]MADISON – Since Findorff’s start in 1890, our people have set the bar for excellence in the construction industry. We have continued this tradition as several of our employees were recently recognized by The Daily Reporter as Newsmakers of the Year. They include:
- Reese Mersberger: As the Rising Young Professional of the Year, Reese is a Project Engineer who routinely embraces new challenges with his unique experience and skillset. As part of the team that recently completed the impressive Westin Milwaukee Hotel, Reese helped coordinate construction efforts on a tight urban site, managed the project schedule, and assisted with labor management. For nearly ten years, Reese has additionally been engaged with community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Revitalize Milwaukee.
- Christin Mlsna: Christin was recognized as the Business Developer of the Year. As she was recently promoted to Director of Education Market & Communication Services, Christin is known for strategically spearheading efforts and transforming business initiatives in Findorff’s education sector. In the last 10 years alone, Christin has supported $877 million of successful school referenda throughout Wisconsin. This work has included developing internal processes and procedures that have been replicated in Findorff’s other market sectors.
- Carl Wickman: Honored as Estimator of the Year, Carl has nearly 20 years of experience as Findorff’s Senior Preconstruction Manager. From K-12 educational facilities to high-rise residential developments, Carl’s expertise in preconstruction and estimating is second to none. He continually strives to go above and beyond to help clients save time and money on their construction projects. By working closely with project teams to manage budgets, value engineering, and constructability analysis, Carl exemplifies what it means to be a leading and strategic estimator.
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MADISON, WI – For over 125 years, Findorff has maintained a focus on exemplary character, community involvement, and quality craftsmanship. In the office and on the jobsite, Findorff is comprised of incredibly talented professionals and trades people, many of whom have been with the Company since they started in the industry. We know it’s truly our people that make the difference and we are privileged to share some exciting news.
Findorff is excited to announce that Jim Yehle has been promoted to Executive Vice President. This promotion acknowledges Jim’s incredible success during his 18-year career at Findorff and sets in motion a transition plan supporting the Company’s long-term vision to provide seamless leadership. Jim and President Dave Beck-Engel will continue to work together to position the company for future success.
During his career at Findorff, Jim has worked on many projects such as Edgewood College, Overture Center for the Arts, and The American Family Children’s Hospital. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Project Management with a concentration in healthcare and was fortunate to work with clients such as Meriter Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, UW Hospital, Stoughton Hospital, ProHealth Care, St. Clare, Grant Regional Health Center, Genesis Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System and many more. Jim says, “I look forward to continuing the tradition of providing excellent opportunities for our employees, while we continue to serve our clients at the highest possible level.”
Jim enjoys being very active in the community and is the past-president of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Board of Trustees, Chairman of the University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Advisory Board, Vice President of the Madison Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and has coached Madison Magic Soccer Club for seven years. Jim, his wife Jessica and their kids reside in Madison.
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MADISON – On Thursday, July 14, local truck dealership Wisconsin Kenworth will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art facility at 4539 Kenworth Drive in Windsor, Wis. The site is just north of the company’s former dealership. The event is open to the public and will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wisconsin Kenworth is a subsidiary of CSM Companies based in Madison, Wis. It operates six commercial truck sales and service locations across Wisconsin.
The 75,700-square-foot building incorporates many new technologies including bays specially designed to provide rapid-assessment diagnostic services and specially equipped areas to service environmentally friendly CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered units. Other innovative features include energy-efficient lighting and geothermal heating throughout the service bays and offices.
Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch will be the event’s guest speaker. CSM Companies CEO Jim Moeller and dignitaries from PACCAR will also be in attendance. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be site tours, food, and entertainment. Additionally, Wisconsin Kenworth is partnering with Second Harvest Foodbank to “fill a truck” with nonperishable food items for local families in need.
“We are excited to open this new state-of-the-art facility in Windsor,” said Moeller. “This is where we started in 1978. The new technologies and additional space allows us to provide our customers with the best service they have come to expect in a working environment our dedicated employees deserve.” The new facility is expected to add 30 new employees following the opening. It is the newest and most advanced commercial vehicle dealership in the Midwest.
