In the fast-paced world of construction, effective leadership is essential for driving a company towards success. At Cree Con Construction Inc, Karma Hunter, the Owner, and COO, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. With her hands-on approach to management, she has revolutionized the way Cree-Con operates, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity.
Unlike traditional executives who prefer to delegate tasks and oversee operations from a distance, Karma takes a different path. She immerses herself in the day-to-day operations, actively engaging with each team and closely overseeing their tasks. This level of involvement provides her with firsthand knowledge of the company’s current status, allowing her to identify areas that may require adjustments or improvements. By staying informed and connected, Karma ensures that Cree-Con stays on track towards its goals.
Under Karma’s leadership, Cree Con Construction Inc has thrived. Her hands-on approach and focus on cultivating a team of ambitious individuals have propelled the company to new heights. As the CEO, Karma Hunter remains committed to the success of Cree-Con, always pushing boundaries and inspiring her team to reach for the stars. Karma is also the bronzer winner of the 2015 Stevie award for Female executive of the year for business service 11-2,500 employees and fastest growing company.
Cree-Con Construction
Cree-Con is a 50% indigenous-owned company specializing in comprehensive commercial concrete services. Its mission is to deliver high-quality concrete services while promoting indigenous participation in the construction industry. Co-owners Dennis and Karma Hunter bring over 40 years of hands-on construction and supervisory experience to ensure efficient management of all operations.
Established in 2012, Cree-Con has become a leading provider of specialized commercial concrete services. Its offerings include concrete slab placement and finishing, site preparation, rebar supply and installation, and more. The team consists of 21 concrete professionals, including 9 site workers with 1 supervisor, and 10 certified concrete placers/finishers with 1 supervisor, all holding W.H.M.I.S & CSTS certifications. Additionally, 30% of employees possess valid First Aid certificates, and 9 team members have clean driving records.
Cree-Con takes pride in offering competitive wages to its concrete professionals, with hourly rates ranging from $21.00 to $35.00 and flexible working hours spanning 8 to 15 hours per day. Additionally, the company employs laborers at a rate of $18.00 per hour. The dedicated team consists of 17 experienced members who have worked together for an extended period, ensuring seamless delivery of concrete services to clients.
Central to Cree-Con’s operations is a commitment to indigenous participation in the construction industry. By providing high-quality concrete services and promoting indigenous involvement, Cree-Con aims to drive positive change within the industry. With a proven track record of success, the company is dedicated to serving clients with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
Uncompromising Excellence
Cree-Con has triumphed over the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving remarkable milestones since 2021. While many businesses struggled or scaled back, Cree-Con not only survived but flourished.
One notable triumph has been the company’s expansion beyond its home province. In 2021, Cree-Con ventured into a neighboring province and accomplished several major projects with great success. This expansion has opened doors to new markets, enhanced the company’s visibility, and created greater opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Another significant achievement lies in the expansion of Cree-Con team. Despite the pandemic’s economic impact, it managed to recruit additional staff to meet the escalating demand for its services. This growth has enabled Cree-Con to handle multiple projects simultaneously, delivering its services with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
Moreover, Cree-Con has remained steadfast in delivering top-notch concrete services while prioritizing the safety of its team and clients. Stringent health and safety protocols have been implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19, ensuring the well-being of its team members as they continue their work.
Journey in the Male-Dominated Construction Industry
Karma’s entry into the construction industry challenged her preconceptions about working in a male-dominated field. It became evident that she was capable of achieving anything she set her mind to. The construction industry taught her self-sufficiency, and the value of hard work, and instilled a sense of pride in her accomplishments. Through her work, she discovered and developed skills she never knew she possessed.
Choosing carpentry as her trade was a natural fit for Karma. The scent of wood and fresh concrete, coupled with the satisfaction of creating and building with her own hands, brought her immense joy. This achievement became a source of empowerment and pride, especially within a male-dominated industry. She quickly excelled and became a journeyman carpenter.
