Christa King
1. What inspired you to join this SBCA?
Our company joined SBCA for the business support and networking opportunities that are found within the organization. I’ve learned the deep value of Contractors supporting fellow contractors. I entered the industry when I was first hired existing SBCA member company (with an owner active on the SBCA board,) and found valuable tools and education coming from the organization that helped to establish and empower me in my career, which we felt were very important to have for our own company when we started our contracting business in 2010. I am eager to give back and contribute to the organization and support the creation of opportunities for new and existing industry companies and emerging industry professionals, continuing the positive impact that SBCA has had on my journey. I’ve also managed and volunteered for several non-profit organization boards in our local area and feel my experiences there only help strengthen the value I can add and help bring to our organization.
2. Describe your professional background and key accomplishments relevant to your role on the board.
I began my career in the construction industry in early 2002 as an Executive Assistant at Utt Construction Inc. Over the years, I evolved into a managing officer
overseeing diverse responsibilities from business management to project estimating & project management. In 2010, amid an economic slowdown, my partner and I founded Young Air, Inc. and I also took on an administration/business management role at Matt Shaw
Concrete Inc that same year as well, and later transitioned into an Officer role, helping to steer the company's success. Having the working knowledge of the needs and inner workings of General Contractors and Subcontractors help me to bring a unique perspective
on the industry and I am confident it will help in my role with the SBCA to help others.
3. What motivates you in your work within the construction industry?
I love to see a project come to fruition from the plans to the final product, and I love to see clients get the project done just as they envisioned, even down to the small details. Seeing the product of the hard work put in by a company that lasts into the future is always rewarding. The constant learning, growth and the opportunity to contribute to both established and new ventures have been my driving force. So much of construction happens behind the scenes and I’m really in awe of the drive and dedication it takes for companies to pull off beautiful projects that are so often taken for granted.
4. Share a notable experience or achievement during your time on the board.
Looking back, I see the Educational Symposium of seminars we hosted for our members as pivotal accomplishments for the organization and board this year, as we lost so much during COVID-19 for our members, and bringing back education and networking has been really important to us. Now we get to learn and get back to people and FUN again! I find joy in building a sense of community and a sense of support for our industry and fellow members.
5. Would have to say How do you see SBCA evolving in the next few years?
My primary objective for the organization is to enhance educational support for members across various areas including legal matters, insurance, business development, emerging trends, industry training, and safety initiatives - all of which members are actively seeking and which can also attract new members. Providing members and professionals the support they need is so crucial. This is where I will be directing the focus of our non-fundraising events, while also extending support to neighboring communities lacking organizations to assist them. We should all be working together to improve our professional community, and we start doing that one step at a time, one event at a time.
6.Outside of your professional life, what are some hobbies or interests?
Outside of my professional life, you can find me tending to all my little zoo of dogs, cats, horses, & a tortoise, competing in cattle penning events & trail riding around the tri-county area, competing in canine dock diving, teaching foundation riding lessons, playing and managing teams in local coed soccer & softball leagues around Santa Barbara County, and spending time with family/friends.