Media is welcome to attend this highly anticipated ceremony. Photo opportunities will also be available.
Wisconsin Kenworth selected Findorff as its general contractor. The project’s architect is Excel Engineering.
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MADISON – Findorff is excited to announce Project Manager Mike Stern has been recognized as the 2016 Chairman of the Year by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Greater Milwaukee.
Stern lives and breathes project management, yet he still maintains a grassroots approach and prides himself on remaining fully invested in the Milwaukee community. Through Stern’s role in the AGC of Greater Milwaukee’s Construction Leadership Council, he has been a conduit for general contractors, specialty contractors, and many others to help develop future industry leaders.
Stern has also made his mark on many notable projects throughout Milwaukee. For instance, Stern completed The Moderne, a 30-story mixed-used high rise in Milwaukee’s Park East Corridor. His proudest accomplishment while working on The Moderne included helping put at least 500+ union builders to work. Additionally, Stern recently completed the 15,000-square-foot, new premier office for Milwaukee World Festival Inc., as well as numerous projects for ProHealth Care Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Currently, Stern is working on the office development for Wangard Partners at North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee.
When not volunteering his time for many community service initiatives, such as Rebuilding Together Greater Milwaukee and the American Heart Association, Stern enjoys spending time with his wife Kari and their two young daughters.
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June 1, 2016 (Madison, Wis.) – Findorff is excited to announce several recent promotions of talented, hardworking people that have been instrumental to the Company’s success over the years:
- Matt Breunig started with Findorff in 2006 and was recently promoted to Director of Project Management. He has been an instrumental part of Findorff’s education team, spearheading various efforts including referendum support and day-to-day oversight of all project management activities. Some of the most recent projects Matt has been a part of include UW-Madison’s School of Nursing as well as significant school renovations and additions for multiple school districts throughout Wisconsin. Matt graduated from UW-Stout and a registered LEED® Green Associate. He currently lives in Cambridge with his wife Jill.
- Chad Eschler was promoted to Findorff’s Business Development team and began his career with the Company in 2006. Prior to his new position, Chad was Findorff’s Special Projects Group Manager and was significantly involved in managing over 300 projects. During his free time, Chad enjoys spending time outdoors and working on projects around the house. Chad is a graduate of UW-Whitewater and resides in Sun Prairie with his wife Michelle. They are proud parents of two boys, Logan and Austin, as well as a loyal dog named Jetty.
- Mark Premo has been with Findorff since 1999 and was recently promoted to Special Projects Group Manager. In this new position, Mark will lead multiple activities supporting construction initiatives for projects diverse in scope and size. Mark previously was a Project Manager where he led various construction efforts for Edgewood College’s upcoming new residence hall and multiple projects for Madison College. Mark is a UW-Madison graduate and a registered LEED® Green Associate. He currently lives in Verona with his wife Kristin and two children Katelyn and Ryan.
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April 29, 2016 (Madison, Wis.) – Findorff received the Safety Excellence Award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin. This award recognizes construction firms with at least 4,000 work hours, no fatalities, and a low lost-time incident rate.
For years Findorff has been a trailblazer in safety. As early as 1954, the Company’s field workers were wearing hardhats before they were even required in the industry. Over 60 years later, Findorff continues to be a leader. As the Award exemplifies an ongoing commitment to safety and hard work, “Findorff is proud to again receive such high marks,” said Findorff’s Safety Director Sonny Femal. “Safety is at the core of everything we do. We continuously take proactive steps through preplanning and education to protect our field staff, subcontractors, clients, and the general public.”
“Our goal is to progressively enhance construction practices to make Findorff the safest contractor in the Midwest,” continued Femal. “Every day we commit ourselves to creating an atmosphere where all employees are involved in making safety one of their top priorities, both on and off the site. The most rewarding part is knowing our safety practices help ensure Findorff’s people can go home uninjured to their loved ones at the end of the day.”
Much gratitude goes out to everyone that makes Findorff’s sites safe, especially the Company’s dedicated field staff that withstands all four seasons to build the vital communities where we all live, work, and play.
