“I enjoy assisting our clients – both new and old
– in getting their projects put together and into
production as seamlessly as possible.”
– Kena Yoke, Island Piling Inc.
relationships in place allows us the opportunity to go right to a
team member if a client needs assistance on a project. These relationships
also provide a direct line to working through issues in
the field as they occur, helping to keep a project moving forward.”
Choosing not to dilute its services, but rather define them,
Yoke says when other types of piles are needed, Island Piling
has been happy to refer clients to those in the community that
provide a specific pile need.
“We also have the opportunity, when necessary, to combine
our services with other types of pile installations to meet the
specific needs of a project,” she said.
Yoke manages the in-house administrative tasks for the
company including proposals, contracts, support services, project
coordination, client relations, community involvement and more.
“I enjoy assisting our clients – both new and old – in getting
their projects put together and into production as seamlessly
as possible,” she said. “I work very closely with each client to
BLAKESLEE • ARPAIA • CHAPMAN, INC.
Engineered Construction Since 1844
BLAKESLEE • ARPAIA • CHAPMAN, INC.
Engineered Construction Since 1844
Bridges and Dams
Utilities and Substation
Foundations
Waterfront Structures
Rigging and Millwrighting
Underpinning & Shoring
Bridges and Dams
Utilities and Substation
Foundations
Waterfront Structures
Rigging and Millwrighting
Underpinning & Shoring
Blakeslee • Arpaia • Chapman, Inc.
200 North Branford Road, Branford CT. O6443
Phone: (203) 488-2500 Fax: (203) 488-4538
Email: dchapman@bac-inc.com Web: www.bac-inc.com
Blakeslee • Arpaia • Chapman, Inc.
200 North Branford Road, Branford CT. O6443
Phone: (203) 488-2500 Fax: (203) 488-4538
Email: dchapman@bac-inc.com Web: www.bac-inc.com
coordinate their project with other team members to get it into
the field. Once in the field, our relationship with the engineers
gives me the opportunity to handle issues with a quick phone
call and email. This keeps the projects from stalling and avoids
any unnecessary delays.”
Island Piling is also the only pile driving company in
the area with certified operators and certified cranes, which
are inspected annually by an OSHA certified inspector. The
National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
(NCCCO) has also recognized the company for its commitment
to safety in the industry. NCCCO is a nonprofit organization
which formed 1995 with a mission to develop effective performance
standards for safe crane operation to assist all segments
of general industry and construction.
When asked who she attributes her success to, Yoke says
it is her parents – who always supported her ideas and encouraged
her to push the envelope – and her ex-husband and partner,
Scott Yoke, who has managed the “field and all its unique issues”
from the beginning.
“It’s a wonderful partnership where we support each other’s
ideas to grow our company and work together to make them
succeed,” she said. “This relationship allows Island Piling and
our employees to continue reaching higher goals and succeeding.
I also have the continued opportunity to work with so many
great people in this business and in the community who have
offered guidance, wisdom and support. I truly believe the better
your circle, the more you strive to succeed.”
A PDCA member for 10 years, Yoke stresses the importance
of letting the industry know there are prestressed pile
driving companies providing the services they need in a professional
capacity in Florida.
“Being a highly niche industry, it is important to band
together. Our goal has always been – and will continue to be –
setting the standards in safety and performance for the industry
in our geographical area. We’re always looking for new ideas in
technology and products to better serve our clients and the environmentally
sensitive community in which we live.”
While Yoke has achieved a lot of success in the piling industry,
she says the construction industry continues to be known as
a “man’s world.”
“I still get the phone calls where they just don’t want to talk
to me simply because I’m a woman,” she said. “But once we get
past the initial push, it works out. The clients who rely on me
far outweigh the doubters. There are some great guys out there,
so I’m grateful that they keep me on my toes, even if those toes
are in heels.” t
YOUNG GUN
112 | ISSUE 4 2018
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