Kyle Rogers’ path in construction is a perfect example of how hands-on experience can lead to leadership. Coming from a family of sheet metal workers—his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father—Kyle was exposed to the industry at a young age.

“I saw how rewarding it can be for supporting a family, and I also found it genuinely fun,” Kyle recalls. That early exposure set the foundation for a lifelong career at Hermanson Company.

Kyle began at Hermanson as a material handler, sweeping the shop and delivering materials to job sites. He then became a sheet metal apprentice, working on projects at Microsoft, Saint Joe’s, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and various projects in downtown Seattle.

“I really enjoyed seeing a variety of jobs and systems up close.”

After completing his apprenticeship, Kyle became a sheet metal foreman with Local 66. While working as a foreman, he also began taking on project management responsibilities.

“I just naturally enjoyed it, and the people around me let me do more than a typical apprentice would,” he recalls.

During this time, Kyle started learning the office side of operations, including how to use email and other tools effectively—skills that would prepare him for his current role. Over time, this experience allowed him to transition fully into office-based roles, where he combined his hands-on knowledge with project management, operations, and leadership responsibilities.

Today, as the Construction Executive for Hermanson’s Special Projects & Owner Direct Project teams, Kyle supports project managers, communicates with customers, manages resources, aligns sales, field, and office teams, oversees project financials, and mentors others.

When asked about misconceptions of his role, Kyle is clear:

“A lot of people think that a construction executive just sits in an office, delegating work and looking at spreadsheets. In reality, it’s much more hands-on and people-focused. We ensure everyone is aligned and representing Hermanson in the best way possible.”

Mentorship is the most rewarding part of Kyle’s work.

“I’ve been lucky to have great mentors, and I get really excited when I get to work with people and pay that forward—helping them learn what they need to get where they want to be,” he says.

For anyone considering a career in construction, Kyle offers this advice:

“Find a part of the industry you enjoy, seek out a mentor, and don’t be afraid to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. You get out what you put in.”

Kyle’s journey from the shop floor to executive leadership highlights the growth and opportunities available in construction for those willing to learn, work hard, and embrace new challenges.

Interested in starting your career in construction? Learn about our apprenticeship programs on our early careers page!

This article is part of our Building a Career in Construction series, where we highlight the diverse career paths available in our industry and the people who make Hermanson a great place to grow. Stay tuned as we share more stories of mentorship, growth, and opportunity.