Three of our finest were recently recognized for the roles they play in the construction industry. Findorff is proud to share this trifecta of recognition.
Senior Project Manager Eric Plautz was recently named part of In Business magazine’s 2019 40 Under 40 class. Having worked 18 years for Findorff, he has led efforts on various high-profile projects, including many unique facilities on the Epic Campus. Of all the projects that Eric has worked on throughout his career, he is most proud of the work he and his team accomplished at Country View Elementary School in Verona following damage from a level-three tornado in 2014. “In my job, I get to build neat things for people all the time,” says Eric. “Although we only put a building back to the way it was for this project, I never have felt such gratitude and received such a heartfelt thank you as I did from the School staff once we completed construction.” Project Manager Dan Weiss recently received recognition as a Rising Young Professional by The Daily Reporter. In the last few years, Dan has been involved with several significant projects including Marquette University’s – The Commons, Mequon-Thiensville School District, and Alverno College. “I enjoy the change of pace from the office to the field, problem solving, and learning new things every day,” explains Dan. “Project management is a rewarding profession. It offers the chance to directly experience a project’s progress from start to finish, work through all the challenges along the way, as well as see happy building owners and occupants at the end of each project.
“Director of Project Management Jim Martin was also recognized by The Daily Reporter. In addition to his many industry successes managing multilocation projects, Jim is proud of his work in the community. He has served on the Ronald McDonald House Madison Board since 2014. In 2018, he received the Red Shoe Award as a member of the community whose actions have positively impacted Ronald McDonald House Charities®. In his role on the Construction Cabinet for the Ronald McDonald House, he helped secure $2 million of in-kind donations that are helping expand the local facility to twice its size. “It’s an honor to be able to represent Findorff in the community,” he says. “I appreciate the ability to exercise my professional expertise to help the lives of sick kids and their families become less burdened.
“Congratulations to Eric, Dan, and Jim on their recent honors!”
The beginning of March recognizes and celebrates Women in Construction Week. This exciting week signifies the growing role women play in our industry. Findorff is incredibly proud of its strong female staff and wants to recognize several women from both on and off the jobsite.
- Kallie Anderson: “As a Project Manager, I enjoy how my job is different every day, from creating schedules to coordinating trades onsite with my team that is second to none. I am proud to have a role in teaching Findorff’s younger staff. I love watching them learn.” Outside of work, Kallie is an active member of the American Concrete Institute and an alumni of Leadership AGC. She has also been involved with Special Olympics, Salvation Army, and Rebuilding Greater Milwaukee. Her advice to women in the industry is to do the hard work, keep your nose to the grind, and always do the right thing.
- Carin Benz: As Findorff’s Yard Operations Specialist, Carin is responsible for managing the transfer of equipment and tools from the Yard to Findorff’s various project sites. “I enjoy getting to work not only with my team at the yard, but also the project management staff, and those in the field. Our Yard team is led by a woman, and I feel very lucky to work with her. As a woman in construction, I encourage others to be passionate about their life goals. We are all here to provide leadership, integrity, organization, and professionalism.” Her favorite part about working in construction is witnessing the constant evolution of tools and practices that make the industry a safer and more efficient place to work.
- Jane Braatz: Jane is Findorff’s Controller/Director of Accounting. While she’s as passionate about excellent craftsmanship as those in the field, she measures a project’s success differently. “My role is more focused on assisting the project management team with financial matters including risk mitigation, cost analysis, and accounts receivable. I love seeing a project built by Findorff. The craftsmanship is outstanding! Knowing that I helped with the financial side of a project, I feel as though I was a part of the team.” Jane is the current Madison Chapter President of the Construction Financial Management Association. This offers the chance to mentor those eager to learn about the industry, just as other leaders have done for her.
- Moeko Komoda: Having started as an intern for Findorff, Moeko has been growing in her role ever since. Now a Project Engineer, she works on material procurement, scheduling, budgeting, as well as coordination efforts with field and design teams. She recently passed her Professional Engineering exam, plus is studying for her LEED® Green Associate accreditation and is part of Findorff’s Supervisory Training Program. “As a woman in construction, it means pursuing my interests and challenging myself. I am very proud of every project that I have worked on and am continually amazed by the craftsmanship that goes into construction.” Moeko’s advice to others like her is to own what you don’t know, but also be confident in what you do know and the skills and perspectives you have to offer.
