Power-Tek Group welcomes Krista Killingsworth as new general manager of construction

Building on more than two decades of management experience and proven business development success in the construction industry, Krista Killingsworth is joining Stittsville-based Power-Tek Group – one of the region’s fastest-growing construction companies.

As the team’s new general manager for the construction division, Killingsworth will further develop the multi-trade construction company’s presence in the region. She joins Power-Tek as the firm rides a wave of momentum and rapidly expands on multiple fronts, including acquisitions, a growing employee headcount and taking on increasingly sophisticated projects.

It’s a pace Killingsworth plans to only accelerate.

“Before the end of the year, we’re going to definitely grow and continue to diversify the types of projects we work on to continue to develop our competitive advantage,” says Killingsworth. ”I see us tapping into more new builds, some ground-up projects and really leaving a footprint in the community.”

Power-Tek specializes in providing construction services for commercial property managers, owners and developers in the National Capital Region and has completed more than $300 million worth of projects in eastern Ontario over the past 25 years.

Killingsworth says she expects that figure to multiply exponentially in the coming years. Power-Tek has already picked up millions of dollars of additional contracts in recent months and is undertaking its first design-building project – an administrative building for the University of Ottawa.

With a well-established roster of top-tier clients, Power-Tek is leveraging its deep understanding of the Ottawa market to further cement its market-leading position.

The key to that success will include building Power-Tek’s team to ensure that every project has the right people armed with technical skills and a commitment to quality, exemplary communication and maintaining aggressive schedules for all their clients – something Killingsworth is eager to start working on. 

“I’m looking to double the number of project managers and coordinators we have by the end of the year,” she says, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and coaching, as well as fostering a work environment that promotes teamwork. “With the services we offer, I don’t see how Power-Tek couldn’t become the city’s top choice for construction projects.”

A passion for construction

Originally from London, Ont., Killingsworth made the initial transition from merchandising to construction in 2000, later moving to Ottawa in 2003 to continue her career.

During this period, she gained on-site experience, oversaw bids and complex projects, as well as supported the growth and development of her team, helping her company expand from six employees to 129.

“I started several new departments and worked closely with the owner to grow the business,” she says.

At the time, there were relatively few women working in the construction industry and fewer still in management positions, Killingsworth recalls, adding that she’s seen that gradually change during her career. 

“I sort of pushed my way into this industry,” she says, noting it’s rewarding to see women increasingly welcomed into the industry.

In 2018, Killingsworth was recruited by a construction firm to open a satellite location in the capital. Her role was to effectively power a startup by developing a team, attracting new clients and establishing a fresh industry name in Ottawa – a challenge she readily accepted.

Over the next three years, she expanded the company’s Ottawa operations, while also developing a project management and job costing software program to help the business transition from paper to digital. 

It’s a growth mindset – alongside the curiosity, passion and tenacity that have powered her career – she intends to bring to Power-Tek.

“Having a custom-built platform that can grow with the company and integrate all of the different services will be key to streamlining communication – both internally and externally,” she says. “I’ve developed long-term relationships with tradespeople and clients. They know that my team and I work hard, with a focus on quality and transparency, and they know I respect budget and timelines.”

Joseph Pamic, Power-Tek group’s vice-president of corporate development, says Killingsworth’s knowledge, experience and drive made her the top choice to help lead the team. 

“Krista has an excellent professional background, but more importantly, she has the ambition and dedication to match,” says Pamic. “Her values are really aligned with ours and her vision for the future gets us excited.” 

Expanding into new regions

Killingsworth’s appointment is part of a larger expansion push for Power-Tek spearheaded by Pamic, whose father co-founded the company in 1996.  

Power-Tek Group has been on a steady climb, diversifying its service offerings to include electrical contracting, general contracting, HVAC and refrigeration contracting

and real estate acquisition and development.

In April, the company acquired Kemptville’s Macton Electrical Construction, extending Power-Tek’s reach further into eastern Ontario. Then in June, Power-Tek made a second acquisition, purchasing Shawn Robinson Refrigeration Ltd., which provides HVAC and refrigeration services to businesses in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Now sitting at more than 75 employees, the company is ready to continue to grow, says Pamic.

“I would love to see us buy two or three companies a year and continue to diversify our service offerings,” he says. “I see us expanding into other trades and geographical regions, creating a strong foothold for the business.”