At Horwitz, we celebrate the diverse career paths and limitless opportunities that define our team. Cody Kropp’s journey is a perfect example. Starting his career with Horwitz, Cody participated in the Project Manager in Training (PMIT) program, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business. This holistic experience has shaped his approach and contributed to his success in his current role as Project Manager.
Cody brings a passion for continuous growth to his role as a Project Manager in Horwitz’s Mechanical Construction division. His introduction into the construction industry began at the early age of 12, assisting with loading trucks and later driving materials to job sites. While this laid the groundwork for his familiarity with the industry, it was a chance encounter at a career fair that set him on a path to a career at Horwitz.
Cody graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Stout with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and a minor in Business Administration and Quality Assurance, initially planning a career in production manufacturing. However, after meeting Horwitz representatives at a career fair and learning about their Project Manager in Training (PMIT) program, his career trajectory shifted and he became the third person to enroll in the Horwitz PMIT program.
Over the course of 4.5 years, he rotated through multiple departments during his PMIT training, gaining valuable insights into various aspects of the business, from preconstruction and field operations to project management and client relations. His strong work ethic and eagerness to learn propelled him through the program, leading to his promotion to Project Manager in 2020.
In his role, Cody thrives on the variety and complexity of his responsibilities, which range from overseeing project teams and budgets to navigating unforeseen challenges. The autonomy of the position empowers him to take initiative, make impactful decisions, and drive projects to successful completion. Over the past four years, he has contributed to multiple notable projects, including an addition for Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, a warehouse addition at Medtronic‘s Nathan Lane facility, and the Amerilab Mastercraft facility build-out, demonstrating an ability to adapt and lead under diverse circumstances.
During his career, Cody has learned that no two projects are alike, and he approaches each with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new challenges. This mindset has taught him the importance of avoiding assumptions, staying flexible, and leveraging lessons learned to continually improve processes.
For those participating in the PMIT program or considering a career in the construction industry, Cody offers valuable advice, “Maintain perspective. Manage stress by acknowledging that challenges are inevitable and simply give it your best.” Cody encourages others to leave daily worries behind at the end of the day and instead funnel stress into a learning opportunity for future projects.
Cody exemplifies the Horwitz Can-Do attitude by embracing new challenges and seizing opportunities for growth. His Horwitz journey is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and continuous learning.
