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P R O F I L E
Focus on others: Mitch Fortner President of KSA (Longview, TX), an industry leader that provides a broad range of engineering, architecture, planning, surveying, and construction management services.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
F ortner is dedicated to fostering growth and improving KSA’s ability to provide quality consulting services to the clients in each of its service groups. He’s also working to find ways to channel employee ambition into areas that are mutually productive for the company and satisfying for the employee. “Focus on others is a huge part of what it looks like to be a successful leader in any endeavor,” Fortner says. “It can take many forms, but helping others around us to do their very best is a great way to multiply your contribution to the organization.” A CONVERSATION WITH MITCH FORTNER. The Zweig Letter: You started with KSA in 1984 and became president in 2016. What’s the key to your longevity with the firm and what do you feel are some of the most valuable on-the-job skills you’ve learned along the way? Why?
Mitch Fortner: My father worked for one company for 42 years as a surveyor, so I’m still short of that family record. I think one of the keys to longevity with a firm is a willingness to look beyond short-term internal conflict and to recognize the value of teamwork. One of the benefits of staying with one firm for a long time can be increased career opportunities. Frankly, you can become very valuable if you understand the history of what has worked and what hasn’t worked within your company and if you thoroughly understand the culture of your organization and what makes it great. Firm stability creates resilience. Organizations learn from experience, and as you navigate issues together, you can become better at navigating similar issues moving forward, creating a stronger company. TZL: Trust is essential. How do you earn the trust of your clients?
THE ZWEIG LETTER DECE
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