ARTICLE - An Interview with Rob Warnaca
Opportunity for Everyone to Make a Lasting Impact on the Eastside
In his role as President of GenCap Construction, Rob Warnaca has experienced and help drive the tremendous growth in East King County. He sees more opportunities to come for the community. Warnaca describes the Eastside as “…a beautiful place to live and work,” and leading the Kirkland-based company has given him the opportunity to make a lasting impact. GenCap, recognized as one of the fastest growing midsize companies in Washington State and one of the best places to work, specializes in mixed-use and mid-rise commercial projects.
The region of course hosts major global employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, as well as a dynamic and growing assortment of medium and small businesses, restaurants, hotels, wineries, and more. Warnaca believes the vibrant business opportunities and suburban growth are also connected to a Pacific Northwest lifestyle. From the shores of Lake Washington to the beaches of Lake Sammamish, there is an abundance of parks and hiking trails, along with countless ways to connect with nature and unwind. “There’s so much to do here,” Warnaca noted, “and for someone who grew up in Seattle, I’ve come to really appreciate how special this place is.”
“We’re not directly taking people in to help them. But we’re helping them through connecting the resources together so that they are more accessible.”
According to Warnaca, the opportunity and security of the cities on the Eastside make the region an excellent place to live and a community worth investing in. Managing growth and maintaining a healthy community also has its challenges according to Warnaca. Housing is a particular area of interest to him. With the tremendous increase in population in Eastside cities, expanding housing has become a critical need. This is an area that Warnaca, and GenCap have played a significant role by adding apartments, affordable housing, and mixed-use buildings to the community. They have several active projects across the region.
Warnaca notes the benefits of a strong community-based support network too. One of his first encounters was with a program through the Lake Washington School District, mentoring young students who need extra support. Every Friday, they share lunch, play on the playground, chat, and make sure he was a consistent presence in the boy’s life. This is an example of the welcoming community Warnaca sees on the Eastside and a culture that builds a sense of security and stability.
“If you’re on the Eastside, you’re going to get basic services to help you and make sure you’re OK.” Emergency responders are accessible, crime rates are relatively low, and public infrastructure is dependable. People feel cared for regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Warnaca’s desire to give back in a meaningful way to the community led to an invitation to join the Board of Directors of Eastside Foundation, a community development organization focused on bringing people together to strengthen the community. Eastside Foundation was founded by local property developer Kevin Wallace. “Kevin wanted representation from the business community to help make sure the Eastside stays a great place to live and work,” Warnaca recalled. Eastside Foundation’s vision of getting more engagement from the business community and bringing people together resonated with him.
Warnaca, who is also an adjunct professor at the University of Washington, sees his role as a business leader not just in terms of financial contributions but also in leveraging connections and resources to maximize impact. “We’re not a service provider,” he explained about Eastside Foundation. “We’re not directly taking people in to help them. But we’re helping them through connecting the resources together so that they are more accessible.” One of the primary goals of Eastside Foundation is to support local nonprofits in achieving their missions and to bring the community closer together.
A Healthy Vibrant Community
Making sure all voices are heard is key to keeping the community healthy, as the region continues to experience growth and social challenges. Warnaca notes that nurturing collaboration among the business community, nonprofits, local governments, and philanthropy, helps create a vibrant community where everyone can succeed. “Eastside Foundation exists to make sure that the Eastside remains a great place to be.”
To learn more about Eastside Foundation, visit eastside-foundation.org
