At Claros Technologies, Nicole Konikow has built the Minneapolis-based company’s human resources function from the ground up while also expanding into strategic operations leadership, thus creating the operational and cultural foundation behind one of Minnesota’s emerging environmental technology companies commercializing technology designed to permanently destroy PFAS (“forever chemicals”). During a critical transition, Konikow assumed leadership of supply chain and operations, as well, helping prepare the company for commercialization while fostering a collaborative workplace that contributed to the company’s distinction as a 2026 Minnesota Star Tribune Top Workplace. “Nicole is one of the ‘glue’ leaders at Claros,” co-founder John Brockgreitens says.