- Lynn Leitner: As a Journeyman Carpenter, Lynn’s work is her passion. However, her career in construction didn’t start right away. She was originally trained and worked as a veterinary technician. Growing up she didn’t realize a career as a female carpenter was possible. Nevertheless, from a young age Lynn loved to create and build things, especially alongside her father who was an electrician. Though it was tough to switch careers, Lynn knew within days of starting her new profession she made the right choice. “Being a carpenter is an opportunity to work with my head, heart, and hands.” She performs a variety of tasks from installing blocking to constructing temporary structures. Lynn is also the Recording Secretary for the Carpenter’s Union 314 and a delegate of the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters. “My advice for women in construction is to not let challenges of being a female in a male-dominated industry be a roadblock, but rather a hurdle to strengthen yourself for the journey.”
- Crystal White: Being a Laborer for Findorff’s yard operations offers great opportunities every day for Crystal. “I currently specialize in PERI formwork systems inventory and serve as a back-up driver for yard deliveries. I enjoy being in a non-traditional job and taking the path less traveled.” Crystal’s advice for women looking to pursue a career in construction is to get into the industry at an early age and stick with it. Embrace the challenge!
Findorff has exciting news! As we recently opened our new office in Wausau, Joe Schuchardt has been promoted to its General Manager. He will oversee operations and manage a dedicated team to serve our clients local to North Central Wisconsin.
Joe started with Findorff in 2010 as a Senior Project Manager. With over 20 years of experience, he has been instrumental with the day-to-day oversight of construction management activities, ranging from preconstruction to project closeout. He has also worked on various notable projects. They include the 25 West Main development in downtown Madison and several projects for Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point.”
Joe will be a vital asset in leading our Wausau Office,” said Findorff Vice President Jeff McLean. “His experience and relationships with local clients will help us grow in the area as we develop new opportunities.
“During his free time, Joe enjoys being with family and spending time in the great outdoors. He is also one of seven brothers, all of which have a passion for hockey and come together each year in winter for an annual competition on the ice.
The outstanding character of our people drives Findorff’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, as recognized by several recent promotions. We are happy to announce Laura Blood Velotta has been promoted to MEP Group Lead, while Luke Hutchins and Kyle Loest have been both promoted to Directors of Project Management. We are proud of their growth and the leading roles they play on and off the project site.
Luke Hutchins: As a Director of Project Management, Luke is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of construction activities in the Madison office, ranging from preconstruction to project closeout, as well as oversees the development of project staff. He has extensive experience in the construction industry and has been with Findorff since 1999. Several notable projects he worked on include two impressive student-housing towers on the UW-Madison campus: Hub Madison and The James. His community involvement includes supporting Second Harvest Food Bank, AGC of Wisconsin, and United Way. The leading roles Luke has played both in and out of the office even earned him a spot with In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018. Luke currently resides in Madison with his wife Joanna and two children Max and Lexi.
Laura Blood Velotta, PE, QCxP, LEED AP BD+C: With over 12 years of experience, Laura has a detailed knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems. As the MEP Group Lead, she will oversee the development of building systems for Findorff’s projects. Since her start at Findorff in 2012, Laura has worked on numerous high-profile buildings throughout the Midwest. Her accomplishments also include being recognized as a Women in Construction Winner by Constructech Magazine, plus volunteering for organizations such as United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and Fetch Wisconsin. Laura currently lives in Madison with her husband Mike, daughter Kate, and giant lapdog Mason.
Kyle Loest: In his new role as a Director of Project Management, Kyle will be leading projects for Findorff’s Milwaukee office and managing teams to help ensure projects successfully complete on time and on budget. Having started with the Company in 2006, he has especially been committed to supporting the construction of complex healthcare systems. He was instrumental in building UW Health at The American Center and Genesis Medical Center. Additionally, he holds a Healthcare Construction Certificate from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering and is an active member in the Wisconsin Healthcare Engineers Association. His accomplishments also include his recognition as ENR Midwest’s Top 20 Under 40 Class of 2015. Additionally, Kyle has been involved in his community with Associated General Contractors (AGC) and United Way, and volunteering for organizations such as Surfrider Foundation of Milwaukee. Kyle currently lives in Milwaukee with his wife Lybra and daughter Finley.
