As Findorff continues to focus on its core values this summer, we are highlighting how we help build communities. The spirit to support others’ growth and success is at our core. We have been fortunate to support hundreds of organizations and thousands of people over the years. From charitable donations to volunteer efforts, we are committed to making a difference. As we are more than a builder, our communities define who we are and what we do. It gives meaning to the places we raise our families and establish our roots.
Habitat for Humanity shares the same mindset. This year, we partnered together once again to frame up a Habitat Home. In the spirit of community, over 80 employees volunteered their time as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Frame Up initiative. This major undertaking took place earlier this summer and supported a local family from Fitchburg. With the family, Findorff volunteers rolled up their sleeves and created a construction site from its prefabrication shop to build wall frames. Findorff Project Manager Chris Helt organized the event.
“I’m proud to have so many of us work together to help provide shelter for those in need,” said Chris. “We may be experts in constructing facilities of all shapes and sizes, but helping our community is still our core mission.
Findorff is excited to announce a major accomplishment related to our safety efforts. HUB Minneapolis, an upcoming student-housing development on the University of Minnesota campus, recently became a MNSHARP construction worksite. MNSHARP stands for the Minnesota Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Workplace Safety Consultation division, this program recognizes projects that exceed standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).To become a MNSHARP worksite, Findorff developed a strategic safety plan to effectively minimize construction-related injuries and illnesses. From January 2017 through May 2018, representatives from MNSHARP performed six site-safety inspections of HUB Minneapolis to ensure Findorff’s safety and health management system was sound and identifiable hazards were addressed. The project also had a total case incident rate less than the national average of 2.8, which was key to earn the MNSHARP designation.
The designation of a MNSHARP worksite is especially notable because less than 40 projects have earned this recognition since the Program’s start in 2007. This is a testament to our skilled staff. Safety is a priority every day for all projects, not just HUB Minneapolis. Ongoing OSHA construction trainings are conducted. Routine safety audits are performed. Site-specific safety plans are developed. The most advanced safety equipment is used…plus much more!
If you are interested in learning more about Findorff’s safety efforts, feel free to reach out to Findorff’s Safety Director Nick Femal.
As a former Big 10 athlete, Brian Malich knows the importance of staying focused and positive results. He also knows hard work leads to success. That said, we are excited to announce his promotion to Senior Preconstruction Manager. In this new role, “My goal is to create and maintain client relationships that continually evolve to meet new challenges in construction,” said Brian.
With over 15 years of experience, Brian has been a vital asset to Findorff’s preconstruction team. He has collaborated on facilities across the Midwest, offering his constructability and budgeting expertise to projects of all sizes. Brian’s success is not only because of the high standards he has set for himself, but also is a result of his passion for excellence.
When Brian is not occupied with helping clients determine how to construct projects efficiently and economically, he enjoys spending time with his wife and six kids, as well as visiting local festivals and events.
Every summer, Findorff takes time to celebrate its core values. As we recognize character this July, we pledge to bring the highest level of service and craftsmanship. It drives everything we do, from constructing iconic buildings to supporting our communities. We’ve remained steady on this commitment throughout our history. Most recently, we led our first Construction Camp. This was a fun, hands-on opportunity for local students to learn what it means to be a general contractor.
As part of the undertaking, we teamed with the Dane County School Consortium, trades professionals, and school districts. Over the course of a week, students received hands-on experience and industry insights on the many facets of construction, both on and off the job site.
Findorff’s staff, ranging from business development and preconstruction personnel to project managers and superintendents, shared what it takes to construct a building. These included efforts to pursue a project, budgeting, and construction management. Students even received “on-the-job” training with a visit to an actual construction site and tips on how to stay injury free.
From this experience, students also learned the various job opportunities available in the construction industry. “Exploring career opportunities in construction was great,” said Verona Area High School student Ryan Christensen. “Trades professionals walked us through the building process and helped us understand the many parts of construction.
Findorff has a long history building educational facilities. We also have a genuine interest in creating a foundation to help build careers. As such, we have worked closely with several school districts and the Dane County School Consortium. Because of these relationships, opportunities are available through youth apprenticeships for local students to explore careers in construction.
Back in 2014, Findorff started working with the DeForest Area School District on its latest facilities referendum. This served as the catalyst to support our youth apprenticeships. In turn, students have been given first-hand experience on what the construction industry has to offer for jobs, ranging from virtual construction to project management.
Most recently, Findorff worked with youth apprentices from the School District of Belleville and Sun Prairie Area School District. They are Julia McNamar and Eric Blumer. Check out their experiences below and what they have learned:
Julia McNamar, School District of Belleville: Julia has been working on the District’s Intermediate School addition since January 2018. A typical day involves working with Findorff project managers, engineers, and superintendents. Her responsibilities include responding to requests for information (RFIs), reviewing mechanical plans, and preparing two-week look-ahead schedules for subcontractors. From this experience, she has developed various useful skills. “The most valuable thing I have learned is that communication is the gateway to success,” she says. “With so many workers assigned to different areas of the project, communication is key to keep people informed and stay efficient.” After her youth apprenticeship with Findorff, Julia will continue working in the industry with NAMI for the summer and into the following school year. After high school, Julia would like to study mechanical engineering as she enjoys being hands on with each new project.
