A year after the passing of Ron Kinning, who started RK Mechanical as a small Nebraska plumbing company in 1963, his legacy of generosity, integrity and honesty continues to guide the firm’s moral compass and corporate culture.
Ron’s sons, CEO Rick Kinning and COO Jon Kinning, have owned and operated RK for the past couple decades, and today it is one of the Rocky Mountain region’s largest suppliers of construction, manufacturing and service solutions. Its primary business is mechanical contracting for commercial construction projects, and the company has helped construct many of the landmark buildings that define the Denver skyline.
For years, RK contributed to the community by supporting numerous nonprofits and public causes. The Kinning family’s commitment to philanthropy grew stronger over time, and in 2011 Rick Kinning decided to formalize and expand the company’s efforts by establishing the RK Foundation.
The foundation’s mission is to build better lives by strengthening communities and providing opportunities for those most in need. It allocates grant funding and offers RK employees volunteer support to causes that align with its four focus areas: community development, education, health and human services.
Since its inception, the RK Foundation has given more than .5 million to Colorado organizations, mostly in the form of grant money and charitable donations, as well as some in-kind services. The RK Foundation Board reviews grant applications from nonprofit and public organizations on a quarterly basis. Recent beneficiaries include National Jewish Health Hospital, First Descents, Project Angel Heart and National Sports Center for the Disabled.
One unique aspect of the RK Foundation is that it is funded by the company’s sustainability efforts. RK sells the tons of scrap metal it generates each year to recycling facilities, with 100 percent of the proceeds used to fund the foundation.
“As a family-owned business, we treat our employees and our community as part of our family,” says Jon Kinning. “We’re privileged to have a successful business, and we are honored to make Colorado a better place.”
