We are happy to announce that a few Findorff team members have received The Daily Reporter’s 2020 Newsmakers of the Year recognition. This designation honors professionals from across the construction industry who exceed in their roles. Congratulations Kenn, Aaron, and John on your dedication to your work!
Kenn Kosowicz: Educator of the YearFor Kenn, Learning and Development Manager, leading the Company’s training initiatives has been his sole focus for nearly a decade. Throughout that time, he has discovered that construction is first and foremost a communication industry. He tells his students that construction leadership interestingly has a lot in common with Air Traffic Control. Controllers usually manage multiple aircrafts at the same time and must make quick decisions to ensure their safety. Kenn develops the Findorff curriculum for field and office. That means, he juggles over 100 classes annually. We’re glad Kenn is manning our “aircraft” and we are grateful for his commitment to our Company and to the employees.
Aaron Zutz: Senior Project Manager of the YearLike a circus performer, Findorff’s Senior Project Manager, Aaron Zutz, can spin many plates at once. His true talent is the ability to compartmentalize large amounts of information from many sources and effectively communicate intricate details in simple terms.With over 10 years of experience in construction management, Aaron has much to be proud of. His biggest accomplishment to date has been serving as the Senior Project Manager for the construction of the new Verona Area High School and major renovations at three Verona Area School District buildings. This exceptional facility is ready and waiting for staff, students, and the community to enjoy the hard work he and his team put in over the last few years. Findorff is fortunate to have such a dedicated and detail-oriented Senior PM on our team!
John Tucker: Preconstruction Manager of the YearJohn says when people ask him what a Senior Preconstruction Manager does, he tells them that his background as an estimator and a project manager allows him to see things that aren’t there yet. We believe John’s “super vision” provides our clients with an expertise in successfully negotiating projects from inception to contract and guiding them through the design and budgeting phases.Since he began with Findorff in 2011, one of John’s favorite aspects of his role is collaborating with multiple contractors and vendors on bids as well as working to maximize the construction dollars to meet design goals. Everyone here at Findorff appreciates his construction industry dedication and extensive knowledge of cost.
Findorff: Green Builder of the YearSustainability is essential in our industry and drives everything we do. As an expert in sustainable construction, Findorff takes a holistic approach in our work to serve our project partners with their building goals. We also advance our culture and practice through the lens of sustainability to support the natural environment and local communities.
Findorff has been constructing sustainable buildings for decades, resulting in over $1.12 billion of LEED work. Findorff currently has 35 active and completed LEED projects. Led by Ben Austin, Findorff Sustainability Lead, we are excited to be positioned as the 2020 Top Wisconsin Contractor on ENR’s Top 100 Green Design Firms and Contractor list.
Construction of the new Verona Area High School is now complete and ready for students, faculty, and the community to experience this exceptional facility. Project success was never just about bricks and mortar. Rather, it was about the expertise, mentoring, and knowledge that many contributed throughout construction. We’re excited to welcome hundreds of students to the brand-new campus, where they’ll find innovation and extraordinary craftsmanship that will provide them with an incredible learning environment. In 2018, then Verona Area High School senior, Isaac Sanderson, joined the Findorff crew as a Youth Apprentice. He worked closely with union carpenters learning the skills of the trade while attending school himself. Isaac, now a full-time Findorff carpenter apprentice, shared, “The experience was amazing. I can’t wait for my siblings and the other students to benefit from all the hard work that went into this school. ”For Isaac, the building became an institution of learning well before completion. Working alongside the team, he experienced the elements of project management, the benefits of prefabrication, and the art of fine carpentry. Isaac and the Findorff team are proud to have constructed a facility that will serve the community for generations to come.
Findorff’s talented individuals are the foundation of the Company’s success. We are excited to announce several recent promotions to the level of Vice President.
John Feller: John was recently promoted to Vice President – Preconstruction. For the last decade, John has been involved with large, facility-wide projects including Madison College, Marquette University, and various college campus high-rise facilities. John brings more than 29 years of professional experience in project management to his new role. He is also a LEED® Accredited Professional and a member of Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, Rotary, National “W” Club, and Trustee for the Ironworkers Union. During his free time, John and his wife enjoy being active with their family by biking, swimming, golfing, and skiing.
Renee Boyce: Renee served as the Director of Human Resources prior to her promotion to Vice President – Human Resources. Joining Findorff in 2004, Renee has been instrumental in Findorff’s Strategic Planning efforts, focusing on the growth and development of our employees. Renee is passionate about instituting Findorff’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, specifically focused on hiring practices. An avid supporter of the community, Renee is an active member of TEMPO and serves on the Board of Directors of Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Renee is the first woman in Findorff’s 130-year history to be promoted to Vice President. This promotion acknowledges Renee’s incredible efforts during her fifteen-year career at Findorff and the immeasurable role that she will continue to play in the future of Findorff.
