Construction management grad's path proves power of technical education

Finding purpose in every project 

After high school, job applications kept coming back empty. No experience meant no opportunities. That’s when Matt Kaczmarek made a decision that elevated his career trajectory: enrolling at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. 

“I had no success on getting a job without experience,” Kaczmarek said. “That led me to look into education opportunities to help gain experience, education, and new opportunities that could come with meeting new people.” 

He enrolled in NWTC’s carpentry program in 2016 and has been soaring ever since – buoyed by a love of construction, a knack for numbers, and a drive to keep growing. 

“Construction was always something I loved since I was kid,” he said. “The hands-on aspect of the trades was very rewarding being able to see the real progress every day.” 

After receiving his carpentry certificate, he went on to earn an associate degree in construction management from NWTC in 2019. 

“It was a no brainer,” Kaczmarek said. “I could work full time and still do all my online classes while I was out of town working or on the weekends.” 

“I knew as I grew older I would want to advance my career and get into some kind of management role,” he added. “I loved number crunching and seeing the bigger picture behind all the numbers, the tangibles, how we got there, and the difference changes could make to the numbers.”  

Building a better future, one project at a time

Kaczmarek is currently a project manager and estimator at H.J. Martin and Son in Green Bay – leading millions of dollars of construction projects every year, solving real-world challenges, and helping shape his community both professionally and personally.  

“My NWTC education has led me to leadership roles much sooner than I expected,” Kaczmarek said. “I have been able to help run millions of dollars’ worth of work over the last five years. Everything has been accelerated. H.J. Martin and Son has provided me many avenues of growth since I came from NWTC that I am not sure I would get elsewhere.”  

With his trades knowledge and a servant leader mindset, Kaczmarek is also positively impacting the community. He serves as vice chair of the Greater Green Bay Chamber's Current Young Professionals, ensuring the trades have a seat at the table. He’s also recently been involved on the House of Hope Facilities Committee and enjoys helping his friends with projects. 

His future goals include one day leading a company and giving back through housing-focused volunteer work. As for now, “I am about where I want to be,” Kaczmarek said. “Happy with what I have. Thankful I get to do what I do every day.”