DESIGNING A CAREER
WOMEN who ROCK EILEEN KORTH, PRESIDENT, JACKSON-JACKSON & ASSOCIATES
Building Her Brand
EILEEN KORTH MAKES MARK AT ARCHITECTURE FIRM Over the past couple decades, Eileen Korth learned to juggle multiple responsibilities with a deft touch. Not only did she become a mother in the interim, but more recently, she rose to the top of her firm, Jackson-Jackson and Associates. “In 2007 when I received [the 40 Under 40 honor], I was pregnant with my first child,” she said. “So, becoming a mother and learning to balance my professional career with work responsibilities was, and continues to be, challenging from time to time. “You learn you can’t have it all, so you better decide what you want. I have also learned that my priorities move and shift and I need to stay flexible. Sometimes I have to make project deadlines my top priority and other times family activities are my top priority.”
Taking the Helm Korth not only became a mother, but in 2014 she was named president of Jackson-Jackson, and three years later acquired 25% ownership in the firm. This further solidified her commitment to the company’s success and
she has delivered, growing the business considerably across various market segments. “Over the past 14 years, we have grown our architectural services in the K-12 and post-secondary education market sector, and expanded our architectural design work with numerous state agencies,” she said. Korth said this growth has led the firm to several substantial projects. Among them, U.S. Conn Library renovation and Memorial Stadium press box replacement at Wayne State College, Omaha Public Schools Gifford Park Elementary, and Elkhorn Public Schools North Ridge Middle School. For as much as these projects added to the firm’s reputation – Gifford Park and the Wayne State library were both recognized by American School and University for Outstanding Design – Korth said understanding the value of smaller projects are what really forms the foundation of the firm’s book of business. “I have also come to appreciate the importance of smaller projects that may not seem significant to anyone except our clients, but are really rewarding,” she said. “For example, we do a lot of exterior restoration, roof
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