Her Story
About Karen
Karen Courtright Crnkovich is an award-winning entrepreneur, business leader, and community advocate serving as President and Chief Handshaker of DMC Service, Inc., a commercial HVAC and plumbing contractor in the Kansas City metropolitan area. She has owned and led the company since 2010, providing executive leadership, strategic vision, business development, and organizational direction. DMC Service is a 100% DBE/WBE-certified organization serving commercial customers throughout the region. Under Crnkovich's leadership, the company has earned recognition on the Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years and has been recognized as a Top 10 Small Business by the Kansas City Chamber. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management from the University of Missouri–Columbia and holds Master Plumbing and Master Electrical licenses in Johnson County, Kansas.
Crnkovich combines entrepreneurial leadership with extensive community and civic engagement. She is a graduate of the Kauffman Foundation FASTtrac program, a fellow of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program, and a participant in Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Cohort 18, where she has also served as an Advocacy Captain. She has extensive experience in sales, business development, leadership, fundraising, mentoring, and community advocacy. Her leadership within the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri spans nearly two decades, including service as President from 2020–2021 and leadership of numerous fundraising, training, community impact, and civic initiatives. She has also served as an Ambassador for United WE and mentors emerging entrepreneurs through Porter House KC and Women in HVACR.
Beyond her business leadership, Crnkovich is deeply committed to strengthening her community and advocating for small businesses and the skilled trades. She founded Strong-Homes, Strong Families, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping homeowners in need obtain mission-critical home repairs, and serves on building committees for St. Paul Catholic Church and St. James Academy. In 2026, she stepped forward as a candidate for Chair of the Johnson County, Kansas Board of Commissioners, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability, practical leadership, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in honesty, transparency, hard work, perseverance, kindness, and the belief that meaningful change occurs when people are willing to step forward, build bridges, and serve their communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to step forward, raise my hand, build relationships, and take action. I believe strongly in the power of one person as well as the collective, and throughout my career I have focused on building bridges, solving problems, serving others, and creating meaningful connections. My experience as a business owner has also taught me the importance of perseverance, accountability, and being willing to make difficult decisions while continuing to learn from my mistakes.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to treat everyone with kindness because once you burn a bridge, it can be extremely difficult to rebuild. Relationships matter, and how you treat people throughout your career can have a lasting impact. As a business owner, I have also learned the importance of maintaining strong banking relationships and building trust with the people and organizations that support the business.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the trades not to approach the industry assuming that being a woman automatically puts them at a disadvantage. Don't come in with a chip on your shoulder or feel that you need to wear armor. Instead, show up, be yourself, work hard, and allow your abilities to speak for themselves. If someone underestimates you, don't allow that perception to change who you are or how you lead. There is tremendous opportunity for women who are willing to step forward and make their voices heard.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are honesty, transparency, hard work, perseverance, and kindness. These principles guide how I lead my company, how I approach relationships, and how I serve my community. I believe leadership requires both accountability and compassion, and I strive to bring those qualities into both my professional and personal life.
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