is the founder of Building PPL and the recent recipient of Startup Boston’s People First Community Award. Startup Boston had the pleasure of sitting down with Krysta to discuss her journey, her company, and her vision for the future of learning and development in small to medium-sized construction businesses.
SB: Congratulations on winning the Community Award! Can you tell us about Building PPL and why you started it?
KVR: Thank you! Building PPL is a learning and development organization that helps construction companies and small to medium-sized businesses with their people operations, specifically focusing on learning and development. We aim to help these businesses grow and scale without major losses. I started Building PPL in 2020, just before COVID-19 hit, with a strong belief in supporting small businesses. I wanted to provide them opportunities to train and upscale their employees so they didn't feel compelled to leave for larger organizations for career growth.
SB: What sets Building PPL apart from its competitors?
KVR: Many of our competitors are in the broader HR consulting space, but our main focus is on employee retention. While others might approach it from an HR or recruiting perspective, we emphasize learning and development. We recognize that people are not just waiting on the sidelines to be hired; retention through teaching, training, and upskilling is crucial. This approach helps grow the culture, people, and, ultimately, the organization by providing in-house opportunities.
SB: Are your services limited to the Greater Boston area, or do you have a broader reach?
KVR: While several of our clients are national, they do have locations in Massachusetts. However, having a footprint in Massachusetts is not a requirement. We're open to working with clients wherever they are based.
SB: As a startup founder, what has surprised you the most about getting Building PPL off the ground?
KVR: So many things have surprised me. One significant realization was how challenging it is to turn off and find balance. The entrepreneur roller coaster book was insightful, describing the highs and lows accurately. The constant thinking and inability to sleep were unexpected. It magnified when I became an entrepreneur, making it difficult to learn how to turn off and calm down during both exciting and terrifying times.
SB: What advice do you have for female founders, or what roadblocks have you faced that might be unique to female entrepreneurs?
KVR: I love this question. I am fortunate to have several female mentors who are successful business owners. Growing up, half of my best girlfriends started seven-figure businesses, which is remarkable. I learned a lot from them and other people in my network, regardless of gender. My advice is to be curious, ask questions, and be vulnerable. Reach out to those who have done it before and learn from their experiences. It's about taking nuggets of advice and making them uniquely yours.
SB: What do you love about the Boston startup scene?
KVR: I love that it's not unusual to be a small startup here in Massachusetts. There’s a vibrant energy and a wealth of resources available, thanks to the educational institutions and the startup community. It's easy to connect with other small business owners and entrepreneurs, which is crucial for support and growth.
SB: How does it feel to have won the Startup Community Award from Startup Boston?
KVR: I was truly shocked, but in a good way. Our team is small but mighty, and we felt this award fit us perfectly. It was gratifying to know that others recognized our people-first approach, both internally and with our clients. It affirmed that our dedication to our employees and clients is appreciated and valued.
Krysta’s journey with Building PPL is a testament to the power of community, learning, and development. Her story is an inspiration to many, especially in the startup ecosystem. Congratulations again to Krysta Van Rast on her well-deserved award, and thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us!
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