Connecticut Summer Camp Appoints KBE Building Corp. President to BOD

ANDOVER, Conn. — Connecticut’s Channel 3 Kids Camp has appointed KBE Building Corporation’s Mike Kolakowski to its board of directors. Kolakowski is the president and principal owner of KBE Building Corporation.

Kolakowski and KBE Building Corporation’s involvement with the Kids Camp began in 2011, with the renovation of the Jennifer L. Hawke-Petit Health Lodge. KBE provided both a financial donation and construction management services to support the 1,000-square-foot renovation project. The firm also engaged a select group of trade contractors who donated their time and portion of the construction costs to the project.

KBE is now donating its construction management services for the new construction of Ashley’s Place, a 4,400-square-foot dorm-style cabin built in remembrance of special needs child Ashley Leveillee. Through 24-hour nursing care, the new cabin will allow children with disabilities to enjoy an inclusive summer camp experience.

KBE is also donating construction management services for the comprehensive remodel and addition to Freeman Hall, which provides sleeping quarters for campers. The 4,500-square-foot project started in April and is scheduled for completion by late July 2014. When complete, Freeman Hall will house additional campers who will enjoy updated amenities. Freeman Hall will also be capable of housing ADA personnel.

The following subcontractors have donated a portion of their contract for Freeman Hall: KBE Building Corp., Arena Construction, Landie Construction, Elite, Innovative Millwork, Collins & Company, Daniels Caulking, Builders Hardware, Apex Tile, Christiano & Sons Painting, C&A Distributors, Allstate Sprinkler, Gem Mechanical, & 1st Choice Electrical.

“It’s such an honor to serve on the Board for WFSB Kids Camp,” said Kolakowski. “As a parent myself, I want to see all children, including those with disabilities, enjoy the fun of summer camp.”

Kolakowski has also established a legacy of giving back through KBE’s 50 Ways to Make a Difference charitable program, which launched in 2009 to celebrate the firm’s new ownership and its 50 years in business. Since then, KBE’s owners and employees have donated more than $1.2 million and 5,000 volunteer hours to charitable organizations and local community groups in Connecticut and Maryland.

Kolakowski joined KBE in 1984 and, after holding several positions within the company, was appointed president and CEO in 1995. In 2007, Kolakowski acquired the company with Eric Brown and Simon Etzel, and it was renamed KBE Building Corporation.

Kolakowski holds a degree in construction engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has more than 25 years of construction and project management experience.

In addition to serving on the WFSB Kids Camp board of directors, Kolakowski is serving or has served on the board of directors of several organizations, including:

• Retail Contractors of America
• Middlesex Chamber of Commerce
• Sacred Heart Academy
• East Carolina University Advisory Board
• Cardinal Sheehan Center
• CenterBuild (committee 2006-2014, chair 2015)

He has been involved with the Connecticut chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors for more than 25 years, serving on its board of directors and holding the position of president in 1996. He is now serving as the chairman of the Construction Legal Rights Foundation committee of ABC National.

Ashley’s Place and Freeman Hall are scheduled to be completed by mid-summer. Kolakowski will serve on the board for the next three years.