Congratulations Laura, Luke, and Kyle on your well-deserved promotions!
“Welcome Home to Wausau!” is the tagline you’ll find on the City of Wausau’s website. Findorff shares this same sentiment as we head north and officially opened the doors to our Wausau office. Findorff’s third location will primarily serve Central Wisconsin.
Nearly five decades ago, Sentry Insurance and Findorff began a long-term partnership in the heart of Central Wisconsin. Findorff completed the Company’s headquarters in 1974. Since that time, Findorff has worked on dozens of projects for Sentry. Currently, Findorff is working on the 1501 Claims Building adjacent to Sentry’s main office. This project is expected to be complete by December 2018.”While we have been completing projects in the Wausau and Stevens Point areas for years, we were anxious to open an office with a dedicated team to serve clients local to Central Wisconsin,” said Findorff Senior Project Manager Joe Schuchardt, who will also oversee the Wausau office operations.
The demand for quality craftsmanship continues to increase in Central Wisconsin, for companies large and small. This presented an opportunity for Findorff to expand its services. The new office, located near Granite Peak, will actively pursue work in the healthcare, education, corporate, and government markets.
“We believe our commitment to quality craftsmanship, excellent customer service, and community engagement make Findorff an excellent fit for the Wausau area. We are excited to continue our growth in Central Wisconsin while serving our current clients, as well as developing new relationships and opportunities.” said Findorff Vice President Jeff McLean.
Potter Lawson is the architect for Findorff’s Wausau office. Potter Lawson also designed Findorff’s Madison office.
Supporting communities is at the core of what we do. Project Coordinator Sam Garni and Project Manager Reese Mersberger recently exemplified this core value as they were recognized by Revitalize Milwaukee as Home Hero Honorees. This recognition is given to those who have gone above and beyond to fulfill the Organization’s mission to provide home repairs to low-income seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Revitalize Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization and is the largest provider of free home repairs in Southeastern Wisconsin. For several years, Findorff has been donating time and resources to support Revitalize Milwaukee make homes accessible for those in need. Sam served as a House Leader to help register volunteers and coordinate shifts, while Reese often managed and helped with fieldwork. He regularly has been the first to arrive and last to leave to ensure all necessary resources are in place for construction, and that the project wraps up with every bolt and nail in place. Together, Sam and Reese have been volunteering for six years.
We are very proud of Sam and Reese’s recent recognition. Their commitment to supporting our local communities makes a difference both on and off the site!
Findorff recently enjoyed taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Spark. Located just east of the Capitol Square, The Spark is one of many developments helping revitalize the Capitol East District. We are very excited for the project’s owner American Family Insurance and the impact The Spark will have in the Madison community.
Not only does The Spark house part of American Family’s collaborative and innovative staff, but it is also serving as a catalyst. Inside is the highly anticipated StartingBlock, which will serve as a hub for local entrepreneurs. American Family’s DreamBank also moved from its original location on the Capitol Square to The Spark’s first floor.
Construction of The Spark began March 2017 and completed September 2018. This nine-story, 158,000-square-foot facility was developed with innovative technology and sustainable principles. Specifically, The Spark is pursuing LEED® Certification and incorporated various WELL building standards. Such facilities take a holistic approach to health and wellness as they make building occupants a focus of sustainable design. In turn, such facilities can improve employee productivity, engagement, and retention. For example, The Spark will only use half the energy compared to a typical Midwest office facility. Additionally, its building systems utilize a variety of technologies to optimize air and water quality, as well as efficiency. Other sustainable features include:
- Intentional building materials
- Healthy building materials with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Purified air system
- Filtered water
- Direct access to the exterior on nearly every floor
- Indoor bike storage, showers, and locker room for tenants
- Focus on daylighting, even in the stairwells
- Flexible, movable walls
- Raised access flooring in all tenant spaces and electrical/data rooms
- Integrated sun shades that optimize energy and manage internal glare
- Onsite rainwater collection and reuse systems
We are proud to be part of such a revolutionary development that supports our environment and community.