Eric Blumer, Sun Prairie Area School District: Since September 2017, Eric has been a youth apprentice for the District’s Meadow View Elementary School. He has worked closely with carpenters on the project, learning skills of the trade and the importance of quality craftsmanship. From this experience, he also understands the “value of hard work and attention to detail,” Eric says. “As my apprenticeship started when construction started, it has been really cool to see the School be built from the ground up and be part of something that will impact my community.” Eric is graduating high school this year and will be attending UW-Platteville. For a future career, he would like to be a project manager or engineer.
Findorff is excited to announce our award-winning work. Most recently, In Business, Milwaukee Business Journal, and The Daily Reporter recognized several of our newly constructed projects for their notable architecture and quality craftsmanship. They include:
- 25 W. Main: The former Anchor Bank building on Madison’s Capitol Square underwent an extensive redevelopment for what is now the newly renovated Old National Bank building. It includes a five-level underground parking structure and high-end apartment building called The Pressman. The project’s architect was Valerio Dewalt Train Associates. The project was recognized with a Top Projects Award from The Daily Reporter.
- 1433 N. Water: This downtown Milwaukee redevelopment represents a combination of the City’s historic architecture and modern construction. Plunkett Raysich Architects served as the project’s architect. Awards included a Real Estate Award from the Milwaukee Business Journal and a Top Project Award from The Daily Reporter.
- Madison College Culinary Training Center: This significant addition to Madison College’s Truax Campus was designed to help increase enrollment for certain degree-seeking programs and accommodate continuing-education opportunities. This project’s architect was Assemblage Architects. In Business magazine recognized the project as the Best New Educational Development or Addition.
- Oregon School District: Work was recently completed as part of a successful facilities referendum. Its scope included districtwide additions and renovations to meet 21st century learning standards and improve safety. Bray Architects was the architect. The project was recognized with a Top Projects Award from The Daily Reporter.
- Quarter Row: Just a few blocks from Lake Monona, Quarter Row is a new, four-story apartment building featuring a contemporary design and a variety of amenities. The project’s architect was Potter Lawson. In Business magazine recognized the project as the Best New Residential Development or Addition.
- Westin Milwaukee Hotel: With stunning views overlooking Lake Michigan, the Westin Milwaukee Hotel represents the modern class of its internationally renowned brand. Kahler Slater served as the project’s architect. Awards included a Real Estate Award from the Milwaukee Business Journal and a Top Projects Award from The Daily Reporter.
Congratulations to all the project teams for your hard work and success!
Findorff makes a point to celebrate National Hospital Week every May. It is an opportunity to recognize the hospitals, healthcare systems, and caregivers that contribute to the well-being of our communities. All play significant roles in making hospitals a place of compassion and confidence. We recognize this and how caring is the most important calling in healthcare. This outlook inspires the work we do every day.
Our experience is decades long and represents some of the most state-of-the-art hospitals throughout the Midwest. We track trends such as the shift to outpatient care, Hybrid ORs, and integrated-project-delivery methods so hospitals can best serve their patients and staff. Several of our latest accomplishments include Genesis Medical Center and UW Health at The American Center. We have also done notable work for ProHealth Care, SSM Health, plus many others.
Such work spans from minor renovations at 400 square feet to newly constructed facilities over 400,000 square feet. Findorff’s 30-plus ASHE and/or WHEA certified employees, ranging from project engineers to superintendents, make this possible. Our leading craftsmanship and qualified staff even earned Findorff notable recognition on a national level. Earlier this year, Findorff was recognized by Modern Healthcare as the only Wisconsin company to rank in the top 15 general contractors.
Findorff thanks all the physicians, nurses, therapists, engineers, food-service staff, maintenance technicians, volunteers, administrators, and many others for creating a sense of pride in the healthcare profession. Your continued efforts keep our communities healthy and safe.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.
We have groundbreaking news! Construction is officially underway in the Verona Area School District for its new High School. District administrators, board members, staff, students, and project consultants were all in attendance to celebrate this major milestone.
In April 2017, the District underwent the second-largest facilities referendum in state history. As part of this effort, Findorff was selected for preconstruction, referendum, and construction services. The new High School represents a major part of this undertaking. Located along highway 18/151 on a 150-acre site, the building will be 585,000 square feet and represent the latest in 21st century learning. Its design has been a collaborative process among staff, students, and project-team members. School safety and specific guiding principles have been major drivers in the project’s development. Attention has been given to progressive security features as well as making the building welcoming, sustainable, and modern.
Completion of the new Verona Area High School is scheduled for fall 2020. The project’s architect is Eppstein Uhen Architects.If you are interested in learning about similar Findorff projects, check out our K-12 Education Experience. Feel free to also contact our Director of Education Market & Communication Services Christin Mlsna.
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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