Working in construction not only provided Karma with a sense of achievement but also a deep sense of purpose. She felt she was making a tangible difference in the world by constructing and creating things that would endure for generations. The industry also fostered a sense of community as she collaborated with other skilled tradespeople who shared her passion for building and creating.
Beyond offering a new career path, Karma’s entry into the construction industry through “Women Building Futures” allowed her to escape a toxic work environment. Her previous job as a waitress in nightclubs exposed her to frequent sexual harassment and a misogynistic atmosphere. Her income depended on her appearance and ability to flirt with customers, intensifying the stress and pressure she already faced. This environment acted as a trigger, fueling her drug use as a coping mechanism. Given her prior experience of sexual trauma during her teenage years, the job exacerbated feelings of powerlessness and low self-worth. Transitioning into the construction industry provided an opportunity for a better life.
As Karma continues to advance her career in construction, she remains grateful for the opportunities presented by “Women Building Futures.” She takes pride in being part of a team dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. Recognizing that many women face barriers when entering the workforce, she aims to inspire and encourage others by sharing her story and demonstrating that they too can succeed in this field.
Seeking Opportunities and Making a Positive Impact
Karma’s path in the construction industry has been filled with challenges, especially as one of the trailblazing women in a male-dominated field. She has encountered the need to exert twice the effort to prove herself and gain the respect of her colleagues. Underestimation and being overlooked due to her gender have been common occurrences, but she has always been resolute in proving her capabilities and demonstrating that she is just as competent as anyone else. Alongside these gender-related challenges, Karma has also navigated the physical demands of her job as a carpenter. Carpentry is physically demanding, and there have been instances where she has pushed herself to her limits. However, she has learned to listen to her body and prioritize self-care.
Despite the obstacles, Karma possesses a deep love for her job and takes immense pride in her accomplishments. The satisfaction derived from witnessing a project come together is one of the aspects she cherishes about carpentry. The ability to create something tangible with her own hands is a special privilege, and she feels fortunate to engage in such work on a daily basis.
Looking ahead, Karma is enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie before her. She constantly seeks avenues for learning and personal growth, whether that involves undertaking new projects or acquiring new skills. Additionally, she is passionate about contributing to her community and leveraging her skills to make a positive impact in the world.
Transforming Lives
Reflecting on her journey, Karma is astounded by the tremendous transformation her life has undergone since she took the courageous step of entering the construction industry through “Women Building Futures.” Little did she know, that moment of seeing a billboard on the subway would lead to such profound changes in the years to follow.
During that time, Karma was a young, single mother who had recently escaped an abusive relationship. She found herself working as a waitress in nightclubs, which exposed her to a party lifestyle and drugs, further exacerbating her battle with addiction over the next decade. Surrounded by the wrong crowd and immersed in an industry that fueled her addiction, Karma yearned for something more in her life but was unsure where to turn.
Then, the billboard for “Women Building Futures” caught her attention. Recognizing it as her opportunity for transformation, Karma resolved to seize it. She attended the open house and had her application accepted. Grateful for this chance, she knew it was her turning point, a chance to reshape her life and secure a brighter future for herself and her son.
“Women Building Futures” presented Karma with the chance to acquire new skills, cultivate confidence, and forge a fresh path. The construction industry, previously unexplored by her, provided an alternative to the bar scene and the party lifestyle that had entangled her in addiction. It granted her a clean slate and the opportunity to construct a new identity.
Through the comprehensive program offered by “Women Building Futures,” Karma conquered the common obstacles that often hinder women from attaining financial independence. The organization guided her in addressing crucial issues such as employment training accessibility, and academic preparedness. By removing these barriers, “Women Building Futures” equipped Karma with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the workforce and construct a better life for herself and her family.
Hands-On Leadership
Karma, as a leader in the company, has consistently emphasized the importance of building and cultivating a team that shares the company’s vision and values. This emphasis has been vital in enabling the team to work together towards common goals and deliver the high-quality products and services expected by customers. From the outset, Karma has been purposeful in establishing a company culture that nurtures collaboration, innovation, and excellence. She firmly believes that the strength of a company lies in its employees, which is why she places great emphasis on assembling a team of skilled and dedicated individuals who align with the company’s values and are committed to its vision.
