Pictured from left to right: returning intern Tony Rodriguez, Natalie Ulloa, Mia Pesina, and AJ Romero.

At K-Five Construction, we're thrilled to welcome our summer 2024 intern class! Every year, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of this talented group. Our interns bring fresh perspectives and a thirst for knowledge to our team. They play a vital role in our summer operations, assisting with bids, preparing and analyzing project documents, and observing jobsite operations alongside experienced crews. This hands-on experience provides a unique opportunity to learn about the construction industry firsthand, from project planning to execution. We believe in fostering the next generation of construction professionals, and our internship program is a cornerstone of that commitment. This year our class features returning intern Tony Rodriguez in Project Management; runner-turned-intern Natalie Ulloa in Project Management; intern Mia Pesina in Project Management; and intern AJ Romero in Estimating. The future is looking bright!

K-Five is proud to announce that the work of our incredible team here has earned us two significant accolades recently: first, the 2023 BNSF Intermodal & Automotive Construction and Facilities Engineering Sustainable Partners in Progress Award for our joint venture work with Granite Construction on an Intermodal Expansion Project in Cicero, and second, as a named Contractor for Railway Track and Structures "2024 Top Projects" for our work in Northlake!

Congratulations to every member of the team- from the crews to the project managers, the foremen to the superintendents, the estimators to accountants, the shop to the mechanics, trucking to office staff and beyond- that make these achievements possible! Thank you!

Join the K-Five Team for the American Cancer Society Walk this fall! In participating in the Making Strides Against Cancer of West Suburban Illinois on October 6th, 2024 at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, K-Five is committed to supporting this vital cause. The American Cancer Society funds groundbreaking research, patient care services, and advocacy efforts, making a real difference in the fight against cancer. By participating in the walk, K-Five hopes to raise awareness and vital funds for the organization. Together, we can make a significant contribution to Making Strides Against Cancer of West Suburban Illinois and help create a world without cancer.

For more information, or to sign up for the K-Five team, check out the website here: Making Strides of West Suburban | K-Five Team Page.

Photos : members of the accounting team (left), plant team (right), and shop team (below) wearing orange for NWZAW's Go Orange Day.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual event held in the spring to remind drivers to be extra cautious while navigating road construction zones. It's a collaborative effort between various organizations in the transportation industry to improve safety for both drivers and the workers maintaining the roadways.

This year's event was from April 15th to the 19th and included educational campaigns, public events, and social media initiatives to spread awareness about safe driving practices in work zones.

Safety is our core value at K-Five Construction, and we focus on Safe Work Zones every week of the year. We believe that family is everything and safety comes first, so team members throughout the company participated in "Go Orange" Day that week to draw attention to this important cause.

After nearly three decades of handling trucking at K-Five Construction, Steve Radtke is hanging up his keys. A pillar of the K-Five Construction team since 1996, Steve is retiring from his role as Trucking Manager. His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in keeping the company running smoothly. We at K-Five wish Steve all the best in his well-deserved retirement!

Name: Alex Vargas

Role at K-Five: Sales

When did you start at K-Five? November 2023

How did you first learn about K-Five?

My first experience as a semi-truck driver was delivering RAP from the Elmhurst plant to the O’Hare plant. This led me to find out more about K-Five.

What first drew you to work at K-Five and how has that changed during your time here?

Loading hot mix at the Hodgkins plant was always a treat for any truck driver. You would get to see all the K-Five equipment and machinery. The plant personnel were always dedicated to helping any driver, and they had the friendliest attitude! 

What has been your favorite project while working at K-Five and why?

Every IDOT letting brings about its new challenges and requests for the office. It is rewarding when results go well, and you know you were a part of helping achieve that.

If you had to pick a job in a completely different field, what would you do?

I would be a veterinarian. I grew up around farm animals, making me grow fond of them.

What was your first job or the most interesting/unusual job you’ve had?

I helped a window washing company during the summers while I was in college. Learning how to maneuver down a high rise on a scaffold helped build character. 

Who’s been the most influential person in your life and how have they influenced you?

The most influential person in my life has been my father. He is a first-generation immigrant and the oldest in a family of 6. Although he was battling several barriers, he pursued his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. He continues to encourage me to meet my goals and overcome any obstacles. 

Thanks for sharing with us, Alex!

Above: the new milling machine getting ready at the Hodgkins shop. Below: closeup of the pink wrap and the dedication to breast cancer awareness and support.

K-Five is committed to excellence. A key part of that commitment is our continual investment in the latest and greatest equipment, including our recent acquisition of a new Wirtgen Milling Machine.