Sam Lawrence: Previously a Director of Preconstruction, Sam has been promoted to Vice President – Preconstruction. Having worked in the construction industry for over 30 years, there are many “stories” to Sam’s career. These projects include some of the largest in the area such as American Family Children’s Hospital, The Spark, Exact Sciences, UW Health at the American Center, Epic, along with many others. Sam provides leadership as he guides his team of 21 to issues related to budget development, value engineering, and constructability. Sam is an invaluable resource and brings a diverse range of experience from various projects throughout his tenure at Findorff. Fun fact, Sam recently completed construction on a tiny house with his family.
Jim Martin: With over 20 years of experience working in construction management, Jim has been involved with a variety of projects throughout his career. Recently, he was promoted to Vice President – Project Management. Jim’s dedication to his team is evident through his continued support of career advancement opportunities for project managers at Findorff. He is proud to have served on the Ronald McDonald House Madison Board since 2014. In 2018, he received the Red Shoe Award. (The Red Shoe recipient is a member of the community whose actions have positively impacted Ronald McDonald House Charities®).
Findorff is fortunate to receive recognition from year to year for quality craftsmanship. Most recently The Daily Reporter recognized four buildings we proudly constructed.
- Lakefront Brewery – Kegnado: Located in a building originally constructed in 1908, Findorff provided construction services ranging from minor concrete repairs to dramatic art installations. This project featured an LED art installation that included 71 stainless steel kegs installed on an exterior wall. This installation design and remodel created a fun and exciting atmosphere for Lakefront Brewery patrons that is instantly recognizable.
- Summit Credit Union – Headquarters: This six-story building features 153,000 square feet of office space and 37,000 square feet of underground parking. The facility includes open offices, fitness areas with outdoor walking paths and a sports court, in-house cafeteria and celebration room, auditorium, and a full-scale branch with drive-through tellers. The building recently received Silver LEED® Certification as well. The overall look and feel demonstrates the financial cooperative’s dedication to sustainability and feature expansive wellness spaces for Summit employees along with a full-service credit union branch.
- Evans Scholars House: The Evans Scholars Foundation House is a 28,500 square-foot building located on the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus. The five-story building is a 75-bed, dormitory-style house that provides housing for students working as golf caddies while pursuing a degree of their choice. This facility’s design is comparable to the historic traditions of Langdon Street and the surrounding Greek Row.
- Sentry Insurance: The seven-story, 270,000-square-foot building features a “parallel bar” structural form that is a direct response to the company’s new brand and logo, which promise “two equal parts of a conversation.” The building spaces range from a spacious six-story atrium to flexible office areas for a dynamic work environment to a variety of indoor and outdoor breakout spaces including a terrace with gardens. Sentry’s new office building was designed to reflect the company’s progressive attitude toward the nature of the work and the character of the workplace.
Community involvement is more important today than ever. At Findorff, we focus every day on helping elevate our Company as an inclusive employer and community partner. Earlier this year we were proud to participate in a career-building opportunity for youth in Milwaukee by partnering with Bradley Tech High School, i.c.stars Milwaukee, Wangard Partners, Inc., Building2Learn, Milwaukee Public Schools, and Falk Group Public Relations. Bringing community together helps us build a better tomorrow.
Findorff is honored to participate in many opportunities where students receive hands-on construction experience. In January, Bradley Tech High School juniors and seniors interested in construction trades toured the Eagleknit building in Milwaukee. These students are part of a new educational program that allows them to gain on-the-job training as the building is renovated. This historic renovation will be transformed into an innovation hub serving the Walker’s Point neighborhood in Milwaukee and will be dedicated to helping the area’s underserved population access STEM-related industries.
Findorff is proud to partner with organizations dedicated to education and training opportunities for young adults in our community.
Findorff is pleased to introduce John Ferguson as the latest addition to the Milwaukee-area team. As Business Development Director – Southeast Wisconsin, John will focus on serving the Company’s south-eastern and south-central market.
John is an accomplished business development leader with nearly 15 years of marketing and business development experience. He is passionate about client relations, community building, and driving strategies to enhance project and client outcomes. John shares Findorff’s commitment to community as an active member of The Rotary Club of Milwaukee, NAIOP Wisconsin, Commercial Association of Realtors (CARW), Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), and Society for College and University Planning (SCUP).“We are very excited to have John join our team. His deep industry knowledge and enthusiasm for building strong relationships with our clients, building partners and the community adds to our momentum,” said Jeff Tubbs, Vice President of Business Development.
