Getting to Know: Zach Kreke

As Senior Financial Analyst I, Zach Kreke is involved with many facets of the revenue cycle, such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes.

Before working at DQE, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I was a roofer for four or five summers during high school and college. Before retiring, my dad owned his own roofing business, and I would help while home from school. Being on the roof during 100-degree days pushed me into pursuing a cozy office job!

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

1. Never stop learning. Learning from people with more experience will help you grow personally and professionally. Keeping a learning attitude throughout your career is essential to become more well-rounded. 
2. Always be a team player. Being successful comes from working as a team. Collaboration with coworkers helps personal development.
3. Get a job that you enjoy doing. We spend most of our lives working, so being unhappy in a role can negatively impact your personal life.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to stay active in my spare time. My wife and I have two young kids who keep us active and busy. Going for walks during lunch with my family is an excellent way to get away from my computer for a few minutes. I also enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, whether playing with my kids, doing stuff around the house, or golfing. I also help coach travel baseball during the summer months.

What does true leadership mean to you?

True leaders lead by example and model their behavior to what they want to see in their team. Pushing someone toward excellence is great, but a true leader also actively demonstrates how to achieve that excellence.

What has been your favorite project so far at DQE?

I started at DQE about a year and a half ago as we began to enter the residential market. Starting at DQE and being involved in all the new projects and everything that came along with fiber to the home has been enjoyable.