportunity to exercise both sides of my brain!

Great leadership is rooted in empowerment. While a good leader is one that can effectively manage a team, a GREAT leader is someone who can motivate and inspire a team to be effective on their own.

I’ve learned a lot about trust during my career at Truebeck. I’ve learned trust takes time to build and that it’s integral to effective teamwork. Trust comes hand-in-hand with being comfortable with one another. It’s an essential element in all successful relationships, and strong relationships foster great teams.

Design-build partnerships are a huge opportunity for our industry. This delivery method is also a perfect fit for Truebeck, because the collaborative qualities that make an excellent design-build partnership are embedded in our DNA. 

The most exciting thing about our industry is being able to contribute to the built environment. We get to literally build something from nothing. Plus, it’s pretty fun to be able to drive by a building and know it’s there because of our hard work.

My happy place is outside, on a mountain. Whether it’s snowboarding in Tahoe or hiking in the redwoods, I love being outdoors in the fresh air.

Our best work always comes from leveraging the knowledge and ideas of a whole team. Beyond leading to the best solutions, active collaboration fosters team alignment and trust. We learn to strengthen and support each other where there are weaknesses. Our different experiences and perspectives are what makes us strongest.

I think best out loud, on a physical or virtual white board—collaboration is the way to go.

The key to my productivity is endless supplies of coffee!

I love working in the Bay Area because of the many adventures available nearby!  From Warriors, 49ers, and Giants games to concerts at Shoreline Amphitheater, and festivals, museums, beaches, and foodie restaurants, I love to experience all that this beautiful area has to offer. 

Being a mom has made me a better worker, a better team member, and a better leader. So many of my lessons learned come from my kids. Getting four small children out the door every morning requires efficiency, planning, and adaptability—skills that are equally valuable on a construction team. 

Working at Truebeck is so much more than just a job. The people here and the culture we’ve created is truly something special. I feel so lucky to be doing work I love with what feels like a second family.