b'A LIFETIME IN THE MAKING: THE LASTING LEGACY OF JAY KORTEJay Korte has spent a lifetime learning how things workBy the time he graduated in 1990, Jay didnt need anHE LAUGHSand how people work together. From a young age, heintroduction. Hed already lived the business from understood responsibility, accountability and the valuethe field to the office. Over the years, he became of showing up. Those principles shaped his career at TheThe Korte Companys ultimate utility player ABOUT IT Korte Company, where he served in many roles beforemoving between project engineering, estimating, becoming director of client relations. As he prepares tosuperintending, project management and leadership retire, the impact of that steady leadership is alreadyroles. That broad view gave him empathy andNOW, CALLING firmly in place. foresight. He understood how one decision rippled across a job site, a schedule and a team.Jay grew up east of Pierron, Illinois, the youngest of four brothers in a rural household where work cameWhat Jay loved most was the people. He broughtHIMSELF THE first. Summers meant chores, construction sites andteams together, built trust with clients and carried early mornings. His father, Larry, was employee numberThe Korte Companys sense of stewardship into three at The Korte Company, and Jay followed him intothe community. Through years of service with the company as a teenager, opening the warehouse andLeadership Council Southwestern Illinois, UnitedCOMPANYS getting coffee ready before most kids were awake. FromWay and regional military support efforts, he helped Uncle Ralph, he learned an enduring lesson: masterstrengthen the place The Korte Company calls home. the technical side first. Jay carried that advice to theNow, as he steps into retirement with his wife, Renae,JOS OQUENDO.University of Illinois, where he studied civil engineeringJay leaves behind more than completed projects. and construction management while continuing to workHis legacy lives on in the people he guided, the on company projects. relationships he built and the standard he set.4 5'