Inspiring Future CRE Leaders

Ware Malcomb employees embraced the opportunity to interact with student apprentices from Taller San Jose’s Taller Tech Construction Academy during Building Block Foundation Fund’s Career Day on November 3. Taller Tech Construction Academy provides students with hands-on experience and training in the fundamentals of building trades.

The day began with breakfast at the Newport Sports Museum, where the apprentices heard about career opportunities in Development, Architecture, and General Contracting from speakers Sal Provenza, Managing Director at CWP Advisors and President of Building Block Foundation Fund; Ken Wink, Vice President at Ware Malcomb; and Paul Kristedja, Vice President, Construction at KPRS Construction Services, Inc.

Next on the agenda was a job site visit where the site Superintendent and Project Manager exposed the apprentices to various roles and responsibilities at a construction job site.

The apprentices then experienced a project case study from design to completion as they reviewed schematic design drawings, contract documents, and toured Ware Malcomb’s corporate office.

Taller Tech Construction Academy apprentices concluded the day with a deeper understanding of the ways a background and experience in building construction can provide a strong foundation for many Commercial Real Estate careers. Ware Malcomb Studio Manager, Graphic Design Debra Bryant shares, “When the group was asked what excited them about their career opportunities, one student memorably addressed Paul Kristedja, stating, ‘I want to do your job someday!’ It was inspiring to spend the day with such enthusiastic students.”

Building Block Foundation Fund (BBFF) is a philanthropic organization that enables the commercial real estate community to give back in an organized and meaningful way for the long-term future of Orange County.

Thanks to sponsor The Bascom Group and BBFF Career Day Committee Members Ken Wink and Debra Bryant for supporting this event.