Beyond the Build: How We Stay Connected

My first PAVE Gala. Won't be my last.

Last week I walked into Guastavino's in NYC. The 27th Annual PAVE Global Gala. I sat with the IA Interior Architects team during the program.

Reconnected with Cindi Kato and Jenn Sussman. Decades of friendship. Still going strong.

Missed Steve Hekman by minutes. He texted later. We'll catch up at the next one.

Here's the thing. This work isn't about buildings. It's about people.

With the IA Interior Architects team at the PAVE Gala. New connections.

1. Face-to-Face Matters

Rich presented at a major retailer's summit this fall. Forty-five minutes. Our digital survey process.

We cut multi-day site visits to one rep plus remote review. Faster. Leaner. Better data.

The feedback? "Hit it out of the park."

The result? We now manage signage for roughly 100 stores.

Show up prepared. Doors open.

Rich presenting our digital survey process at a major retailer's internal summit.

2. Industry Community

The PAVE Gala reminded me why this industry works. Connection. Mentorship. Giving back.

New connections with IA Interior Architects. Old friends like Cindi, Jenn and Steve.

Last year,  ICSC + CenterBuild. This year PAVE. Un 2026, Rich and I will be at BuildPoint. We're exploring SPECS too.

If you'll be there, let's connect.

With Cindi Kato (left) and Jenn Sussman (right) at the 27th Annual PAVE Global Gala. Decades of friendship.

3. KRC Kronicles

You're reading issue #49. Next week is #50.

547 subscribers. 23 issues this year. 52% open rate.

What you loved: Warby Parker case study. Dan Scibisz spotlight. Brand Backstories from Sea Bags to Arc'teryx.

Your engagement keeps us writing. Thank you.

4. Process Transparency

Between calls and site visits, our Smartsheet portal keeps you informed. Real-time visibility. No surprises.

We upgraded systems this year. SEO improvements. Website updates. More coming in 2026.

5. Team Connection

Last week our leadership team met in Portland. Two days. Our full leadership team.

We refined our mission. Updated core values. Built our 5-year vision. Set quarterly check-ins.

We welcomed Denise this spring. New team photos are ready. Thanks to Marissa Campbell.

This is how we stay aligned. For you.

The KRC team. Photo by Marissa Campbell.

Connection Is a Practice

Not a moment. Not a transaction. A practice.

Galas. Summits. Newsletters. We show up.

Thank you for being part of this.

Next week: Issue #50. A celebration. See you then.

Michele

KRCrossing Consulting

P.S. Know someone who should read this? Forward it. We're building a community.