Leading with Purpose, Passion, and People: A Conversation with Harper’s Kate Dotten-Holder

Building strong teams and resilient infrastructures: Kate Dotten-Holder, PE, the Charlotte Regional Director of Harper General Contractors, shares her decade-long journey in the water and wastewater industry and highlights the significant impact women have in this field. With more than 10 years of experience, Kate offers her insights on the evolving industry, the importance of mentorship, and her approach to leadership in this exclusive interview with GroundBreak Carolinas.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what led you to a leadership role?

Growing up, I always loved building things with my dad, which sparked my interest in the field of construction. When I started college, I looked for a field where I could explore this passion, leading to pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of architecture. During a Water and Wastewater internship with a local general contractor, I was introduced to the dynamic and challenging nature of construction, which I fell in love with. I appreciate the opportunities construction offers for problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration—some of my favorite aspects of working in this industry. Over the years, my enthusiasm and curiosity have led me to a leadership role with Harper, where I share my passion with others.

How do you approach leading a team and fostering a strong company culture in this fast-paced industry of construction? Going from managing projects to leading people was certainly a challenge – it’s not always glamorous but it is really satisfying when the highs outweigh the lows. Being a servant leader and prioritizing people is a strong value that Harper instills in its people. The work we do is demanding and it can feel overwhelming, but when you have folks that you can connect with and enjoy working with, it can motivate you to keep going. It’s amazing to see how different project teams collaborate to share information and lessons learned and genuinely support each other while celebrating each other’s successes.

Tell us about a rewarding project you’ve worked on and what made it stand out.

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on was during my field rotation as a Project Engineer, where I functioned as a Production Engineer to apply lean construction techniques. At the time, the main project I worked on involved building a new process train and then rehabilitating the existing trains for a wastewater plant which required heavy sequencing and coordination to be able to minimize equipment downtime. I initially thought I was knowledgeable and ready for advancement in the industry, but that project opened my eyes to how much I truly didn’t know.

Working closely with the foremen allowed me to break down their tasks and understand them at a very detailed level. I learned the importance of meticulous planning; missing even a small detail could derail an entire task and have downstream effects on the project schedule and budget. I became comfortable asking questions and collaborating with the team to understand why certain tasks were performed in specific ways.

This experience also helped me grow as a leader. I interacted with many different people, each with unique communication styles and motivations. To foster an environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing their ideas, I had to adapt my communication style to match theirs. This effort laid an amazing foundation that enabled us to achieve incredible results together. It was certainly challenging and required patience and some trial and error, but it was worth it when we celebrated our shared successes!

Is there a management lesson you’d like to share with others?

For me, it would be to learn to negotiate win-win solutions in a way that you’re comfortable with. When you’re comfortable with your negotiation style, you can focus on confidently talking through the issue and understanding each other’s perspective to get to a solution rather than having to focus on being someone you’re not. It’s a lot less stressful and you can really think through different ideas to get to an agreement. My management style has been shaped by my experiences with various project managers and mentors. My team is currently working on a complex project in Greensboro, NC where I enjoy encouraging each of them to ask questions to better understand plant operations. This knowledge helps us find creative solutions, negotiate shutdowns, and create schedules that meet the plant’s needs while minimizing impacts on our construction timeline.

What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of working in construction, and what keeps you motivated?

I love what I do. The construction of water and wastewater management systems can be quite enjoyable, and it’s exciting to work alongside others at Harper who share the same passion. This work offers many opportunities for learning and creativity. Collaborating closely with clients and trade partners has been rewarding, and it ultimately builds trust among all of us. At the end of the day, it’s rewarding to know that we are helping our clients provide clean water for their communities.

The AEC industry just celebrated Women in Construction Month in March. As a leader in the industry, how has the industry changed for women since you started?

When I first entered the industry, there were very few women, especially in heavy construction. Now, it’s inspiring to see an increasing number of women in leadership roles – this has become a more common occurrence. I’ve noticed that the industry is becoming more respectful and inclusive for women and for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. While we still have progress to make, it’s encouraging to witness the changes that are starting to happen!

What advice do you have for others considering a career in construction?

A career in construction can be both enjoyable and rewarding, despite the hard work it requires. As you advance in your career, take the time to be present in the field and ask questions. Working on-site not only improves your skills but also helps you gain respect from your colleagues. Also, consider finding a mentor or role model—someone you feel comfortable approaching with your questions. Success is rarely achieved alone, so focus on building a strong team. Finally, don’t be afraid to dive in and be confident about creating a place for yourself – everyone starts somewhere, and we are just as knowledgeable and dependable.

Main Photo Credit:  Libby Williams Photographs

About Harper: Throughout Harper’s seven-decade history, we have had the opportunity to develop strong professional relationships with clients across the Carolinas. By bringing to life the vision of our clients, Harper leaves a lasting impression on members of the community. The core of the company is geared toward collaborating with clients and design professionals in an open and transparent manner, enabling the client to know how every project dollar is being invested. An award-winning company, Harper consistently receives recognition in the areas of quality, safety, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. For more information, visit harpergc.com.