Organizations advancing deep tech innovations, such as radiopharmaceutical production, fusion energy, advanced nuclear applications, and other emerging technologies, face unique challenges as they move from innovation to operation. These projects often involve specialized equipment, complex regulatory requirements, accelerated schedules, and significant capital investments.
To support clients navigating these complexities, Findorff provides strategic advisory services to help:
- Define the business need by aligning growth, capacity, and goals.
- Assess risks early including procurement, equipment delivery, startup, and operations.
- Determine the project roadmap by identifying key components, milestones, stakeholders, and aligning decisions to business objectives.
- Integrate facilities and operations through equipment, commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness.
Rather than focusing solely on design and construction milestones, our Strategic Advisors work as an extension of the owner’s team to help bridge the gaps between project planning, operational success, and future growth.
As Findorff’s newest Strategic Advisor, Jessica Giffey helps lead and strengthen this work.
Jessica has 15 years of experience designing, leading, and operationalizing advanced technical facilities, including particle accelerator manufacturing, radioisotope production, and neutron imaging environments. In her new role, she brings practical insight into early planning discussions and helps translate operational requirements into informed facility decisions. Her experience helps clients evaluate risks and opportunities and plan for growth as technologies evolve.
Learn more about our science & technology and industrial & advanced manufacturing expertise.
Congratulations to these talented individuals on their recent promotions at Findorff! We are grateful for the hard work and commitment they bring every day, and we look forward to their continued success in their new roles.
- Larry Baker, Senior Superintendent
- Tyler Brovelli, Project Manager II
- Ethan Buechel, Project Manager I
- Derek Burdick, Director of North Central Operations
- Jessica Darling, Senior Communications Specialist
- Mike Fehrenbach, Senior IT Support Technician
- Tyler Genz, Assistant Preconstruction Manager
- Will Harris, Assistant Project Manager
- Erik Ivers, Project Executive
- Lee Lathrop, Hydro-Mobile & Scaffold Supervisor
- Joe Nelson, Supervisor
- Brandon Roeker, Assistant Project Manager
- Colin Schiesl, Assistant Project Manager
- Brennan Sullivan, Assistant Project Manager
- Ben Wolff, Supervisor
- Brent Yahn, Supervisor
Preparation is an underlying, constant theme in the school world. Educators prepare students for the upcoming quiz, the state test, the next grade, and beyond. Leaders prepare educators for changes in the school building. And when new technologies and new trends emerge, districts flow these things into an existing question: How do we continue to prepare students for the future?
AI is rapidly advancing and shaping not only our day-to-day lives, but entirely new jobs. It’s coming into conversations about career readiness and understanding what skills the next generation needs to hone and develop. Districts are often considering and implementing brand new AI policies while simultaneously continuing to assess how to best set students up for success.
These are big topics for a sole superintendent or district leader to work through, let alone “solve.” But coming together, joining other leaders who are facing the same questions and uncertainties, and witnessing innovation firsthand can help make the future of AI feel more tangible and clear.
Facility Field Trip to Morgridge Hall
On September 23, district leaders across Wisconsin joined the Findorff Facility Field Trip as part of the 2026 Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) Fall Conference. The field trip toured Morgridge Hall, home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s brand-new College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence (CAI).

Attendees listen to Dean Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau.
Guests learned about CAI’s mission and creation, as well as heard insights on AI in education and emerging trends. The tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at spaces that are designed to encourage collaboration, innovation, and new discoveries, and great discussion ensued with CAI Dean Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau.
In talking about preparing students for higher education and the impacts of AI on learning, Arpaci-Dusseau shared that students still need to be curious and willing to struggle to solve problems, and they shouldn’t rely on technology to answer all their questions. Arpaci-Dusseau also reinforced that educators can learn from students, and that he consistently learns from his own.
When asked what K-12 schools should be teaching students to succeed with AI and computing, Arpaci-Dusseau’s answer was straightforward: the fundamentals. Reading and writing are so critical to a student’s success, regardless of what the computing needs may be.
About Morgridge Hall
Morgridge Hall is a 343,000-square-foot, seven-story facility that is dedicated to computing and AI. With more than 1,000 classroom seats, 300+ offices, flexible learning spaces, and tech labs, Morgridge Hall is a hub for research, learning, and collaboration. But the facility is not just unique for housing a one-of-a-kind, tech-centric college. “This building is the most sustainable academic building on campus,” says Cindy Torstveit, Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Planning & Management at UW–Madison.

