The Heart of Connection: Meet Yukie Cooper

Tell us about your career. 

I have been with Gray off and on for nearly 23 years—sometimes taking a step back for family or personal reasons. I actually found Gray by accident! I moved to Lexington from Osaka, Japan, to attend the University of Kentucky. My degree is in Linguistics and Language Education—I was planning to become a teacher. At the time, Gray was looking for someone who spoke Japanese to help coordinate projects and support relationship– building with our Japanese customers.

As I learned more about the business, my interest in construction and engineering grew. I spent many years working in Japanese Project Operations (JP Ops). In 2016, JP Ops and our other international groups merged into the Business Development team.  

Until recently, I focused solely on Japanese projects and opportunities, before leaving Gray in 2023 to join another company here in Lexington. I returned in 2024 to take on a new role centered on building and maintaining relationships with trade partners. That’s my passion, and with Gray, I get to live it every day. I’m truly grateful to come to work and do what I love. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

I don’t really have a “typical” day—each one is so different, which I love. My role is focused on nurturing relationships with our economic development partners at the local, state, and regional level as well as with site consultants and accounting firms. There are so many people involved in a construction project, and it’s essential to maintain strong, healthy connections.

What I love most about my role is the opportunity to travel and engage with people across the country. My job is to be intentional and impactful with our partners. That means attending and sometimes hosting events, creating space for meaningful conversations, and reinforcing the image of who we are, what we do, and what we value. 

You’ve left Gray a few times over the years: what keeps bringing you back? 

It’s the relationships I’ve built with my team. I’ve stepped away from Gray two or three times to prioritize my family, but my most recent departure in 2023—when I joined another company—was especially difficult. It truly felt like I was saying goodbye to family. Even then, my team supported me and wanted what was best for me.  

But I quickly learned that strong relationships don’t end just because you leave an organization. During the year I was gone, my team continued to check in and invite me to social events like happy hours and the Derby party. 

When the economic development role was created, Gray reached out to ask if I would consider returning—and it just felt like the right decision. The relationships I’ve built here are based on mutual trust and respect. That’s what makes Gray such a special place.  

What sets Gray apart from other construction and design-build companies? 

Two things come to mind. 

First, Gray genuinely invests in their people. There are plenty of construction and design-build companies that do great work, but Gray really stands out in how much they care for their team. A few years ago, I participated in a program called Leadership Kentucky, which requires significant time and financial commitment—and Gray supported me whole-heartedly. There’s an entire team here dedicated to the professional development of our team members, and that speaks volumes about our culture. My team checks in on me regularly to make sure I have what I need, and I do the same for them. 

Second, everyone here has the same mindset. We go the extra mile. We give a little bit more— for each other and for our customers. It’s in our DNA. That shared drive creates a highly collaborative and cohesive team environment. 

What has been your most memorable experience at Gray? 

A few projects stand out, especially because of the relationships that came out of them. One that’s particularly meaningful was a chemical project we worked on in Georgia in 2015. 

What made it memorable was how the customer treated us—it was like we were the customer. Our project team even traveled to Japan for a series of design meetings. In Japanese culture, the contractor-customer relationship is incredibly important, and the contractor is expected to provide white-glove service. So, when our customer treated us with that same level of respect and care, it spoke volumes about the partnership we had built. 

For me, it’s always about the people. We know Gray delivers great work—that’s backed by data. But what the numbers can’t quantify is the depth and quality of the relationships we’ve built, not just with our customers, but with our trade partners and communities, too. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Something my father taught me early on has always stayed with me: Do your homework before going into anything. 

Whether it’s a conference, a trade show, or a customer meeting, you’re representing your organization and yourself. You’ll always get more out of an experience if you’ve done your research and taken time to understand the topic or the people you’re meeting with. 

When you prepare, you’re showing others that you care, that you value their time, and that you respect the opportunity to connect. 

What advice would you give to someone joining Gray? 

The best advice I can give is to keep an open mind and connect with as many people as you can. One of the best things about Gray is the people. Everyone is willing to go above and beyond for their team and their customers. 

We have team members that have been here for 15, 20, even 25 years—and that speaks volumes. This organization has so much to offer you, both professionally and personally. You just have to be open to it.  

Another piece of advice I always like to give is don’t shy away from tough situations. Throughout your career, you’ll face many difficult challenges. It’s easy to show up when everything is going smoothly, but the real test of character is how you respond in times of adversity. 

There will be hard days. But even then, there are people counting on you, relying on your strength and consistency. You can’t let them down. Showing up even when it’s hard is what defines a true professional. That’s one of the most valuable lessons Gray has taught me over the years.

Outside of work, Yukie is just as active and connected, whether she’s traveling, spending time with her daughter, or painting with her friends. A proud University of Kentucky alum, Yukie also enjoys gardening, exploring the outdoors with her Texas Heeler, Prim, and soaking up all the little joys life has to offer. 

Yukie’s story is a testament to the power of meaningful relationships— professional and personal.. Her passion for people, combined with her deep knowledge of the industry, continues to make a lasting impact at Gray. Whether she’s building connections with partners or mentoring teammates, Yukie leads with heart, purpose, and a whole lot of gratitude. We’re lucky to have her back where she belongs.