Kris Bowen is a notable figure in the engineering and construction realm, carrying on a family legacy in the field. While a family legacy in construction isn’t uncommon, Bowen stands out as a woman making her mark in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
Bowen started her career in the family business, Bowen Engineering, but established Tesco (Total Energy Solutions Company) in 2004, striking out on her own in 2008. Tesco was established to cater to the evolving needs of the construction industry, mainly focusing on energy and environmental concerns.
“In the beginning, we mostly offered energy efficiency audits,” Bowen says. “Then I met Mark Bowell, and he worked for a crane company. He told me his company was missing opportunities because they didn’t have an XBE partner, so we started working together and things progressed from there.”
Tesco operates through three key lines of business – Total Energy, Total Engineering and EZEV. Total Energy offers many construction-related services including equipment rental, supplies and logistics. Total Engineering, established in 2014, provides engineering and development capabilities to municipal, utility, institutional and private projects. The newest division, EZEV, specializes in a full suite of chargers catering to electric vehicle (EV) users, providing planning, integration, options and maintenance.
“I’ve always considered myself on the green side of things,” Bowen says. “I’ve driven a Tesla for six years, and Mark has driven one for three, so we’re both highly aware of the challenges EV owners face in terms of navigating how to get a charge when you’re not at home.”
Bowell says universities, hospitals and cities face challenges when incorporating charging stations into their infrastructure planning. Through collaborations like the one they have with Purdue University, Tesco has identified and addressed the unique industry hurdles.
“Although we represent three different manufacturers of EV chargers, one thing we’ve really taken a keen interest in is understanding the most appropriate way to integrate them in your planning,” Bowell says. “That means what you buy, where you put it, the power you use, and then, more importantly, how you maintain and monetize it on the back end.”
Bowen and Bowell have assembled a dedicated team, drawing experience from various sectors within construction and engineering, to cater to the diverse needs of their clients. Tesco is also certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Bowell says Bowen is a leader within the construction industry and is serving as an inspiration to others.
“There is a small group of us women within the higher levels of the industry,” Bowen says. “Just by the nature of it, it’s a man’s industry. However, it’s changed recently, and that’s pretty exciting. I think you could say we’re re-crafting that role.”