Morgridge Hall achieved LEED v4 Platinum in 2026, a testament to its sustainability.
This is intentional, as the very fiber of Morgridge Hall is rooted in innovation and serving future generations. Sustainability features of the building are as forward-thinking as the programs offered within its walls. A stormwater retention system for plant irrigation and toilet flushing plays a significant role in reducing about 30 percent of indoor water use. Intentional design with lighting reduces about 60 percent of energy consumption, and more than 300 solar panels help offset energy costs. Visitors often comment on how “green” the building is in a more literal sense: 25 percent of the site area is covered in plants, the majority of which are native to Wisconsin.
Earlier in 2026, Morgridge Hall received recognition for its sustainability, achieving LEED v4 Platinum certification — the highest LEED achievement possible. Morgridge Hall is a testament to not just preparing students (and the building itself) for the future but rather embracing it.
While questions about AI will inevitably remain, continuing conversations and exploring real-world applications helps district leaders — and all of us — prepare for the future and know what’s possible.
Learn more about Morgridge Hall and Findorff’s sustainability initiatives.
Hero image by Bruce Damonte
Findorff has been proud to partner with clients and communities throughout North Central Wisconsin. Our work spans projects of all sizes and serves a variety of industries, including K-12 education, healthcare, industrial, higher education, government, science & technology, food & beverage, and corporate. As our work and relationships in this region grow, we are expanding our leadership team. These new team developments will ensure we continue delivering exceptional service, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the community.
- Joe Schuchardt is retiring at the end of 2026. Joe’s impact on Findorff extends far beyond the projects he helped build. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in establishing Findorff’s Wausau office nearly a decade ago and growing relationships across North Central Wisconsin. Known for his leadership, passion, and deep commitment to the region, Joe leaves an enduring mark on the many individuals and organizations who have had the opportunity to work with him.
- Derek Burdick now proudly serves as Director of North Central Operations, providing strategic and operational leadership for the region while continuing to focus on client relationships. With 20+ years of industry experience, Derek is also deeply involved in a variety of regional trade associations and nonprofit organizations.
- Matt Femal will continue in his role as Project Executive, focusing on project management operations and will take on additional leadership responsibilities for the office. Matt has 17 years of industry experience, and is passionate about developing people, relationships, and projects, and volunteering in the community.
- Angel Laidlaw joined the Findorff team as the first Business Development Manager for North Central Wisconsin. Her background includes economic development and advocacy for Central Wisconsin. Angel previously served as President & CEO of Centergy and President of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. She is also Chair of the Opportunity Development Centers Board and a member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association Board.
Visit our Wausau page to learn more about our projects and expertise.
By Jeff Tubbs, Executive Vice President of Business Development
Community has always been a cornerstone of all that we build at Findorff. For more than 136 years, our commitment has gone beyond the jobsite, extending to the people, neighborhoods, and organizations that make Wisconsin a great place to live and work. Few partnerships reflect that commitment more than our longstanding relationship with United Way of Dane County, an organization that has helped strengthen our community for generations and one that Findorff has proudly supported for more than 100 years.
Findorff’s history of giving goes back to its founding, with century-old records documenting support for organizations that have helped define Dane County for generations – including the United Way of Dane County. For decades, Findorff leaders have stepped forward to help lead United Way’s annual campaign. The tradition began with Milton Findorff, who served as Campaign Chair in 1932, and was carried forward by former Chairman and President Rich Lynch in 2010. This year, I’m honored to serve in that same role as the 2026 Campaign Chair.
All of us at Findorff share a fundamental belief with United Way CEO Renee Moe, staff, and the nonprofits that comprise the organization: when we invest in our neighbors, those connections help build a stronger Dane County.
At Findorff, we often say our business is built on relationships, and we build upon them by continually showing up, listening, and earning trust over time.
The same philosophy applies to our communities. Strong communities aren’t created by any one nonprofit, one business, or one individual. They are built through connections between people who choose to help one another. That’s exactly what makes the United Way so important.