To accomplish this, Karma has taken a hands-on approach to recruitment, actively seeking out individuals who possess the requisite skills, experience, and mindset to thrive in the industry. She also places significant importance on employee training and development, ensuring that the team members have ongoing opportunities for learning and growth, enabling them to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in the industry.
Fostering a Culture of Equal Opportunity
As Cree-Con has expanded, it has become increasingly important for Karma to ensure that every team member aligns with the company’s vision and values. To achieve this, she has invested in fostering strong relationships with each individual and has made it a priority to communicate the company’s vision and goals clearly and consistently. Collaboration and teamwork are also emphasized, highlighting the significance of working together towards shared objectives.
Besides focusing on team alignment, Karma places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in Cree-Con’s hiring and mentoring practices. Specifically, she actively seeks to hire and mentor women and Indigenous individuals, who have historically been underrepresented in the industry. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is integral to creating a company culture that values and supports individuals from various backgrounds. By intentionally seeking out qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, Cree-Con has built a team that reflects the diversity of the communities and customers it serves.
Cree-Con provides mentoring and professional development opportunities for all team members. This includes training programs, leadership development initiatives, and ongoing support to help individuals excel in their roles and advance their careers.
By prioritizing diversity and inclusion in recruitment and mentoring, Cree-Con has established a talented and dedicated team that not only shares the company’s vision and values but also represents the diversity of the communities it serves. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity has played a crucial role in the company’s success, and Karma is proud to continue fostering a culture that embraces these principles as Cree-Con grows and evolves.
Cultivating Community Impact
Karma strongly believes in giving back to the community and supporting causes that promote positive change. She understands the importance of being an active part of the community and has grown as a leader through her involvement. At her company, she recognizes that the community is integral to its success and is committed to supporting individuals and organizations that contribute to its strength and vibrancy.
One significant way Karma contributes to the community is through her annual donation of over $5,000 worth of toys and gifts to the Children’s Stollery Hospital during the holiday season. She recognizes the impact these gifts have on children facing medical challenges and their families, bringing joy and happiness during a difficult time.
As an advocate and donor of the Moose Hide Campaign, Karma supports the movement to end violence towards women and children. This grassroots initiative brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys to take a stand against violence and create safer communities for all. By supporting this campaign, she aims to raise awareness and contribute to a world free from violence.
Karma is also a strong supporter and donor of the Missing and Murdered Women’s campaign, which advocates for safer travel along Canada’s highways. By raising awareness about this critical issue, she strives to create safer communities where everyone can travel without fear of violence.
As a board member and inaugural graduate of Women Building Futures, Karma is dedicated to supporting women from all backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in the trades. Through mentoring, coaching, and financial support, she helps break down barriers and promotes success in the trades. She believes in the importance of creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
In addition to charitable donations and initiatives, Karma provides opportunities for individuals who may have faced barriers in the past, such as recovering addicts, previously incarcerated individuals, and foreign workers. By hiring them, she helps them rebuild their lives, gain work experience, and become valued members of the community. She is committed to creating a workforce that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
Inspiring Others to Pursue Their Dreams
Karma reflects on her remarkable journey in the construction industry with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she rose to become the first female graduate of Women Building Futures and the CEO of her own construction company. Her journey was marked by hard work, dedication, and perseverance, as she defied expectations and proved that women belong in the male-dominated field. Starting her own business was a bold move, but with her acquired skills and knowledge, she built a company focused on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. As her company gained recognition and grew, she found joy in giving back to the community, particularly as a committee member of Women Building Futures, where she supports and guides other women facing similar challenges.
Karma sees herself as a role model for other women aspiring to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. Her achievement of being the first graduate of Women Building Futures to own and operate her own construction company is a testament to her hard work and perseverance. She believes that her success is not solely her own, but also a result of the support and encouragement she received from her loved ones and mentors. Looking back, she feels grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and remains committed to inspiring others to pursue their dreams in the industry.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
