At The Korte Company, “Hire Smart” is more than a philosophy. It’s part of our culture. It’s about finding people who embody six key qualities: talented, dependable, nice, honest, hardworking and creative.
According to Project Architect Alex Engelbrecht, those qualities aren’t just ideals — they’re everyday expectations.
“Every single job is different,” Alex said. “The team that stays curious is the team that finds the best solution. You don’t get there by keeping your head down.”
Curiosity and creativity were critical on one of the most technically demanding projects The Korte Company has tackled: a 177,726-square-foot process and packaging expansion for The Hershey Company in Robinson, Illinois.
The project included an integrated process facility woven directly into live, operational lines that produce some of America’s most beloved treats, Almond Joy and Mounds.
While the facility stayed active, our teams had to construct a dual-floor candy production plant, expanded employee facilities, split allergen clean rooms, and a new chocolate pumphouse while remaining food-processing safe and in a live production environment.
Every moment mattered. Every detail counted. And Alex led the way.
Talented and creative — by design
As a project architect, Alex is responsible for bringing all the design elements together to make the project a reality. He manages all day-to-day phases, including schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration.
He’s also responsible for satisfying the owner’s design needs, keeping the design team on schedule and coordinated, plus aiding the field crews as the project moves through construction.
Alex started with Korte in 2017 as a design intern. Since then, he has earned his master’s degree and become a registered architect. He is a valuable member of our design team.
Alex is a strong communicator with an eye for architectural detail and sustainable design. He’s already been involved in a wide range of projects, concentrating on manufacturing and distribution for our big clients.
With a background in architectural engineering and plenty of boots-on-the-ground experience, Alex brings more than technical know-how — he brings sharp instincts and the kind of foresight that keeps a project on track.
He’s the kind of leader who teaches while he works. Like he said, “At Korte, we value people who pass their knowledge on. If you can get the job done and help someone else grow along the way — that’s the kind of person we want on our projects.”
That approach helped him coordinate process vendors, align critical schedule milestones and resolve conflicts between structure and system integration — all while maintaining a relentless focus on quality.
Dependable, honest and hardworking
Deadlines were tight. Work had to be sequenced in phases. And planned shutdowns were measured in hours — not days.
Alex worked hard to keep design and re-design deadlines tight, despite work shutdowns and a difficult construction schedule.
“Consistency in quality work helps maintain schedules and makes for easier planning,” he said. “And when mistakes happen — which they do — it’s about being honest. Let people know when you need help. Avoid playing ‘gotchya’ in this industry.”
That honesty built trust on the jobsite, while his work ethic kept things moving forward, no matter the pressure.
“The Job is the Boss, and the job is not always fair,” he said. “Complete your tasks, then lend a hand —that’s how we keep our bases loaded when the job throws us curveballs.”
Nice doesn’t mean soft. It means collaborative.
Ask anyone who’s worked with Alex, and you’ll hear it: he’s calm, clear, and collaborative. He knows that good work gets done when people feel respected and united by purpose.
“Alex leads by example—calm, clear, and focused on the work,” said Managing Principal Darlene Rutkowski-Hanks. “He builds trust, keeps things steady, and makes it easier for everyone to do their job well.”
It’s an attitude that earns buy-in from subs, engineers and owners alike. And it’s why, when tensions rise, Alex can keep everyone moving forward without letting things boil over.
“It’s not about managing people,” he said. “It’s about leading with clarity and making sure everyone on that job knows we’re in it together.”
Bringing designs to life
The best part of the Hershey project was watching his designs come to life brick by brick, board by board.
This project stands out as one of the most significant Korte deliveries for Hershey.
The new two-story processing and packaging addition houses a breakroom, conference room, offices, shipping and receiving office, driver’s lounge, and restrooms. Unloading bays handle the influx of liquids with a brand-new east dock vestibule with a specialized dock door.
They also installed insulated metal wall panels as well as mechanical and electrical, plus new finishes, doors and partitions. The sitework tied a pretty bow on it all, complete with a new employee parking lot, visitor parking lot, truck dock paving and spruced up landscaping.
In the end, Alex and his team delivered a facility that met every one of Hershey’s exacting requirements, living up to The Korte Company’s reputation for Design-Build excellence.
Hire Smart. Build Smart.
The success of the Hershey Process and Packaging Expansion wasn’t just the result of a good plan. It was the result of someone who showed up every day and modeled what “Hire Smart” really means.
Someone who sees leadership as a responsibility to others. Someone who builds trust the same way we build projects: brick by brick.
That’s Alex Engelbrecht. And that’s what happens when you Hire Smart.