The Spark is one of several Findorff projects currently pursuing LEED Certification. It is also the first Findorff project to incorporate WELL building standards.The project’s architect is Eppstein Uhen Architects Inc.
Project manager mastermind. Strategic planner. Experienced professional. Healthcare construction guru. These are just a few words to describe Findorff’s Tony Sullivan. They are also very deserving as we are proud to announce his recent promotion to Healthcare Group Lead.
“Tony has been an extremely valuable asset to Findorff’s Healthcare Team,” said Executive Vice President Jim Yehle. “We are very excited for his new position as he continues his involvement on various healthcare projects.” In this new role, Tony will be responsible for leading and aligning Findorff’s Healthcare Group with the Company’s overall strategic goals. He will manage various healthcare projects, oversee the development of people representing the Healthcare Group, as well as grow relationships with Findorff’s healthcare clients.
With 15 years of experience under his toolbelt, Tony has worked with a few healthcare institutions throughout Wisconsin, including SSM Health and Upland Hills Health. He will also be working in Illinois with Carle Foundation Hospital in his new role. While off the project site and away from the office, Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys a weekend away to go musky fishing.
From meticulous planning efforts to innovative prefabrication methods, we are in constant pursuit to construct quality buildings. We are also proud of the genuine relationships and roots we have established with each project. Our recent work at Marquette University emphasizes this and our commitment to craftsmanship as we continue to focus on our core values.
Findorff strives to be the industry’s best. Our superior, innovative, and safe construction practices drive what we do every day. Because of our technical expertise and meaningful community ties, Findorff’s talented staff is genuinely invested in the construction projects we build throughout the Midwest. The new Commons at Marquette University is no exception.
Situated along the northwest side of campus, The Commons is a co-ed residence hall and spans over 292,000 square feet with 890 beds. Strategically built through careful planning and advanced construction practices, we are pleased to say Marquette alumni were part of the Findorff team. “I’m proud to be working with fellow alumni who began their professional pursuits at this school years ago,” says Findorff Project Manager and Marquette Civil Engineering graduate Mike Stern. “It’s exciting to know that our work here will affect many students and provide a creative, comforting home away from home.”
Findorff is excited to celebrate major project milestones! Hub on Campus Minneapolis, as well as Columbia County’s Administration and Health & Human Services buildings were recently completed. Additionally, Exact Sciences broke ground for its new headquarters at University Research Park.
Hub on Campus Minneapolis is a new 26-story, 429,000-square-foot mixed-use apartment tower near the University of Minnesota. It celebrated its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 15. The $70 million project provides the Minneapolis community with 407 units, 707 beds, and retail space covering a quarter block. It took 22 months to build the project and was recognized a MNSHARP worksite for its outstanding safety record. This is Findorff’s third major student-housing project with the Hub developer Core Spaces.
Over 250 people were in attendance on August 18 for the grand opening of Columbia County‘s new Administration Building, the new Health and Human Services Building, as well as the unveiling of the renovated Courthouse. The new buildings and renovated courthouse total over 160,400 square feet. The building site straddles the canal between the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers and connects with a pedestrian bridge. The project provides Columbia County’s staff with new office space, conference rooms, exam rooms, courtrooms, and improved AV technology.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by many government officials, Columbia County staff, and community members. “Your buildings are solid and competently executed…They will last for generations,” said Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly, a guest speaker at the dedication. The projects initially broke ground February 2016, taking 30 months to complete.
On August 14, Exact Sciences broke ground on Innovation One. This is a new five-story, 138,000-square-foot headquarters that will house team members and departments that are currently spread across multiple offices in the Madison area. Design with environmentally friendly building features, the Innovation One will be LEED® certified, promote collaboration, and more vibrant workspaces.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences remarked, “From our headquarters, Exact Sciences will continue to lead the war on cancer through early detection. Our product pipeline is strong and we expect this site to be home to new breakthroughs in cancer screening and diagnostics that will better the lives of people around the world.
“Completion of Innovation One is scheduled for early 2020. The project’s architect is Valerio Dewalt Train Associates.