Sundt Construction, Inc. is pleased to announce Kari L. Louie’s recent promotion to corporate director of total rewards. In her new human resources role, Kari directs the planning and administration of our total reward programs to help ensure the achievement of Sundt’s strategic objectives. Since Sundt believes that our people are the core of what we do, we wanted to get to know our new corporate director of total rewards. We recently spent a little time talking with Kari, and this is what we learned.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A wife and a mother. My mom was a stay-at-home mom and she was my role model. I looked up to her. I wanted and assumed I would grow up and be just like her.
When you are not at work, how do you spend your time?
I like spending quality time with my husband and three children. They are the most important thing to me in the world. I want to be there to watch them grow up and be a part of their lives.
What is it about Sundt that has led you to make your career here?
How they treat their people – the company has made a huge impact on my life. I have the unique experience of starting with the company through a high school program, Cooperative Office Education (COE), when I was 16 years old. I was fortunate that they kept me on after high school. I began my career at Sundt in human resources. That experience made such an impact on me that I began to gear my college education in that direction. The company has provided me some wonderful opportunities that allowed me to grow in both my professional and personal lives.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To not react right away if something upsets you and make a rash decision. You might regret if you respond too quickly. It’s best to sleep on something and revisit it the next day with a clearer head.
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
Obtaining my Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification through Society for Human Resource Management. I had been in HR for quite a number of years at this point and received other professional certifications. Prior to receiving the PHR, my background had been focused in the benefits and compensation arena. However, the PHR is a more encompassing HR certification. It was a very challenging and but rewarding educational endeavor and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.
What’s your favorite place to dine?
Mi Nidito, a Mexican restaurant in Tucson, Ariz. They have the best Mexican food in town and people will line up and wait to eat at this tiny little restaurant in South Tucson.