K-Five is constantly looking to improve our performance, which highlights the core reason behind K-Five's dedication to having the best equipment. New machinery, like the Wirtgen Milling Machine, allows us to:

• Boost Productivity: Advanced features on new equipment can streamline processes and allow crews to get the job done faster. This translates to completing projects on time and within budget.

• Enhance Efficiency: Modern equipment is often designed with efficiency in mind. Fuel efficiency can save K-Five money on operation costs, while ergonomic designs can help prevent worker fatigue and injury.

• Deliver Superior Quality: The newest technology can lead to more precise and consistent work. In road construction, this means smoother, longer-lasting pavements for clients.

Investing in high-quality equipment goes beyond just the bottom line for K-Five. This commitment is also about:

• Safety: Keeping workers safe is a top priority. New machinery often comes with improved safety features, reducing the risk of accidents on the job site.

• Community: By staying at the forefront of the industry, K-Five is better positioned to contribute to the development and success of the Chicagoland area.

The acquisition of the Wirtgen Milling Machine is a perfect example of K-Five's approach. This machine is known for its ability to handle large milling projects efficiently, while features like a customizable wrap allow K-Five to showcase our commitment to causes they care about; for this milling machine, we again did a pink wrap with a breast cancer logo (photo above) to raise awareness for breast cancer research and support.

K-Five Construction's dedication to innovation and investment ensures we remain a leader in our field. By continually seeking out the best equipment, we are paving the way for a smoother, safer, and more successful future.

The sun and warm weather of summer can also bring special hazards for those working outdoors. The

combination of heat, humidity and physical labor can lead to illness. The two most serious forms of

heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and heat stroke. Signs of heat

exhaustion or heat stroke need immediate attention. Recognizing those warning signs and taking quick

action can make a difference in preventing heat illnesses.

The following are guidelines all employees should follow during the warm weather months:

1. Understand what heat stress is and be able to recognize the symptoms. It is a signal that says the body is having difficulty maintaining its narrow temperature range. The heart pumps faster, blood is diverted from internal organs to the skin, breathing rate increases, sweating increases, all in an attempt to transfer more heat to the outside air and cool the skin by evaporation of sweat. If the body can't keep up then the person suffers effects ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and finally to heat stroke.

2. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, light-head or fainting;

weakness and moist skin; mood changes such as irritability or confusion; upset stomach or

vomiting.

3. Symptoms of Heat Stroke include dry, hot skin with no sweating; mental confusion or loss of consciousness; seizures or convulsions. Seek professional assistance immediately.

4. Dry clothes and skin do not mean that you are not sweating. In dry climates, you might not feel wet or sticky, but you are still sweating. On a very warm day, you can lose as much as two liters of fluid.

5. Beat the Heat. Help Prevent the ill effects of heat stress by:

· Drinking water or Gatorade frequently and moderately (about eight ounces every 15

minutes.)

· If possible, avoid direct sunlight or other heat sources.

· Try to plan your day to tackle more strenuous jobs during the cooler morning hours.

· Utilizing the ventilation or fans in enclosed areas.

· Rest frequently in cool, shaded areas.

· Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages and eat lightly.

· Remembering that it takes about one to two weeks for the body to adjust to the heat; this

adaptation to heat is quickly lost — so your body will need time to adjust after a vacation or

extended absence.

· Wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose fitting clothes.

· Wear wide brimmed hard hats, neck protectors (Chill-Its) and sunscreen

6. Be prepared to act. In the event you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a co-worker, immediately notify your supervisor and contact emergency professionals. While waiting for First Aid or Medical Aid, you should:



· Move the worker to a cool shaded area

· Loosen or remove heavy clothing

· Provide small sips of cool drinking water

· Fan and mist the person with water

Safety first this summer and always!

K-Five is proud to have recently supported several charities, including:

• Cheryl Rabine Foundation
• Arts Alliance Illinois
• JB Charitable Foundation
• Cook County Sheriff's Police FOP #4
• Caring Patriots Southwest Airlines
• Butterfiled Country Club Scholarship Program
• Village of Lemont
• Huskies Hockey Club
• Bastian Voice Institute
• Clayco Foundation
• 5th District SWAT Fundraiser
• Rolfe Foundation
• American Cancer Society
• Tuskegee Next

Congratulations to Jody Krug, K-Five's Treasurer, on the birth of her grandson, a healthy baby boy named Daniel "Danny" Mongan! Danny is Jody's seventh grandchild (and sixth grandson!) born in the past six years. Danny's parents, Jamie and Ted, and big brother Teddy are doing well. Congratulations!