What a start to the year! We have an incredibly talented team, both in the field or in the office, and we would like to recognize the individuals who’ve been promoted in first few months of 2023. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals who have been recognized for their above-and-beyond work!
Adam Esser has been promoted to Supervisor.
In office leadership positions, Kallie Anderson and Matt Schroeder have been promoted to Senior Project Manager. Jon Winch and Hannah Winch are each now Project Manager II. Cameron Evans, Justine Hansel, Carl Hanson, Luke Kiefer, Troy Klabunde, Jon Powers, Colin Redman, Graham Schroeder, and Macy Clark each now have the title of Project Manager I. Megan McFadden is now People Solutions Leadand Leah Preston is Project Engineer. Abby Clegg, Trevor Hickey, Caleb Johnson, and Hunter Muthig have each earned the title of Assistant Project Manager.
Congratulations, to each of you!
Findorff’s Education division is led by a group of incredibly dedicated and talented individuals who have spent years building relationships with Districts across the state. Over the past year, our education leadership has evolved, with two familiar faces now taking the reins. Though you may have seen them at the State Education Conference, we are excited to officially congratulate our education division leaders:
Erika Freeman: Erika’s move into her role as Education Market Manager is recognition for her experience and commitment to Findorff’s education clients over the past eight years. Throughout her time with Findorff, Erika has been a part of fostering many long-lasting relationships with Districts across Wisconsin. She has proudly led planning efforts for over $573 million in referendum projects.
In her new position, Erika will:
- Provide leadership to Findorff’s education division with a focus on client relationships and planning successful community-supported projects
- Plan internal forums to provide training opportunities for the education team
- Provide leadership and support to Districts during facility planning, and pre- and post-referendum communications efforts
Aaron Zutz: Aaron has taken on a senior-level position as Director of Project Management for Findorff, focused on the education division. His leadership on over $700 million in school construction projects, including brand new schools and complex renovations, is why he earned this promotion.
Using his extensive experience, Aaron will:
- Provide leadership to Findorff’s education division with a focus on project management
- Provide support and strategy from planning to project closeout
- Act as a client resource to ensure Findorff’s project teams continue to provide exceptional service
Although Erika and Aaron have been elevated within the Education Division, their predecessors remain committed to the Education Division’s success – especially Findorff’s clients.
Now as Vice President of Education Market and Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Christin Mlsna can fully tap into her specialty, combining her passion for work in the education market and expertise in marketing. Though Erika has taken on portions of Christin’s previous role, she will continue to provide executive leadership for Findorff’s education division.
Matt Breunig continues to serve Findorff’s education division in his position as Vice President of Operations. In his current role, Matt is providing executive oversight to Findorff’s Milwaukee office while also focusing on maintaining our standard of operational excellence company-wide. Matt will continue to be a mentor in the education division and is excited to continue building relationships with our clients.
Whether in the field or in the office, Findorff employees have been hard at work setting the bar for the construction industry. We’ve had an impressive quarter of promotions. Please give a big round of applause to the following individuals who have been recognized for their above-and-beyond work!
Eduardo Marquez, Oscar Vargas Bruno, Jake Sides, and Reed Krugman (Yard Operations) have been promoted to Supervisor. Jeff Kremel has been promoted to Senior Superintendent.
In office leadership positions, Matt Breunig and Luke Hutchins have joined Findorff’s Board of Directors. Deana Turner and Luke Hutchins have been promoted to Vice President. Christin Mlsna is now Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Chad Eschler is Vice President of Business Development, and Bob Hougard is Vice President of Science & Technology. Michelle Kraemer is Director of People Strategy, Brad Olson is Director of Project Management, and Laura Velotta is Director of MEP and Specialty Services. Mike Stern is now Project Executive, Erika Freeman is Education Market Manager, Katie Gorder is Project Support Manager, Luke Schulte is Creative Services Lead, and Rob McMurrich is Lead Scheduler.
Congratulations, everyone!
Findorff’s esteemed field employees, who make our clients’ visions a reality, have recently seen many well-deserved promotions! Please join us in congratulating each of these hard-working individuals.
Dave Ritter, Jamie Zudonyi, Andrew Wiedenfeld, Jeremy White, Tim Masters, Tony Smith, Corey Loeffelholz, Josh Ellickson, Shannon O’Rourke, TJ Marks, and Adam Cisewski have been promoted to Supervisor positions. Chad Baker has been promoted to Special Projects Group Supervisor.
Promotions to Superintendent include Chris Zorzin, Brian Rindy, Kevin Dempsey, Dave Pahl, Jeff Alexander, and Terry Lucey.
Chad Vivian, Todd Brakob, Tom Hepler, and Jeff Kremel have all been promoted to Senior Superintendent.
On July 19th, Findorff, Madison Gas & Electric, the Oregon School District, and Slipstream hosted the 2022 Sustainability Forum at Forest Edge Elementary in Fitchburg. The forum, held at the largest verified net zero school in the Midwest, brought together area educators and leaders in renewable energy to discuss the journey to achieving a net zero building. These green subject matter experts shared forward-thinking approaches to planning, designing, and dreaming big on the journey to net zero.
