Kurtis Jelinek: Building a Cleaner Future Through Innovation and Curiosity

From call center work to overseeing groundbreaking projects in McKinstry’s Data Center Innovations (DCI) group, Kurtis Jelinek’s journey has been shaped by curiosity, a drive for hands-on experience and a commitment to building a more sustainable world.

“I wanted to learn function in the business of this industry, not just for the business itself,” Kurtis said, reflecting on his early days supporting McKinstry’s mechanical construction team. “We’re builders and I wanted to understand how these big, impactful projects actually come together.”

Starting out in a business operations role, Kurtis quickly demonstrated his knack for organizing complex projects, supporting McKinstry’s New Construction team with inside sales, account management and business development. But despite his success, something was missing.

“I realized I didn’t really understand the nuts and bolts of construction,” Kurtis explained. “I wanted to learn how to run jobs and understand what it takes to physically build something. So, I pivoted to project management.”

That pivot led Kurtis to roles across the Pacific Northwest, working on high-profile projects designed to push the boundaries of sustainability. Three of his proudest accomplishments include the Catalyst Building, Scott Morris Center for Energy Innovation and Health Science Building in Spokane, where he played a key role in implementing electrified building designs, daylighting strategies and an open-loop, ground-source heating and cooling system.

“We integrated cutting-edge systems that enhanced energy performance while reducing environmental impact,” he said. “Seeing all those elements come together was incredibly rewarding.”

Now, as a Senior Project Manager in Austin, TX with McKinstry’s Data Center Innovations group, Kurtis is building critical infrastructure designed for efficiency and resilience.

Kurtis at the Health Science Building project site.

A Passion for Building a Cleaner Future

For Kurtis, building sustainably is about leaving a better world for future generations. He’s particularly motivated to make decisions today that contribute to a healthier, cleaner built environment tomorrow.

“Building a cleaner, more organized world for the future is what drives me,” Kurtis said. “The last thing I want is to leave my kids with a world full of waste and inefficiencies. Prolonging the longevity of our environment is key to everything we do.”

Whether it’s designing cutting-edge cooling systems or integrating clean energy solutions, he’s consistently looking for new ways to reduce environmental impact.

Pioneering New Technologies

Kurtis has been at the forefront of innovative cooling solutions in data centers, particularly in arid regions like Central Washington and Texas. With new systems that minimize water usage and increase efficiency, he’s helping clients lower costs while reducing environmental impact.

“What we’re doing now with closed-loop cooling systems is a huge improvement,” Kurtis shared. “It’s about finding efficiencies in system routing, equipment performance and reusing resources instead of just wasting them. It’s exciting to be part of projects that prove out these solutions, not just on paper, but in the real world.”

Creating a Culture of Curiosity

For Kurtis, success revolves around a fostered mindset of curiosity and continuous improvement rather than delivering on a single project.

“There’s no finish line when it comes to learning,” Kurtis said. “I want to encourage everyone on my team to ask questions, think differently and always look for a better way. That’s how real innovation happens.”

He actively challenges his team to think critically about waste, whether it’s streamlining labor processes, eliminating single-use plastics on job sites or finding creative ways to recycle materials.

“It’s about asking, ‘Is there a better or smarter way to do this?’” he said. “You have to be constantly curious and willing to change.”

Supporting Clients’ Sustainability Goals

As a leader in the Data Center Innovations group, Kurtis has helped clients achieve significant sustainability goals. From implementing high-efficiency cooling systems to designing all-electric fabrication shops, his work is proof that sustainable solutions can also be economically viable.

“Being able to close out projects while maintaining our commitment to efficiency is pretty cool,” Kurtis said. “It’s all about making sure that, at the end of the day, we’re not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.”

Looking ahead, Kurtis remains focused on exploring new technologies and finding even better ways to reduce waste. Whether it’s pioneering direct-to-chip liquid cooling or developing new material strategies, his goal is simple: create value through innovation.

“I love finding solutions that work,” Kurtis said. “Seeing our work tested and proven out is incredibly satisfying. And knowing that what we’re doing is making a positive impact? That’s the best part.”