Blog written by Findorff’s John Feller, Director of Project Management
My family and I are fortunate to help raise awareness of epilepsy, a disorder that has affected friends, families, and coworkers. That responsibility has never been more important to me, my family and friends, as well as to Findorff, than right now.
Several years ago, close friends discovered that their daughter Grace was diagnosed with severe epilepsy. They immediately began working locally to grow awareness of the condition and to raise funds for research. They partnered with Dave and Ann Jiroux, whose daughter Lily was also diagnosed with epilepsy. Together, along with thousands of people, hundreds of employers, and an incredible healthcare research arm of the University of Wisconsin, we are making great strides.To understand the magnitude of those impacted by epilepsy, it is important to learn of some staggering numbers. Over 73 million children and adults worldwide live with the disorder. Epilepsy is also as prevalent and as deadly as breast cancer. However, epilepsy receives only one-fifth of the federal funding for research when compared to breast cancer.
Being an advocate to help raise funds and awareness for research has proved incredibly meaningful. Findorff has greatly supported community efforts to get epilepsy out of the shadows and in front of researchers. For years, the Company has sponsored internal fundraisers, and many employees have attended Lily’s Luau – an epilepsy fundraising event that my wife Jane and I help host annually. One coworker, an epileptic himself, became active in Lily’s Luau to help provide education and raise awareness internally of the condition. This young man was Jared Kimball. He recently passed away from a major seizure. To honor his memory and those affected by epilepsy, we recently celebrated Purple Day. Originating in 2008, this international grassroots effort is dedicated to bringing awareness to epilepsy worldwide by encouraging people to wear purple on a designated day every March. That said, we proudly wear purple every March for this noteworthy cause.
Findorff employees make substantial differences on every project they do. Recently, two of our finest were recognized for the roles they play in the construction industry.
Senior Project Manager Luke Hutchins was recently named part of the 40 Under 40 class of 2018 by In Business magazine. Luke was honored at a reception held at the Madison Club. Luke, a Findorff employee for 17 years, has led efforts on many high-profile projects. They include The James and Hub on Campus Madison. Soon, Luke will also spearhead construction efforts on an expansion for HotelRED. When asked what he is most proud of in his construction career, he said “my greatest professional reward is being able to walk through the doors of a facility that I helped build.
”Project Engineer Courtney Cates recently received recognition as well. She was named a Rising Young Professional by The Daily Reporter. Courtney was honored at a reception held by The Daily Reporter in Milwaukee. In the last few years, Courtney has been involved with various significant projects including the UW Health Rehabilitation Clinic, Madison College culinary addition, and Illumina. “What I love most about my role at Findorff is that every day presents its own challenges and rewards,” says Courtney. “Every day is different!”
Congratulations to Luke and Courtney on their recent honors!
Recognizing Women in Construction Week highlights the growing role women play in our industry and brings awareness to the evolving opportunities available for women. At Findorff, we are proud to have many, talented women as part of our accomplished staff. Each reflects our core values of Character, Community, and Craftsmanship to help make big differences both on and off the jobsite. Meet several of our women in construction and their tips of the trade:
- Laura Blood Velotta, PE, LEED AP BD+C, QCxP: As Findorff’s MEP Manager, she is a “Jill of All Trades.” As a licensed Professional Engineer and expert of various mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, her responsibilities range from estimating and system reviews to BIM coordination and site visits. Her work is her passion. She loves helping create environments where people learn, live, heal, invent, work, and more. Her advice for women in the industry is to be confident and know you belong.
- Shauna Boyer: In her role as a Project Manager, Shauna juggles multiple projects at a time, but loves it as she gets to do something different every day. While out of the office and away from the jobsite, Shauna has served as an adjunct professor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering since 2010. She was also recently featured in the Milwaukee Business Journal article “Building a Talent Pipeline for Women”. Shauna’s advice for women in construction is to be confident and happy before walking into work every day.
- Stef Delifer: As the Yard Operations Superintendent, Stef has the major responsibility of managing Findorff’s 12-acre yard site that includes multiple warehouses, a mechanic shop, and trucking division. What she loves about her job is the challenge and varying activities of each day. It keeps Stef on her toes and attune to the everchanging construction industry. For women in construction, Stef’s advice is to accept what you know, and what you don’t know. In turn, never stop learning.
- Paige Kent-Möller: Paige is a Virtual Construction Specialist. Her position involves bridging the gap between field and project teams by utilizing BIM technology to reduce field-generated RFIs and improve the coordination process during construction. What she loves about the construction industry is that every day is a new challenge. Watching progress turn into a completed and successful project is very rewarding to her. As a woman in construction, Paige’s advice is to stay inquisitive, confident, stand your ground, and don’t give up.
Thank you to the women at Findorff for being such leading examples in construction. So many of you are making significant contributions to move our industry forward.
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Blog written by Findorff’s Tim Prince, Senior Advisor
February is Heart Health Month. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 801,000 deaths in the United States per year. This equates to about one third of our Nation’s deaths; so a focus against heart disease will likely touch every person and every company. It certainly touches Findorff.
For 25 years, Findorff has been part of this fight. We continually support AHA, participate in its annual Heart Walk, support the Go Red for Women movement, wear our red proudly on National Wear Red Day. Some of these events just raise awareness, though many also raise funds for AHA’s efforts, ranging from advocacy to research.In 2013, I joined other veteran AHA supporters from Findorff by agreeing to serve on the Board of Directors for the organization’s South-Central Wisconsin Chapter. In this position, I have witnessed firsthand how communities pool their resources to benefit their loved ones and others effected by the disease. The health of a person’s heart does not affect only one individual, but rather can have a ripple effect.
Families, friends, coworkers, and more all share a concern when someone they care for has an unhealthy heart. Nevertheless, when we join forces for a worthy cause like Heart Health Month, the results can be profound. For example:
- Funds increase annually for the South-Central Wisconsin Chapter
- AHA has funded 13 Nobel Prize winners and several important medical breakthroughs such as the first artificial heart valve
- As of 2017, heart-disease deaths have declined
- Each of these instances epitomize the impact communities have in helping save lives, both on local and national levels.
In the office, we also encourage our employees to have healthy hearts. Fitness programs are offered through the company gym. In-house health screenings take place annually. Free fruit is also available as alternative snacks to unhealthier options.
Through such efforts, we strive to not only have strong healthy hearts, but also big hearts. In other words, I like to think the hearts of our employees make Findorff what it is today…a company committed to supporting the well being of its local communities and people.