Meet the AFT Team
McKall Ballard – Project Coordinator
We continue our Meet the AFT Team series with McKall Ballard. McKall is approaching her one-year anniversary with AFT Construction, beginning her AFT career in our accounting department.
McKall’s role has since changed and is now one of our project coordinators. In addition to working for AFT Construction full-time, McKall is working on obtaining her MBA online from the University of Utah.
Here’s more about McKall:
Name:
McKall Ballard
Company Position:
Project Coordinator
What does your role entail?
I assist with the bidding process for new projects and work with the Project Manager to confirm we have vendors under contract for the full scope of what they will need to do. I work with the clients to make sure the design elements are executed as they hoped. I also process change orders and help track project budgets.
Past Experience/Background:
During high school and college I worked in accounting assistant positions. Once I graduated from college, I started working in the social service industry where I managed several different community programs ranging from child care subsidy to employment and daily living assistance for individuals with disabilities.
What do you enjoy about working in the construction industry?
This is my first time working in the construction industry, so I get to learn a lot of new things. There is so much more that goes into building something than what I realized. It is exciting to learn how it is done.
What type of construction is your favorite?
My favorite type of construction is the “finish” kind. I like watching all the design details come together to make the project complete.
What do you enjoy about working for AFT Construction?
I love being able to go out to different job sites to see the project’s progress. Some steps of the project are mesmerizing to watch – like the tree relocators.
What was your first job?
My very first job was probably the family business my siblings and I created selling rocks we found around our yard to our neighbors. Once I was old enough to be hired legitimately, I left the rock business and worked for a company calling to take surveys for car dealerships after they serviced someone’s car.
Where were you born?
I was born in Utah.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a home remodel or building a new home?
My best advice would be to design your home and then take a break from Pinterest until your house is complete. There are a lot of really cute ideas out there and it can be tempting to change your mind throughout the process. Changes can cause ripple effects that end up costing a lot of time and money. Usually, your first instinct of what you want is the best choice anyway.
Best advice you were ever given?
I love the advice/motto from the book “Man’s Searching for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. “No one has the right to do wrong, even if wrong has been done to them.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
I think I have pretty good road trip skills – like selecting the best treats, knowing which gas stations will have the best restrooms, finding music to have car dance parties to and making impromptu stops at any of the exits that seem enticing.
When is the last time you climbed a tree?
A few weekends ago – we went hiking and a bunch of trees had come down over the path in a snowstorm – we had to climb up and over a bunch them.
What is your favorite drink?
I really love Sodalicious’s spins on Dr Pepper – the AK Special Extra Dirty or the #Selfie with Dr Pepper Extra Dirty (though we call this the Proposal at my house).
Favorite place you have traveled to?
I have been a lot of places in the US (hence my well-developed road trip skills) and I have to say it is hard to pick when every place is so different. I really like orcas so maybe San Diego to visit SeaWorld or one year I did a whale watching trip off the cost of Vancouver which was amazing.
Favorite holiday:
Recently my favorite holiday has been Thanksgiving because there is always some kind of comical Thanksgiving debacle. One year my sister and I overestimated on the rolls a bit – we were cooking for 6 adults and 2 children but made enough rolls to cover a gathering of about 100 people… My brother-in-law will never let us live that one down.
Favorite thing about living in Arizona:
Not having to drive in snow or ice storms.
Favorite kind of birthday cake:
I like white cake with rainbow chip frosting. Or anything with a good drizzle.
Favorite food:
I really like all kinds – as long as there is a good sauce. It’s all about the sauce for me.