Every project Installnet completes relies on a strong operational foundation, and our finance team is a critical part of that equation. From managing customer invoicing and vendor payments to monitoring cash flow and supporting day-to-day operations, the team helps keep the business running so projects stay on track. Today, we’re spotlighting Karen Serafini, our Finance Manager, whose two decades of experience have helped support the company’s growth and evolution.

Meet: Karen Serafini
Role: Finance Manager
Time with Installnet: 20 years

What has kept you at Installnet for 20 years?
The people. The leadership genuinely cares about employees, and there’s a true team mentality here. I really enjoy working with our CFO Tom Kerr. Nobody on the finance team says, “That’s not my job.” Everyone rolls up their sleeves and asks, “How can I help?” We all rely on one another, and that’s what I’ve always enjoyed most about working here. I’ve watched Installnet grow and evolve over the years, but we’ve never lost the culture that made me want to stay in the first place.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Drinking out of a firehose! No two days are ever the same. We have our regular responsibilities, but there’s always something unexpected that needs attention. Our team supports every project that comes through Installnet by managing customer invoicing, paying vendors and service providers, monitoring cash flow, and making sure the business has what it needs to operate. It’s fast-paced, and the busier our production teams are, the busier we are.

What’s been one of the biggest challenges in your career?
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to become a manager. Everyone learns differently, communicates differently, and is motivated differently. I had to figure out how to help each person succeed instead of expecting everyone to approach work the same way I do. It wasn’t something that came naturally, but it’s been one of the biggest opportunities for growth in my career.

What skill are you most proud of?
I’d say my analytical thinking. I enjoy figuring out the puzzle. If something doesn’t look right, I like working through it, piece by piece, until everything makes sense. I enjoy seeing both the details and the bigger picture and using that to solve problems.

What’s your favorite Installnet tradition?
The Thanksgiving potluck. It started with everyone bringing a favorite family recipe to share, and it’s always felt like sitting down for a meal with family. It’s one of those traditions that really reflects our culture and what makes Installnet special.

Favorite memories from your time here?
I have two daughters, and one of my daughters met her husband through Installnet! His mother worked here, and they met at an Installnet baseball outing before they started high school. They’ve now been together for nearly 19 years.

What’s next?
After 20 wonderful years with Installnet, I’ll be retiring at the end of the year. My husband is already retired, so we’re looking forward to traveling, spending more time with our family, golfing, and picking up hobbies. I recently learned to crochet! We are really looking forward to this next chapter.

Great projects start with great people. Connect with us to learn more.