Karen Rutherford, Operations Manager at Down Under Construction LLC
We would like to introduce Karen Rutherford, Operations Manager at Down Under Construction LLC, a Hylan Company that leads the market as a turnkey prime contractor in trenchless and trench-based construction and installation of all types and technologies of infrastructure, as well as the associated engineering. Ms. Rutherford has almost 16 years with Hylan, where she is responsible for the daily operations of estimating, project management, cost management and construction at DUC. She lives in Warrenton, Virginia and spends her free time working on DIY projects and visiting with family and friends.
Hylan was excited to expand its presence into the Mid-Atlantic Region through its acquisition of DUC last year, and is honored to share with Down Under Construction (DUC) what it has achieved as a company these past 25 years. As a valued employee of DUC since 2003, what has been your experience with DUC becoming a Hylan Company?
This is a very exciting time and it’s been a very smooth transition for DUC to grow alongside Hylan. DUC is family-oriented with an extraordinary and talented team. It seemed like the perfect fit for the DUC family to join the Hylan family. We are looking forward to all the new possibilities and opportunities under Robert and John’s leadership.
What do you most enjoy about working for DUC?
What I enjoy most about DUC is that so many of us have worked here for so long that we share the same vision and we are dedicated to the mission. As a result, DUC has embraced a supportive and encouraging culture that allows team members to grow and thrive in a positive and family-oriented environment.
Any recent exciting projects at DUC that you can tell us about?
DUC is located in Loudoun County, Virginia, which is commonly referred to as “Data Center Alley.” Approximately 70% of the world’s internet traffic flows through Loudoun’s data centers each day. DUC is just finishing up construction on two major data centers in Loudoun County. We are also getting ready to start two fiber rings builds in Tysons Corner and another in Buffalo, NY.
What are you most looking forward to in 2019 at DUC?
I’m most excited about continuing to work with our valued customers and building new relationships and partnerships. We have a lot of exciting plans in the works, which include data center, fiber builds and huge road improvement projects.
Earlier this year, DUC also began the process of creating the new BAWA (Baltimore-Washington) office, which will have a primary focus on all wireless functions to include Small Cell and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) installation, test and commissioning related work. We are already working with customers at that facility and growing their business. This new division is currently ramping up with the acquisition of a new Bucket Truck and a substantial array of test equipment and tools. Employees are also engaged in training and working recent customer installs in Northern Virginia.
If you could address young college graduates who are interested in your line of profession as they enter the workforce, what’s the best advice you can give them?
Be generous, give of yourself to others and don’t do things just because it’s more convenient for you. In your career, find work that makes you proud and remember what you’re doing helps others, no matter how big or small the impact may be. Be able to leave work every day knowing that you not only gave 110%, but you did it with honesty and integrity.
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