Materials on how to begin the net zero building journey can be found here.
Findorff would like to announce the promotion of Brian Hornung to Chief Operating Officer. In this new role Brian will continue to work alongside the Board of Directors – Jim Yehle, Ben Pechan, Jeff Tubbs, Jeff McLean, and Rich Lynch – serving and leading Findorff.
Since 1997, Brian has served in a multitude of roles, starting in project management, leading field operations, and serving as an executive leader. Brian has worked across many industry sectors throughout his career, including corporate, k-12, higher education, high-rise residential, and complex science environments. Brian provides strategic vision and leadership to support Findorff’s success.
Jim Yehle, President & CEO of Findorff, shared the following about Brian: “For over 24 years Brian Hornung has been instrumental to the success of our company, driving innovation in the industry, and developing our talented people. As COO he will continue to focus on innovation and growth, while elevating, mentoring, and teaching our next generation of leaders. We are incredibly grateful for his servant leadership and enduring commitment to Findorff.”
Please join us in congratulating and celebrating Brian on this next chapter in his career!
– Tony Sullivan, Director of Project Management – Healthcare
We are joining in the celebration of dedicated healthcare staff this week!
During National Hospital Week, we at Findorff would like to recognize and honor the ongoing efforts and work of our dedicated hospital staff and caregivers, as well as all the workers that keep our healthcare system strong during demanding times. Whether it be a minor renovation or the construction of a new, state-of-the-art medical facility, we send the best of the best, healthcare-certified team members to take on these projects.
But our efforts are empty without close collaboration with frontline staff to ensure that our projects go above and beyond their research and care needs. Every day we are inspired by the skill and dignity of every staff member who provides significant services to every person who walks through their doors. Your efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated!
Hard work and compassion are always at the forefront when it comes to our healthcare projects, with every facility designed and built in a way that we could picture ourselves and our loved ones getting top-tier care within them. Atmosphere holds power in the reassurance we need in a medical emergency, so Findorff strives to create settings of comfort and peace for all patients and staff.
Our business is giving you the space to do yours, and together, we create facilities that deliver top-tier care to those in need.To learn more about Findorff’s hospital work, check out our Healthcare Experience. For information to work with Findorff on healthcare opportunities, please reach out to Jeff Eckstein, AIA.
I would like to extend my best wishes to Findorff clients, partners, employees, and the community as 2022 begins to take shape. Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic and the challenges ahead of us, I am incredibly excited for the future and remain optimistic. I would like to share a few wishes for the new year.
As I look forward to 2022, I am particularly focused on three things that I believe will help us all succeed.
Continue a culture of innovation
- Whether developing new technologies, bringing new and productive ideas forward, or building on what was started in 2021, innovation is key within the construction industry.
Commit to extraordinary talent
- Findorff is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier employees who add value to the company, our projects, and the community. It is an incredible opportunity to continue to cultivate the professional growth of those who choose this company to share their talents.
Be kind, be good, and be positive
- Take care of yourself, each other, and your community. My hope is that we continue to support and uplift each other. A positive attitude at work, at home, and in the community matters. Last year I saw firsthand how strong relationships and resiliency helped carry many of us forward professionally and personally. Whether through exercise, meditation, or personal stress-relieving habits, we must take care of our mental health and physical health.
In 2022 we look forward to working with our clients and industry partners to contribute to healthcare, education, student housing, corporate, science & technology, and other transformative industries through new state-of-the-art spaces. Together we will continue to change the landscape of the communities we work and live in.
Wishing you good health and success,
Jim
Jim Yehle is the President & CEO of Findorff and In Business 2022 Executive of the Year. Read more about Jim here.
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. (Findorff) is pleased to announce the recent promotion of nine members of the senior leadership team to Company Shareholders. These talented individuals continue to play a vital role in the Company’s commitment to advancing the commercial construction industry. They join the current Findorff ownership team of President and CEO Jim Yehle and Executive Vice Presidents Brian Hornung, Jeff McLean, and Jeff Tubbs in guiding the strategic direction of Findorff. “We are excited to grow our leadership base with these individuals,” says Chairman Rich Lynch. “We look forward to engaging others in the future, as our foundation for ownership expands.”
Matt Breunig has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Matt joined Findorff in 2006 as a Project Engineer and was promoted to Director of Project Management in 2016. His project portfolio includes University Square, Danisco, Edgerton City Hall, and UW–School of Nursing before he began his focus on projects in the education market sector. During his tenure, he has overseen and supported the construction of over $1 billion in education projects. Matt has been involved with Leadership AGC, Leadership Greater Madison, and was a recipient of In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2017. Matt currently serves as the American Red Cross – Southwest WI Chapter Board Chair and is involved with educational organizations including WASBO and the UW–Stout Industry Advisory Committee.
