How volunteering shapes Connico’s culture and leadership

Being a values-driven company, our team shows up with purpose at more than just project sites or planning meetings. They go above and beyond, bringing the same intentionality to after-hours volunteer shifts, community events, and the organizations that mean the most to them.

Whether they’re working with a client or serving their community, our team leads with respect, resiliency, integrity, inclusivity, thoughtfulness, and innovation – our core values. Because strong communities and strong project teams have one thing in common: people invested in something bigger than themselves.

COO and Associate Principal Bryan Hafertepe and Development Subject Matter Expert Chris Pavese shared their volunteer experiences and how they live out Connico’s values outside of the office. Continue reading to learn why this is a significant pillar of leadership.

What community involvement looks like at Connico

For Bryan and Chris, community involvement shapes how they lead, at work and beyond.

Bryan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Cincinnati Boychoir and helped lead the organization through a strategic alliance with the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus. His commitment to the nonprofit is rooted in his time as a student member from 2000 to 2003.

He shared: “My experience in the Boychoir taught me an appreciation for music and language, instilled discipline, and gave me lifelong friends.”

Helping guide the organization through transition has been especially meaningful. For Bryan, it’s a way to give back to something that shaped him, ensuring the Boychoir remains resilient, continues to grow, and is supported with the resources it needs to thrive. His involvement with the nonprofit reflects the same thoughtfulness and integrity he brings to Connico.

Chris takes a similar approach to service. Over the years, he has contributed to a wide range of organizations, including the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), Kiwanis Club of Florence, Florence Rotary, and Pilots N Paws – where he’s flown more than 100 animals to safety!

“Each of the organizations I choose to participate in has a unique meaning and touches on areas within my heart that I feel passionate about,” Chris said. “From children to animals; from the less fortunate to the aspiring professional; they all are part of our community and all deserve our support.”

His service journey has been personal, introducing him to lifelong friendships and even his wife. It’s also a reflection of Connico’s culture, where community-minded leadership has helped us grow stronger teams and deliver better outcomes.

Why service is central to Connico’s leadership

Chris and Bryan bring their volunteer experiences back to Connico in significant ways. They’re not just giving time; they’re gaining perspective.

From boardrooms to job sites, Bryan’s strategic leadership with the Cincinnati Boychoir has strengthened his ability to guide teams, build consensus, and plan for long-term success. The experiences he’s gained in the nonprofit space, like navigating constraints, motivating people, and championing mission-driven work, mirror the challenges our clients face every day.

Chris sees it the same way. “From patience and understanding to compassion and camaraderie, each of these traits is directly tied to my years of community service,” he said. “If you can lead volunteers, you can lead anyone.”

That mindset, grounded in empathy and accountability, is one of the reasons Connico stands out. Our people come to the table with technical expertise and, most importantly, humility, leadership, and a commitment to doing right by others.

How Connico puts its values into practice

At Connico, volunteering is seen as an extension of our values that is woven into our culture, encouraged by leadership, and supported with flexibility.

“We don’t work and live in silos,” Bryan said. “We make an impact on the people around us, both individually and as part of a company. Our goal is to make that impact positive!”

For Chris, investing in people is essential to building a culture where values like service and leadership can take root.

“We see expectations in the workplace for our team members to be of strong character, to be willing to step up, and to have a mindset that values the company and their fellow team members. However, we often don’t consider the effort or investment required to develop those team members,” he said. “It’s vitally important for companies to encourage, support, and invest in their team members’ involvement in community support.”

That’s why Connico gives team members the space to pursue what matters and lead with purpose. When people thrive, so do projects and the communities we serve.

Want to work with people who lead with purpose on and off the job? Learn more about our team and values on our About page.