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MADISON – Findorff is excited to announce the ribbon cutting at Grace Episcopal Church, which has been a center of ministry on the Capitol Square and throughout Madison for over 175 years. Since 2012, the congregation has been engaged in a process of discernment and fundraising to improve its facilities and make its historic buildings a place of welcome and spiritual respite for the community.
This special event marks the completion of major renovations, including the Church’s worship space, classrooms, gathering areas, as well as the iconic Cornelia Vilas Guild Hall. Additionally, the reconstruction of the Church’s central stairway from the Loggia to the Nave creates a striking entrance from the courtyard. Rev. D. Jonathan Grieser, Rector of Grace, says “After nearly four years of planning, fundraising, and construction, we are thrilled with the results of the project. Our improved facilities have already enhanced parish life and will open our beautiful and historic facilities to the community.”
Interview and photo opportunities: Media are welcome to attend this local ribbon cutting. Representatives from Grace Episcopal Church, as well as those from the project’s design and construction teams, will be in attendance to speak about the project’s importance to the parish and local community. Photo opportunities will also be available.
Who: Fr. Jonathan Grieser, John Wood, Vince Micha, Steve Klaven, and Jane Ferris will share special remarks.
When: Sunday, April 24 at 12:00pmWhere: 116 West Washington Avenue in Madison, WI
Street parking is available along W. Washington Avenue, N. Fairchild Street, and N. Caroll Street. There are also several parking ramps within walking distance.
Much gratitude goes out to all that helped make this major milestone possible for Grace Episcopal Church, especially Kubala Washatko Architects, who was significantly involved in the design and planning efforts.
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MADISON – Findorff proudly announces it has been selected to construct the new arena parking structure for the Milwaukee Bucks. This major undertaking is part of a public-private partnership to create a new sports and entertainment district in downtown Milwaukee. “With our office only blocks away from the Bucks development, we were already excited about what the new sports and entertainment district would bring not only to the city of Milwaukee, but also to the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Eric Wynn, Findorff’s General Manager Southeast Wisconsin and Director of Project Management for the Company’s Milwaukee office.
Findorff is part of a local team, which also includes GRAEF and American Design Inc. Together with the city and its iconic sports team, the local community will continue to grow and experience significant benefits. As described by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, “The project is designed in a way that benefits the surrounding neighborhood by adding parking and activity, so much more than simply a development to support the new arena.” Additionally, the Bucks is committed to achieving both city and county workforce requirements of 40% RPP and 25% SBE on the project.
The city-owned parking deck, which will be located on the former Park East land between W. Juneau Ave. and W. McKinley Ave from N. Fifth Street to N. Sixth Street, will be a six-story structure that can accommodate approximately 1,250 vehicles. The structure will also include mixed-use opportunities on the first level, seamlessly integrating the structure into the broader design and aesthetics of the surrounding arena development.
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MADISON – Findorff is excited to announce Eric Wynn, Director of Project Management and General Manager of Southeast Wisconsin, has been elected the 2016-2017 Board President for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Greater Milwaukee. The 2015-2016 Board President was Rick Schmidt, President and Chief Executive of C.G. Schmidt.
Having served as an elected board member for the AGC of Greater Milwaukee since 2013, Eric has proudly held several leadership positions for the Organization, such as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, Eric has been an integral member of the Carpenters Negotiating Committee and has recently accepted the position as Chair of the Operators Labor Negotiations Committee.
Eric’s recent appointment to Board President not only exemplifies his commitment to the community and construction industry, but also Findorff’s history with the Organization. Dave Beck-Engel, Findorff President, is a member of the Board of Directors and a past President for AGC of Wisconsin. Moreover, the Company’s Chairman, Rich Lynch, is also a member of the Board of Directors and a past President for AGC of Wisconsin.
“It is an honor to serve as the 2016 AGC of Greater Milwaukee President. In the past 20 years, the construction industry has provided me many opportunities and allowed me to develop both great professional and personal relationships with my peers,” mentioned Eric. “I look forward to continually working with such individuals to help lead exciting efforts. I believe in the future of the construction industry as well as what it has to offer young professionals and future generations of our workforce.”
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