John Feller began his career at Findorff as a Project Manager more than 25 years ago. He now brings his industry experience to the role of Preconstruction Vice President. John is actively involved in the life cycle of projects during the earliest stages including facilities master planning, budgeting, and value engineering. John currently manages the preconstruction efforts for Findorff’s large-scale residential projects located across the United States. He is actively involved in the AGC of Wisconsin, Madison Rotary, the National “W” Club, and serves on the Board of Catholic Charities.
Bob Hougard serves as Project Executive to the Science & Technology market. With 40 years of experience in the industry, Bob contributes his technical expertise in highly regulated markets including industrial, pharma, food & beverage, and advanced manufacturing environments. His knowledge of lean fast-track design and construction methods, expertise on facility scale-up capabilities, and go-to-market strategies are some of the reasons Bob was recognized as The Daily Reporter’s Icon of Construction in 2020. Bob joined Findorff in 2006 and is currently active in the American Heart Association (AHA) Executive Leadership Team and Wisconsin Technology Council.
Luke Hutchins was hired at Findorff nearly 20 years ago as a laborer. Since that time, he has progressed his career through various project management roles and currently leads Findorff’s travel group. As Director of Project Management, his group has successfully completed nearly three dozen major projects across the United States including local student-housing developments such as The James on the UW-Madison campus and The Commons at Marquette University. Luke’s community involvement includes serving as Board Chair of Second Harvest Food Bank, and being active in the AGC of Wisconsin and United Way. The key roles Luke has had earned him recognition with In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018.
Jim Martin joined Findorff in 2003 and has been instrumental in the construction of many iconic projects including the Overture Center for the Arts, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, and over 200 retail bank branches throughout the Midwest. Jim was promoted to Vice President of Project Management in 2019. Today, his focus is supporting the project management staff including training and development. Jim served on the Ronald McDonald House of Madison Board and was the 2018 recipient of the Red Shoe award to recognize his contributions to the expansion of the Ronald McDonald House. He is a member of AGC of Wisconsin and North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Training Fund, volunteers as a coach with Verona Wildcat Youth Hockey, and was honored as a 2019 recipient of The Daily Reporter’s Icon of Construction.
Jason Mattila is a United States Military Academy West Point graduate who began his career at Findorff over 17 years ago. Since 2020 he has served as a Project Executive. Jason is responsible for providing guidance, technical support, and team leadership as part of the “end-to-end” project plan to ensure complex Science & Tech projects are delivered successfully. He is an active AGC of Wisconsin member and a registered State of Wisconsin Professional Engineer. His community involvement includes volunteer work with United Way and the Verona Wildcat Youth Hockey Association. Jason was selected as part of In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2012.
Christin Mlsna has over two decades of industry experience and leads Findorff’s K-12 and higher education initiatives as Director of Education Market & Communication Services. She brings strategic communications, engagement, facilitation, and marketing services to corporate, education, and non-profit clients during the planning, design, and construction phases of a project. Her creative work and drive for excellence have set new standards in the industry and have helped achieve success on over $2 billion in school referendum projects. Christin speaks locally, regionally, and nationally, sharing best practices for engaging internal and external stakeholders. She is actively involved in many industry and community boards, receiving several awards for her efforts.
Ben Pechan graduated from UW-Whitewater with a master’s degree in accounting before finding his niche in the construction industry 15 years ago. Ben joined Findorff in 2018 as CFO and as a member of the board of directors. He oversees finance, accounting, business technology, and corporate risk at Findorff. He is an active member of the Agrace Finance Committee, UW Whitewater Accounting Advisory Board, and Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Madison Chapter. Ben is a recent In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 and CFMA honoree, as well as a Wisconsin Institute of CPAs Business and Management award winner. He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Heart Association Heart Walk. Ben is heavily involved in driving the Company’s corporate governance, strategic planning and execution, and overall corporate risk management strategies.
Eric Plautz began his career at Findorff over 20 years ago as an intern on the Overture Center for the Arts project. In 2020, he was promoted to Project Executive. During his tenure at the Company, he has enjoyed the challenges of helping construct unique and complex environments including MMoCA’s glass stair and gallery spaces, local restaurants, education, and office facilities, such as Epic’s Farm and Storybook Campuses. Eric is a member of the AGC of Wisconsin and the MMoCA Board. He is a volunteer for the American Diabetes Association, United Way of Dane County, Meals on Wheels, and mentors UW-Madison Civil Engineering students. He is a Class of 2019 recipient of In Business’ 40 Under 40 recognition.
Kevin Tebrinke has over 40 years of experience with pharmaceutical and consumer products companies with expertise in strategic manufacturing and facility planning. His understanding of owner-side management, engineering, and operations makes him a valuable partner from project conception to completion. Kevin will facilitate communication between owners, architects, engineers, and regulatory consultants to develop an early understanding of the requirements and client objectives of a project.
Kevin serves as President of the International Society of Lyophilization and holds eight patents in continuous processing.Kevin enjoys many hobbies including sailing, traveling, brewing beer, and roasting coffee. Please join us in welcoming Kevin to Findorff!