August 2024
We are thrilled to feature an exclusive interview with Karl Doucas, the esteemed principal at PICCO Engineering, as he celebrates an impressive 25 years with the company. Karl’s journey from his early days to becoming a pivotal leader at PICCO is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and the significant impact he has made within our organization. Join us as we delve into his experiences, insights, and the remarkable milestones of his illustrious career.
Keep scrolling to read the full interview and learn more about Karl's incredible journey.
"I’ve really allowed my passion to drive my career choices, and that passion remains strong for the work and for the people I work with."
What has been your biggest challenge?
Challenges come with the territory, so I embrace them, especially project design and solution challenges. They motivate me to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients and contribute to successful projects which is rewarding. In contrast, the biggest challenges have been growing the business by recruiting and attracting the best and brightest to join our team. Our business culture and reputation has been defined over many years of hard work, experience, and hard learnings, so the right people ensure continuity and security of those virtues. Those challenges have dissipated as many of our strong leaders and new talent, align well with our core values.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I guess I don’t reflect much on personal accomplishments because we work so collaboratively on projects and the strategic parts of our business. I do take pride in some of the long-lasting relationships built over years with our loyal clients, some amazing project wins and seeing them completed successfully, as well as the solid decades long respect nurtured between my colleagues in the industry and within our office.
What has been your most memorable project?
There are so many options to choose from, like Apple headquarters, Yale Residences, Utopia, among others, however the one for me is Fairfield House in Long Island. It was my first major project with PICCO, and I experienced all aspects of project stone design and delivery. I credit this project as the birthplace of many of our company standards, some still being used today. Ultimately visiting the property and seeing the result of my effort was especially gratifying.
How have you seen the industry evolve over the past 25 years, and how has Picco Engineering adapted to those changes?
I’ve really observed more recently and subtly the industry moving from an ‘old’ guard of traditional masons and stone installers to a new and young generation of leaders. I see that mirroring what is happening in our own company. The transfer of knowledge together with new innovative ideas and approaches influencing project delivery and processes. The industry leveraging a compelling story of sustainability related to natural stone and the increase of competition with alternative products. Picco has adapted by embracing the changes and building solutions and technology for this new paradigm. We believe in investing in our people and supporting them with effective tools that create value for our clients and successful projects ultimately.
What has kept you around for so long?
Well, I don’t believe you really plan this type of run at any one company. I’ve really allowed my passion to drive my career choices, and that passion remains strong for the work and for the people I work with. I hope my example of loyalty and commitment to our company further rubs off on our young leaders. As many are reaching important milestones themselves, it’s no surprise that the magnetic force that keeps me at PICCO is strong for them as well.
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