Huge thank you to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. for hosting Gateway CEO on Tuesday. John Goldsmith leads Marketing and works along side great leaders in this family owned business in Highland, IL. John has a career in radio, economic development, communications and marketing. With each position over the years, he has picked up different skills for the next stop in his journey. John spoke the students language with donuts and drinks as he shared his love for the CEO program, especially considering his involvement with the Bond, Fayette and Clinton County programs. He had many life lessons and encouraging words for our students:
🎯All experiences are GOOD. Even when there are challenges, you can get something out of every situation. Learn, grow stronger and pull the good from any bad life experience.
🎯His favorite part about CEO is how this program helps students understand their hometown roots within their own communities. He truly believe this program is transformational.
🎯When working as a team, understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Adjust as needed!
🎯Everyday - before you walk out of the house - look in the mirror - and tell yourself, Let’s make some magic today. And then go do it!
🎯Flexibility is key! You have to learn to roll with the punches and work through to find a solution.

John led the students through several departments as they got to hear directly from leaders of this construction company that has grown from utility and water line work in its early years to building entire water treatment and waster water plants. Other projects in recent years have included new commercial buildings, historic renovations, vet clinics and hospitals with many other possibilities to entertain! Some highlights from the experienced team of VP of Accounting, VP of Operations, Pre-Construction Management, Assistant to Project Managers and the ‘retired’ pipefitter:
✅Field always comes first. It takes a lot of coordination daily to take a project from start to finish.
✅Everything in construction runs off of the schedules and timelines. It’s important to every single department to understand the details and moving pieces that can be impacted.
✅Platforms for bidding, managing materials, estimating costs is critical for winning projects
✅Julie tickets – there has to be someone to submit and manage these tickets so that dig work is completed properly.
✅Getting the right workforce in place is critical to keeping a project moving.

Thank you for introducing the students to so many opportunities that are available within the construction industry! We so appreciate your support to Gateway CEO!