Employee Highlight: Cole Kavanagh
- Paulina Ramirez
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Meet Cole. As one of our Project Coordinators, he helps keep projects on schedule by managing communication, adjusting plans when needed, and resolving site issues quickly. Through this work, he keeps clients and residents informed while ensuring projects run smoothly.
I help create a strong team environment by ensuring everyone has the information they need to do their job effectively and by addressing any issues quickly. I also believe that being approachable and respectful goes a long way in building trust and encouraging teamwork. – Cole Kavanagh
PART 1: Meet Cole
Briefly introduce yourself:
I am a Project Coordinator at ARS, where I help keep projects organized and moving smoothly from start to finish. My role involves coordinating schedules, facilitating communication between stakeholders at various levels, and ensuring work is completed efficiently and to a high standard. I’ve been with ARS for the past eight months, and in that time, I’ve gained valuable experience in a fast-paced environment.
What makes your role unique?
What makes my role unique is the amount of problem-solving that happens behind the scenes. As a Project Coordinator, I help keep projects on schedule by managing communication, adjusting plans when needed, and resolving site issues quickly. Many people may not realize how much planning and follow-up goes into making sure teams, clients, and residents stay informed and projects run smoothly.
What’s your favourite part of your job, and why?
My favourite part of the job is being able to help residents during stressful and unexpected situations. It’s rewarding to know that I can make the process a little easier for them by keeping them informed and helping things move forward smoothly.
How do you define success in your role?
I define success in my role by how smoothly a project runs and how well I’m able to support everyone involved. To me, that means keeping work organized, meeting timelines, and ensuring clear communication is maintained. I also see success as the ability to resolve issues in a timely manner while creating a positive experience during what can often be a stressful process.
Can you share a recent challenge you faced at work and how you handled it?
A recent challenge I faced was identifying that a subcontractor had forgotten to install insulation in a ceiling cavity before the drywall was hung. I instructed the team to remove the new drywall, install the insulation properly, and then reinstall the boards. Since I couldn't be on-site all day, I required the subcontractor to send photo documentation of the insulation being installed to verify the correction before moving forward. This experience highlighted the vital importance of quality control, clear communication, and quick problem-solving.
Teamwork is a big part of what we do. How do you help create a strong, collaborative team environment?
I help create a strong team environment by ensuring everyone has the information they need to do their job effectively and by addressing any issues quickly. I also believe that being approachable and respectful goes a long way in building trust and encouraging teamwork.
What skills have helped you succeed in your role?
Organization is crucial for this role. Effectively managing multiple moving parts, staying on top of schedules, and keeping everyone informed requires careful coordination. Attention to detail is equally vital, particularly when ensuring work is completed to a high standard and potential issues are caught early.
How do you keep up with industry trends and best practices?
I stay up to date with industry trends and best practices by learning directly from colleagues, subcontractors, and on-site experiences. Observing how others handle challenges and sharing knowledge with the team helps me remain informed of effective methods and new approaches.
Our core values are Trust, Integrity, Exceeding, and Teamwork. Where do you see these values in action at ARS Responds Canada?
Trust and Integrity are evident in how we communicate honestly with clients, residents, and each other, even when challenges arise. Our core value of Exceeding shows up in our commitment to going above and beyond to complete projects efficiently and with high quality. Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do, from coordinating with subcontractors to supporting each other on-site.
PART TWO: Work & Growth
What’s one piece of advice that has made a big impact on your career?
Measure twice, cut once. It has made me realize the importance of proper documentation and planning. Having a proper plan in place is critical for minimizing issues during the projects lifetime.
Who was a mentor, teacher, or leader that made a lasting impression on you, and why?
A mentor that made a lasting impression on me is our Senior Project Manager, Marco DeGrazia. When I started at ARS, he took the time to guide me through the role and share his extensive knowledge of the industry. His experience and insight taught me a lot about managing projects, problem solving on site, and handling projects effectively. Marco’s guidance really helped me grow quickly and feel confident in my work.
If you could have a conversation with any person (including historical figures),
who would it be and why?
I would choose to have a conversation with Tiger Woods so he could fix my slice.
What was your first job and what do you remember most about it?
My first job was at York Downs Golf and Country Club as a backshop employee. I assisted members, cleaned clubs, brought clubs up from storage to members, and helped keep the exterior of the clubhouse cleaned and organized. What I remember the most is the team effort with other backshop employees to make sure members had a great experience.
What’s a small daily habit that helps you stay focused or motivated?
Making a clear plan of what needs to be accomplished that day. Prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and check in throughout the day to stay on track. This keeps me organized, motivated, and ensures I can handle challenges efficiently when they come up.
PART THREE: More About Cole
If you had to pick one movie to watch forever, what would it be?
Dune 2
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for under $100 recently?
A pillowcase that keeps my pillow cool
Favourite ice cream flavour?
Mint Chocolate Chip
Favourite food or type of cuisine?
Chinese Food
Do you have a favourite way to stay active?
Golfing
Is there a random skill you wish you had?
Photographic Memory
Comments