It’s the time of year that we at Findorff highlight stories around our core values of Character, Community, and Craftsmanship. As we recognize our character this month, Findorff is celebrating the power of positivity. In the past 130 years, Findorff has experienced many remarkable milestones and has lived through some historical challenges. As a company built upon the character of our employees, we believe through struggle comes tremendous strength. This is never truer than today. However, throughout these past few months, we have found heartwarming ways our employees have helped each other, and their communities stay positive. Let us introduce you to D-Nelly.
Darnell Reynolds is a character with character. He began writing poetry in middle school and later made the transition into music. Eventually the persona D-Nelly was born. Today, Darnell raps about life, lessons, love, and all things positive. He says his career as an ironworker brings him great joy and his passion for music allows him to share those positive messages with whomever will listen, including those on the job site.
Darnell takes his leadership role on construction sites seriously as well. As an ironworker foreman, Darnell mentors apprentices on the job and enjoys sharing his knowledge of the industry with those new to the trades. Darnell exemplifies quality of character through his positive outlook and his love for family and community.
We at Findorff are proud to work with individuals who share our values so deeply.Stay tuned as we highlight another one of our core values, community, in the next installment of our 3 C’s series.
Findorff is excited to share our recent leadership changes. Earlier this month, Jim Yehle became Findorff’s President & CEO and Dave Beck-Engel became Vice Chairman. They will continue to lead Findorff alongside current Chairman Rich Lynch.
Jim started his Findorff career in 1999 as a Project Manager, and most recently served as Executive Vice President since 2016. Ever since, his passion for relationship building and helping the community has flourished. He led teams in construction of the first phase of the Overture Center for the Arts in 2004, American Family Children’s Hospital in 2007, and worked directly with several major health systems in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. Jim has also been an active volunteer and supports Findorff’s long-term partnerships with companies in the arts, education, and healthcare.
In his most recent role, Dave served as Findorff’s President since 2012. His career began at Findorff in 1980 as a Field Engineer. He was instrumental in creating the Preconstruction department and establishing the crucial role that prejob planning has in our project success. Throughout his 40-year tenure, Dave has brought expertise, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to support the people of Findorff. As Vice Chairman, Dave will serve in an advisory role. He will continue his board involvement for organizations such as Agrace Hospice, United Way, River Food Pantry, and Future Wisconsin Housing.
“Both Jim and Dave are incredible and talented individuals. Each has been instrumental in Findorff’s long-standing, successful history,” said Findorff Chairman Rich Lynch. “Their leadership will continue to be a guiding force as we progress forward, both in our construction efforts and in the communities where we work, all while staying focused on our core values: the perpetuation of Findorff, our people, and a commitment to excellence.”
To learn more about Findorff’s latest happenings, make sure to check out our other announcements and sign up for our emails. We’d love to stay in touch and keep you informed!
Every year, in late October, it is our honor to recognize Healthcare Facilities and Engineering Week. This time pays tribute to the roles that building and grounds staff, as well as facility managers and engineers have, in ensuring quality healthcare environments for all patients, residents, visitors, and staff.
As we proudly construct projects that support care and healing throughout the Midwest, Findorff sees firsthand how facility and engineering teams are integral in making a difference through the delivery of healthcare every day. Without such hardworking professionals, it would be impossible to manage and maintain clean and safe environments for those in need. Please join Findorff as we celebrate these people for their efforts not only during Healthcare Facilities and Engineering Week, but also all year round.
By working side by side with healthcare facility teams, we are inspired every day to create quality healing environments, which led to our recent recognition as a top national healthcare contractor. To learn more and how we can support your healthcare facility needs, please contact Findorff’s Business Development and Healthcare Consultant Jeff Eckstein, AIA.
The Ronald McDonald House of Madison is a “home away from home” for families while their beloved children receive care at area hospitals. As the need for pediatric medical services continues to grow, so has the need to expand space for families committed to staying close to their little loved ones during treatment. Since craftsmanship is at the core of what we do, Findorff was honored to help fill this need with the recent addition to the Ronald McDonald House, built on a foundation of community and hope.
The addition nearly doubled the size of the facility. Findorff added 13 additional guest rooms, two of which accommodate larger families, and eight ADA compliant rooms. Expanded indoor and outdoor play areas, improved kitchen facilities, parking, enhanced security, and private spaces were also improvements. Findorff Superintendent Adam Budda played a key role in the project’s construction. “There were many days that the building was at capacity,” he said. “Our team worked hard to keep noise down while providing families complete access to the existing building.
”Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison Executive Director Kevin Huddleston is overjoyed with the addition and remodeled facility. “Many of our families enjoyed watching the workers during construction,” Huddleston said. “But it doesn’t even come close to how thankful we are to have a beautiful, comfortable, and homey space built with love.”
Pictured: Findorff Superintendent Adam Budda received some carpentry advice from former patient Mason and his brother Kyle on the steps of the new addition entrance.