How did you get started in your career? 

I am a Colorado native, but had moved to southern California in the early 1990’s. After working in Los Angeles for two different dress makers who went under financially, I decided to leave the fashion world and look for another industry. Richmond American Homes was just starting a division in Irvine and I was hired as the Sales & Marketing Assistant in 1995.  I didn’t know anything about homebuilding and had to learn on the fly.  The VP of Sales asked me one time to call the landscaper and instruct him to change out the marigolds in front of the models to vinca.  I didn’t know what marigolds or vinca even looked like! We didn’t really have the internet back then so I found a landscaping book to reference what flowers those were!?  I was a quick study and curious about everything. I was promptly promoted to Marketing Coordinator and eventually Marketing Manager. We built homes from San Diego to San Clarita, and Orange County to the Inland Empire.  We closed 100 homes in 1996 and by 1998 we were closing over 1100 homes a year. My journey with Richmond American ended shortly after Sept 11th, in October of 2001.  It was an amazing experience for a kid who didn’t know anything about homebuilding, or flowers! 

In January of 2002, the direction of my career changed and I landed at Standard Pacific Homes in Irvine, where I would spend the next 10 years.  The Orange County division had just opened an in-house Design Studio and the General Manager was looking for someone to assist her.  I was hired on the spot as the Office Manager.  They were extremely busy, and basically starting a business from scratch.  They needed me and I did everything. I created forms, commission worksheets, model option sheets, a scheduling calendar for the designers, did the budgets, payroll & time cards, handled HR problems, fixed the copier, fixed the computers, ordered carpet, plunged the toilet . . . . you name it, I did it.  I did everything that didn’t fit into someone else’s job description. I was driven and wanted a process for everything.  Early into 2005, the General Manager had a family emergency and had to resign unexpectedly.  The Division President and VP of Sales & Marketing approached me and asked me to apply for the position. What? Me? Really?  There were a few other candidates applying for the position, but they wanted me to throw my hat into the ring.  After interviewing with a few people and taking a personality profile test, I was promoted to Director of the Design Studio.  It was a bit awkward going from a peer to my colleagues to their supervisor but they were very supportive of me and embraced the change. I continued in the role of Director for the next several years and survived the market crash of 2008, 09, 10. The downturn was the worst time in my career and yet the best experience to survive, adapt, and change to a new world of homebuilding.  I am very grateful for everything I learned and experienced at Stan Pac. 

I moved back to Colorado in August of 2011 and had a short run with Haworth (commercial interiors) before finding TRI Pointe Homes and Tina Martelon.  We connected in 2013 and she hired me as the Sales & Closing Coordinator for the start-up division.  My career had just come full circle! In 2014, I was promoted to my current position of Marketing Manager. 

Has there been someone along the way that you credit with helping you get to where you are?  And why? 

There have been numerous people along my career that have helped me grow. . . Steve Cauffman, the VP of Sales & Marketing at Richmond, for example, who was patient with me as I learned about marigolds, tract maps, kiosk riders, pink reports, stress and more. 

Most importantly though, is my friend and mentor, Shanna Clanin.  She was the General Manager of the Design Studio who had to resign unexpectedly and had recommended me for the position (little did I know that).  I lacked the confidence to be “the” leader and was hesitant to apply for the Director position, but she encouraged me to believe in myself and become more confident.  When I interviewed with the Division President and expressed my hesitation and lack of confidence to assume the role, he said “But Karna, you’re already doing it and you don’t even know it!”.  I was also very grateful for the support of my peers and designer friends who were secretly cheering me on to succeed. Once I was promoted and started to gain more confidence, my mental attitude changed and I became less afraid and more driven to not let any challenge get the best of me. 

What do you love about the Home Building industry? 

I love the team work of the people who come together to build homes for families.  It’s a group effort and everyone has a part in the process.  I also love the connections I have made from California to Colorado.  I’ve met so many people in Denver through the HBA and am so happy to be a part of the industry!

Tell us 3 things about yourself that people don’t know.

Not a lot of people know this but. . . I am very tall.  Yes it’s true, I am 6’3 and have been tall my whole life.  I was 3’ tall at age two, 5’10 in the 8th grade, and 6’2 when I graduated from high school.  My Mom told me I would stop growing when I hit puberty but she lied. I continued to grow until I was 19 years old. . . long after puberty, where I finally stopped at 6’3.  People are fascinated by my height and can’t help but look at my feet to see if I am wearing high heels.  I am often asked about my height and how tall I am….At least once a day.  And they want to know if I played basketball. . . which I did but only for a few weeks.  It was tough and those girls were mean! I feel truly blessed to be this tall and wouldn’t have it any other way.    

I’ve been to France four times, and lived in Monte Carlo for the summer after graduating from college, where I worked as an Au Pere for my Aunt. Je parle un peu français.

I love old people and am certified as a hospice volunteer.  Even though I haven’t had much time to volunteer lately, I am passionate about the elderly and making sure there are caring people by their side as they transition from this life to the next. 

Anything else you would like to share? 

I am proud to be a member of the Executive Committee of PWB and love getting to know all the ladies in the group!  I’m looking forward to meeting every single one of them and making great strides with our new venture!