Spotlight: David Koratich
Dave Koratich guides Warehaus’ clients through the design and regulatory process for Civil/Site-related projects. Over his 21 years at Warehaus, he has diversified the Civil Group’s portfolio to include commercial and industrial business parks, residential sub-divisions (single family, detached and high density), retail projects as well as professional offices. As Director of Civil Engineering, he is currently leading the expansion of Warehaus’ civil engineering services to other geographical areas around and beyond the Mid-Atlantic region. He also serves as a project manager on multiple projects and excels at distilling detailed information down to important facts that guide the successful design and delivery of projects on time and within budget. As Director, Dave leads a team of eleven and offers them professional guidance, open communication, and mentorship. He ensures that all projects are on track and empowers his team to develop expertise in diverse aspects of civil engineering as well as in different project typologies and complexity.
Dave also serves as Warehaus’ Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of multiple business units including internal operations, information technology, building facilities, and business processes.
Dave filled us in on the interesting way he landed on a civil engineering career path, and what keeps him busy year-round.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
Ironically, it was a land development class at Penn State in my senior year. Up to that point, I wanted to design bridges – specifically the bridge abutments. Due to lack of enrollment in one of the higher level classes I was schedule to take, I was placed in a land development class. The concept of road layout, grading, utilities, stormwater management and soil erosion fascinated me and changed my career path. I accepted an entry level position out of college here at Warehaus and have been here ever since.
What advice would you give to students pursuing a similar career?
Ask questions, learn AutoCAD and gain knowledge in any way possible. Land development or land planning is so much more than CAD work. Communication, knowledge, problem solving, and public meetings are all key components in land planning.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your role at Warehaus?
Interaction with staff, mentoring of staff (passing on what I’ve learned in 21 years (the good and the bad), clients, municipalities and other regulatory reviewers.
What positive outcomes have you discovered from working remotely?
You definitely find out how well you communicate and where you need to modify/adjust/strengthen your approach in that area. Communication with clients, municipalities and regulatory agencies appear to happen quicker in virtual meetings/conversations. For me personally, being at home provides me with an unusual amount of uninterrupted time for most of the day. I am able to manage the Civil team, as well as provide the best service to the leadership team and Warehaus. While I miss the day to day interaction with my colleagues, it does have some benefit.
What keeps you busy in your free time?
My year is divided into two seasons – Summer and Winter. My daughter participates in competitive swimming for a local swim club during both seasons, which takes up an absorbent amount of time. In summer, I enjoy being pool side. I love playing golf – although not as frequently as I would prefer. The Winter season includes a lot of early mornings and long days at the pool. After that, I like to watch college/pro football so DVR is a must – as long as I don’t peek at the news, phone or hear results on the radio! I also love to cook.