Take Ten With Director of Operations Laura Palko
Van Acker prides itself on its diverse group of highly skilled employees. One of these is Director of Operations Laura Palko, who has been with the firm for over twenty years. The Bay Area native earned a BS in Business Administration from San Francisco State University. After that, Laura worked in commercial construction for seven years before finding her way to Van Acker. Now, she handles the company's complex day-to-day operations, and when not in the office, she enjoys networking at industry events such as The San Francisco Fall Show Gala and the opening of FOG Fair.
VAC: What attracted you to the building industry?
LP: My dad was in the industry, and my mother was a property manager who also managed the family’s rental homes. Entering the building industry never intimidated me.
VAC: What drew you to work for Van Acker Construction?
LP: Van Acker has always maintained a low profile, and back in 2004, they didn’t have a website. Due to client-confidentiality restraints, I had no idea what I was stepping into, but what I did know was the office felt exciting - big challenging projects were happening. It was obvious to me that Van Acker was a leader in the high-quality residential market. After my first interview, I knew that if I had a chance with Van Acker, I would take the leap from commercial construction, and I did!
VAC: What was your first job?
LP: My first job was as a receptionist for a large law firm, a job I interviewed for and landed entirely on my own as a Junior in High School.
VAC: What are some of your favorite projects over the years?
LP: Some of my favorite projects are Ugo Sap projects. I was lucky enough to be part of the VAC team that built several of them, both renovation and ground-up.
San Francisco Penthouse: Architect, Ugo Sap; Interior Designer, The Wiseman Group; Builder; Van Acker, Photographer; Matthew Millman
VAC: You went to SFSU. Why did you pick that college, and what was your major?
LP: I chose SFSU because they had a solid business school. Although I very much enjoyed my "college years" and living in the City, my time at school and my degree were a means to an end. Back in high school, one of my favorite electives was a training course that prepared students for a future in the working world through mock interviews and leadership coaching.
VAC: How would you define your work in three words?
LP: Motivate, serve and perform.
VAC: How do you maintain a work/life balance?
LP: We're part of a busy industry. Life is busy. Staying connected and responsive while carving out time for "life" takes practice. One must find their own authentic version of work/life balance and avoid mainstream pressure. Nothing beats a good attitude.
VAC: What is your favorite genre of books?
LP: I like books by entrepreneurs and leaders and consistently listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Because I spend so much time in the office, I leverage podcasts, books, webinars, and newsletters to keep a fresh perspective. I also enjoy evening trade engagements, book signings, and productive social events.
VAC: What are three things you can’t live without?
LP: Good food, fresh air and dance.
VAC: If you could live in any home from a film or television set, what would it be?
LP: I'm not a big TV or movie watcher, but two Nancy Meyers-directed films come to mind: the Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara home of Meryl Streep's character in It's Complicated and the Hamptons beach house from Something's Gotta Give.
