If you work hard, you’ll get to where you want to go. Regardless of the situation, industry or profession, it’s the same way to obtain a dream that so many men and women reach for every day. That’s how it was for Superintendent Bryan Kottak when he began working at East & Westbrook Construction. For Kottak, when he walked into East & Westbrook in 2004 as a project laborer, he decided this was the company he’d work hard for and where he would put in his time for the life of his career. He knew it would all fall into place if the effort was there. So far, it has.
Over the years, Bryan has had to adapt as he’s moved through the ranks at East & Westbrook. Laid back and friendly, he has seen a lot of change within the construction industry but change doesn’t bother him much. He still relies on the basic tenets of hard work and respect to do his job, just as he did when he arrived at East & Westbrook 13 years ago.
You know, construction is just what I’ve always done. I got into it when I was young because I like working with my hands and I like to be outdoors. School wasn’t for me, sitting in an office definitely wasn’t for me, really. I actually heard about this company (East & Westbrook) from a friend of my wife’s brother who works for them. That’s how I heard about East & Westbrook and I was interested in the company after hearing what he had to say about it.
I haven’t worked for too many other big construction companies. Before I came here I was a general laborer but they’re very helpful and easygoing here (at East & Westbrook) and I have learned a lot. They allow you to move up in the company if you choose to make the effort. So there is opportunity if you are a hard worker.
Also, they respect our family and personal lives and if I need time off they are always very understanding. When I’m on the job they make sure I have what my crew needs to do the job, and do it safely. We don’t have to wait or worry that we won’t have the supplies or materials to finish out a project because they’re always on top of it.
I’m a superintendent and a normal day is pretty hectic and it’s always different than the day before. I am usually making sure that I have everything I need, and my guys have everything they need, to complete the job and keep it on time. The superintendent helps to keep everyone moving.
I think the most interesting was the coal stacker foundation replacement we did up in Carrollton, Kentucky for LG&E. That was really a neat project that we did a couple years ago. It was just a real tight schedule and we only had a couple of months to do it. It varies, but I’m usually on a job anywhere from four to six months.
When I’m not working, I’m generally spending time with my family — I have two daughters with my wife, Debbie. I also do a lot of jogging and fishing and golf. I don’t have a favorite fishing spot but I love to go anywhere where there is a lake or water and see what I can catch. Being raised in Louisville, I follow University of Louisville sports pretty closely. I’m a big fan.
Well, I’m 48. Most people probably don’t know that I have two daughters who have graduated from college. It’s not that they don’t know about my daughters, but they might not know that my daughters are grown and have been successful with their education. I’m very proud of that.
East & Westbrook is always looking for hard-working individuals to join our growing construction team. Apply now to learn more about how to turn your drive to succeed into a lifelong career with the E&W family.