Meet Jennifer Williams, PWB Member in Spotlight
How did you get started in your career?
Jennifer Williams
Managing Partner
KGA Studio Architects, PC
www.kgarch.com
After graduating with a degree in Marketing from the University of Denver, I fumbled around from a few different entry level jobs in administrative or marketing roles. I was much more interested in my social life so finding something that captured my attention professionally, wasn’t easy. I knew I had a knack for talking people into things so I thought sales might be a good fit. While out one night with friends, I met Amy Watkins who sold advertising for Colorado Homes & Lifestyle magazine. She offered to pass my resume along. Eliza Cross, then Publisher of Mountain Living magazine offered me a job on the spot during my first interview. I had found a passion – magazines and marketing sales. From there it was on to House Beautiful and then to Colorado Homes & Lifestyles. Moving to New York and working for Hearst Publishing was the single most influential career decision I have made; being the Publisher of CH&L was by far and away the most challenging and brought about the most personal, professional growth. After 7 years with the magazine, I decided it was time to try my skills outside of Publishing but within the local residential design industry. Unfortunately my first step away from CH&L proved to be misstep, fortunately there is learning in even the most difficult situations and if it weren’t for that disastrous decision I would not have ended up at KGA. During my years at the magazine I had formed a great relationship with Jerry Gloss, after leaving he watched me lose direction professionally but he also made sure to stay in touch. We were meeting for lunch one day so that I could get his opinion on some entrepreneurial ideas, our conversation lead us to an epiphany that my skills set could be of great benefit to KGA’s marketing and operations. Shortly after joining the firm I was given an opportunity to join the Partnership which I happily accepted and found my professional home amongst the most talented, dedicated group of guys and gal I had ever met. When I joined the KGA team I was one of two women, I am proud to say that today, 25% of KGA’s staff is made up of women!
Has there been someone along the way that you credit with helping you get to where you are? And why?
I’ve had two amazing bosses and mentors:
Erik Schwarzkopf, former Ad Director of House Beautiful magazine hired and managed me. He was the most fun-loving and focused leader; he helped me navigate the mean streets of Manhattan which I had blindly underestimated. He helped hone my sales skills, use constructive criticism to improve and channeled my social energy towards my profession – he continues to be great friend!
Adam Japko, former President of Network Communications, Inc. hired me at Colorado Homes & Lifestyles as the Promotions Director and 8 months later coerced me into taking the Publisher gig which I did begrudgingly. I struggled to live up to its requirements. He let me fail BIG but continued to support me and believe in my ability. He taught me everything I know about running a business. He also gave me the most important tip for being an effective Manager “manage your staff like you would want to be managed”. I also learned from him that I am very skilled at over-complicating the simple and that I overthink things, he forced me to be self-aware and build a team with my deficiencies in mind. He built my confidence and told me I had great instincts. He is also an incredibly interesting and fun guy who I feel fortunate to know - check out his Blog http://winezag.com/.
What do you love about the Home Building industry?
I am passionate about residential construction and design; Denver is a very exciting place for this industry. I have grown up here and unlike many I have reveled in watching it grow, get busier and become more of a metropolis. I like the idea that I contribute to something that will shape Denverite’s lifestyles' for generations to come. I am interested in the economic impact and implications our industry has on the fiscal health of our State and Country. A home is the single most important purchase decision most people make – I want everyone to have one they love!
Tell us 3 things people don’t know about you – I did 4 because I didn’t want to leave out some of the most important people in my life.
1. I have a 10-month old Son named Gordon, after my late Father.
2. I have had 4 English bulldogs: Otis, Moses, Walter and Oliver (current)
3. My mom is an Olympic caliber Figure Skating coach and was in the Ice Capades, we flip houses together in our spare time
4. My sister and I were born on the same day but 2-years apart, her daughter Isabell had the same due date
Anything else you would like to share?
My husband and I own pizza restaurants called Walter’s Pizzeria in the Uptown, Bow Mar and soon to be Flying Horse neighborhoods along the Front Range. The pizza is damn good, try the Keep Tahoe Blue. www.walterspizzeria.com
