Meet the Team: Ashley Kidd

Your name: Ashley Kidd

What do you do at Iconica?
I’m the Human Resources (HR) Manager.

How long have you worked here?
I’m coming up on my two-year anniversary with Iconica.

What do you love about your job?
I enjoy working with people (and Iconica has some great people). Having amazing co-workers makes coming to work a lot more fun. For me, one of the best parts of working in HR is being able to connect with many people – from candidates wanting to learn more about Iconica, to partnering with managers on employee development, to educating local college students on career paths in the construction industry, and to create friendships with co-workers.

You are part of administration; did you ever expect to be working for a construction company?
I’ve actually spent most of my HR career in the construction industry. One of the things that drew me to the opportunity at Iconica was the chance to work directly with architectural, engineering, and construction team members!

What led you to HR?
I initially started as an economics major in college, but after a few required general business classes, I realized a career in human resources was a much better fit. I haven’t looked back since!

How has the coronavirus impacted your job?
A handful of my core responsibilities have shifted due to COVID-19. Over the last few months, I have focused a lot of time on learning everything I possibly can about COVID-19 and the ever-changing regulations surrounding employers and the pandemic. The shift in HR priorities has also led me to more regular check-ins with employees – I am there to listen and see how they (and their families) are doing.

Favorite song to sing in the car?
Anything by Eric Church…if I had to pick one song, it would be Springsteen.

Dream vacation?
Staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

How do you stay on top of industry and HR trends?
I am an active member of the Greater Madison Area SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). GMA SHRM provides a lot of great networking opportunities as well as educational and professional development opportunities for HR professionals.

If you were not an HR manager, what would you be doing?
I would be working at (or potentially even owning and running) a doggie daycare/dog boarding kennel.

Favorite snack food?
Freshly popped popcorn (my secret is to pop the kernels in coconut oil).

What are some of the benefits of working at Iconica?
One of the biggest benefits is the sense of community within the company, which also expands into the community that we work and live in. Iconica is truly an integrated design, build company – collaboration and teamwork are such a large part of the company and culture. To help support the community we are part of, Iconica provides employees paid time off to volunteer at their favorite nonprofit.

Are you a morning or night person?
A morning person – I’m usually up and at the gym by 5:30 am.

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I spend my Sunday afternoons at the Dane County Humane Society as a volunteer Adoption Counselor Assistant. I work with potential adopters from the beginning to the end of their journey to add a pet to their family. By taking the time to get to know the adopters, setting them up to meet with different animals that align with their family situation, and then working through the adoption process with them, I’ve been able to witness many successful placements.

How can we help bring younger people into the trades?
Providing outreach, education, and job shadow opportunities to high school (or even grade school) students about careers in construction. There are many career paths and opportunities in the construction industry – engineers and architects to design projects, project managers to manage projects, skilled tradespeople to build projects, etc.

Random fact…
I dislike almost all condiments – no ketchup, mustard, or mayo for me.

Favorite season?
I love the summer months in Wisconsin. Great lakes for boating, amazing parks and trails for hiking, and so many places to play some sand volleyball.