This year marks a milestone for one of our longtime team members. Project Manager Jeff Kurzhal has been an essential part of Crain Construction for 10 years. With a background in architecture, a career spanning multiple states, and a passion for integrity in construction, Jeff brings both technical expertise and steady leadership to every project he touches.
From Architecture to Construction
Jeff grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and went on to study architecture at Ball State University, graduating in 2001. His early career was shaped by six years at an architectural firm heavily focused on hospitality projects, where he completed the internship hours required for architectural licensing. During that time, he found himself on the job site often, representing the design side of projects during construction administration.
It was on one of those projects that a developer-based general contractor recognized Jeff’s potential and invited him to join their team. Over the next eight years, he worked in South Bend, Indianapolis, and Nashville on a wide variety of projects, from hospitality and adaptive reuse to warehouses, offices, and retail.
Life as a Project Manager at Crain
In 2013, Jeff joined Crain Construction. He was initially drawn by the company’s reputation and the types of projects it was beginning to take on.
“Crain was working on the Aertson Midtown project at the time, and I felt it was a turning point in the company’s trajectory,” Jeff recalls. “I wanted to be a part of a longstanding, highly respected Nashville general contracting team that was evolving into building projects of that caliber.”
As a Project Manager, no two days look the same for Jeff. His responsibilities range from developing schedules and budgets to coordinating with owners, design teams, and trade partners. Whether he’s writing contracts, reviewing pay applications, or walking the job site, Jeff thrives on keeping projects moving forward while ensuring quality and collaboration.
Over the past decade, Jeff has played a key role in some of Crain’s most notable projects. He highlights a few that stand out:
- The Fairlane Hotel – the adaptive reuse of a 13-story downtown bank headquarters into a boutique hotel.
- 2963 Sidco Drive – transforming a former warehouse into Class A office space for Crain’s new headquarters.
- Ferrari Dealership – a project where high brand standards pushed the entire team to raise the bar.
“These projects were about collaboration, problem-solving, and everyone raising their game,” Jeff says.
A Culture of Integrity
When Jeff describes Crain’s culture, one word rises to the front of his mind: integrity.
“The Crain team is honest, truthful, and ethical in everything we do,” Jeff explains. “When a mistake is made, we own it. We also hold our trade partners to the same standard, which is why so many of them have worked with Crain for 10, 20, or even 30 years.”
That commitment to doing the right thing is one of the reasons Jeff has remained with Crain for a decade. It’s also the value he models daily in his own work.
Another thing he appreciates about working at Crain is the balance between trust and support.
“Our executive team gives us the freedom to do the work we were hired to do without micromanaging,” Jeff says. “They’re always there to offer guidance, share their knowledge, and support us as part of a cohesive team. But they also trust us to work independently.”
A Decade of Impact
In his 10 years at Crain, Jeff has not only contributed to some of our company’s most meaningful projects but also embodied the values that define our culture. His personal motto is one he draws from famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: “Less is more.”
“Focus on what truly matters, strip away the excess, and look for simplicity” is how Jeff interprets the quote.
IT also exemplifies how Jeff approaches life with his family. He has been married to his wife, Kelly, for 20 years, and together they’re raising three children. When he has free time, Jeff enjoys gardening, landscaping, and cheering on his favorite football and hockey teams.
With his architectural eye, construction expertise, and commitment to integrity, Jeff continues to help Crain build trust, relationships, and a legacy of quality in Nashville.
