Versatile and Dedicated

For more than a decade, Kaleb Cook has been at the heart of the work that builds and maintains Michigan’s roads and infrastructure. 

He started in 2014 as a part-time laborer while still in high school and quickly built a reputation for hard work, skill and leadership on jobs ranging from residential sites to commercial and state road projects. 

Now 28, he is a working foreman, an all-around operator, and moving into ownership of the family business. For his operator skills and dedication to Michigan’s roads, Cook earned a spot on Roads & Bridges’ Top 25 Under 40.

“From a young age, I was always around equipment and loved it,” he told Roads & Bridges. “When my grandpa and uncle started Krohn Excavating, I asked to help out. Being outside and operating all kinds of equipment is a lot of fun, and almost every day is something new, which is why I’ve stuck with it.”

Cook moved quickly through the ranks. After working as a laborer, he became an equipment operator, mastering dozers, loaders, scrapers, graders, backhoes and excavators. His skills made him one of the company’s most versatile and reliable operators. 

“He has the work ethic, drive, and determination to get even the smallest jobs done,” said Steve Krohn, Cook’s grandfather and Krohn Excavating co-founder. “He started as a laborer while still in high school and now runs large commercial, road commission, and [Michigan] DOT state projects.”

Cook also takes pride in the trust the company’s leadership has placed in him. 

“The thing that means the most to me is the owners having the faith and trust in me at my age to run a crew and get the job done from start to finish,” he said. “Being recognized gives me pride, not just in being recognized but the fact my grandpa is proud of me enough to put me up for this.”

Cook’s work relies on careful planning and practical skill. He knows how to read project plans and operate utility locators, which will help him run advanced grading systems in the future. 

Even though rural Michigan offers fewer opportunities to connect with industry groups, Cook’s influence on the company and his team is obvious.

“He leads by example and shows others how to do it as well,” Krohn said. “It doesn’t matter what the job is. He does it all, from labor to paperwork, subcontractor coordination, and progress meetings. He is an excellent contributor to every project.”

That same dedication carries over to his personal life. Cook juggles his work with raising two children under three, showing remarkable focus and commitment for someone his age.

“I hope to help contribute to a prosperous future for the company that is not only my grandpa’s legacy but now mine as well,” he said. “I had a great role model who brought me into this industry when I was young, and I plan to do the same for my son.”

Through every project, Cook shows that success in construction isn’t just about operating equipment or knowing the trade. It’s about leading teams, being dependable, and carrying on a family legacy, keeping the company strong for the future.

“All of this at 28 is impressive, and he’s taking over ownership of the company as I slow down,” Krohn said. “It’s really awesome to see someone of his generation so committed to this work.”