At Installnet, our strength has always been our people. Today, we’re spotlighting a team member whose curiosity, growth, and positive mindset continue to make an impact across our organization.

Meet: Kristina Burgess (“KB”)
Role: Team Lead
Time with Installnet: 9 years

How has your journey at Installnet shaped the way you approach your work today?
I started in 2017 as a Project Coordinator on the Ecoserv team and have grown into roles as Senior Project Coordinator, Project Manager, and now Team Lead. Early on, I saw that this was a place where if you worked hard and stayed curious, you could grow.

Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to learn every part of the process, from installation and customer relationships to decommissioning and business development. I’ve also learned from several different managers, each with their own leadership style. I’ve taken pieces from each of them and applied those lessons to how I lead today.

Each role gave me a new perspective. Early on, it was about execution. Over time, I started to see how everything connects. How project management, sustainability, and customer needs all intersect to create meaningful outcomes.

What’s a typical day like for you?
No two days are the same. I’m focused on supporting my team and keeping projects moving. That can mean reviewing estimates, problem-solving, or jumping in to help where needed. Other days are more customer-facing, with calls, relationship building, and support for new opportunities. A big part of my role is balancing both while ensuring our team and customers are set up for success.

How do you drive solutions for customers?
I learned early on that curiosity is a strength, and asking “Why?” is how we grow. Growing up, I was often compared to my twin sister. School came easily to her, and I had to work a little harder. My parents always encouraged me to ask questions and not be afraid to seek clarity. That mindset has stayed with me. I don’t take things at face value. I dig deeper to understand the full picture. Because when you understand the “why,” you can find better solutions and deliver stronger results.

How has Installnet evolved over the years?
Installnet has always been evolving. Change is a good thing. We’ve grown by adapting to our customers’ and the industry’s needs. We started with installations, but as customer needs changed, we expanded into decommissioning through our Ecoserv program and broadened the types of solutions we provide. That growth has been intentional. We continue to evolve to meet the moment while staying focused on delivering for our customers and supporting our teams.

What’s the most memorable project you’ve worked on at Installnet?
It’s hard to choose just one. What stands out most isn’t a single project. It’s the people. Every project is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with our customers, service providers, and our donation recipient network. What makes it rewarding is the outcome: Successful projects, meaningful community impact, and strong partnerships that last beyond the work itself. (Watch Kristina in action at one of her most memorable projects here.)

What’s a personal experience that has shaped how you show up at work?
I try to lead with positivity, and that comes from a very personal place.

2017, the same year I started at Installnet, was one of the hardest years of my life. My husband and I had lost some of our very close relatives a few weeks before we got married, and my niece, Mia, became critically ill. She was paralyzed from the neck down, and we didn’t know if she would ever walk again.

There were moments of fear I can’t even put into words. But that year also taught me something I’ll never forget: Even in the hardest times, there is still room for hope.

On our wedding day, Mia didn’t just walk… she skipped down the aisle. That moment changed everything. It became a reminder that resilience, faith, and positivity can carry you through even the most difficult times.

That perspective stays with me, at work and in life. Even in the hardest moments, light finds a way through.

Something people may not know about you?
I’m an open book, but a few things people might not know: my husband is from England, and I love playing darts. I used to play in a dart league and won a Maryland mixed doubles championship.

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