Findorff employees participating at United Way of Dane County’s annual Day of Caring.
The United Way of Dane County brings together businesses, nonprofits, and government and community leaders to identify our community’s greatest needs and invest where those dollars can make the biggest difference. It serves as a connector, helping ensure resources reach the people who need them most while bringing organizations together to solve challenges that no one can tackle alone.
This year’s United Way of Dane County advertising campaign theme, “Crisis Is Closer Than You Think,” is a reminder that the people facing these challenges aren’t strangers. They’re our coworkers, neighbors, families we meet at the grocery store or at youth sporting events. Many work full-time yet still struggle to afford housing, childcare or transportation. Others are navigating unexpected hardships that could happen to any of us. The need is real, and it is closer than we sometimes realize.
Last year, United Way of Dane County raised more than $18 million to support our community. It’s an incredible accomplishment, but we know it’s not enough.
For Findorff, supporting United Way is just one part of a much broader commitment to community engagement. Each year, we partner with more than 350 organizations across Wisconsin, and our employees serve on nearly 150 nonprofit boards and committees. We encourage our people to volunteer, to lead, and to invest in causes they care about, because we believe communities are strongest when businesses like Findorff go beyond building.
That philosophy has been passed down from one generation of Findorff leaders to the next, and it’s one I’m proud to continue.
As our United Way campaign begins, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported United Way over the years. If you’ve never participated before, I hope you’ll consider joining us this year – whether you’re volunteering on behalf of United Way, participating in your company’s pledge opportunity, or advocating in another way. Every connection matters – because when we come together to strengthen our neighbors, we all contribute to building a stronger Dane County.

Findorff is honored to continue our 100-year partnership with United Way of Dane County.
Congratulations to these talented individuals on their recent promotions at Findorff! This achievement is a true testament to their hard work and dedication.
- Anna Arcuri, Assistant Project Manager
- Todd Bray, Supervisor
- Adam Ciseweski, General Superintendent – Wausau
- Konner Hellenbrand, Project Manager I
- Jason Henkins, Project Manager I
- Cole Oberle, Project Manager I
- Ritesh Pathak, Project Manager I
- Bob Pratt, Project Manager I – Client Relations
- Tiffany Schroeder, Special Projects Group Lead
- Brett Severson, Project Manager I
- Savanah Skack, Assistant Project Manager
- Isaac Thums, Supervisor
- Tony Zittlow, Senior Superintendent
From conferences to leadership announcements, spring has been an exciting time for Findorff’s food and beverage team! Here’s a recap of what we’ve been up to during the past few months.
Sharing Our Leadership
While Findorff has built in the food and beverage industry for more than 50 years, our team continues to grow and match the evolving industry. We shared a blog post in April to formally introduce our food and beverage leaders. Alex Johnson, Food & Beverage Group Lead; Brad Olson, Director of Project Management; and Joe Schuchardt, Vice President – Wausau continue to spearhead exciting developments for our food and beverage projects.
CheeseExpo and Cheese Market News
Findorff attended the annual CheeseExpo in Milwaukee, which is hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. The team had a great time connecting with industry partners and gaining further insights on the latest in cheese production, manufacturing, and how this relates to facility construction.
We were additionally featured in a recent issue of Cheese Market News, where we share some of our food and beverage experience and continued commitment to fulfilling client visions. Check out the article here.

Alex Johnson, Food & Beverage Group Lead, and Menno Huiser, Senior Project Manager, at Findorff’s booth during Cheese Expo.
FaB Wisconsin
The first-ever Food and Beverage (FaB) Wisconsin Member Conference took place at the end of May in Waukesha. In addition to breakout sessions, a dynamic panel shared insights on today’s food and beverage landscape. Findorff was honored to be a sponsor of the event, and Alex Johnson, who is also on the FaB Leadership Council, provided opening remarks to kick off the day.

Alex Johnson delivers opening remarks at the FaB Wisconsin Member Conference.
Food and beverage plays an instrumental role in Wisconsin’s economy and culture, and we are passionate about delivering best-in-class construction services that support an ever-growing industry. From additions to build-outs, renovations to new construction and more, we are happy to answer any questions and provide solutions for your next project. Connect with our team to learn more.
Community impact has been a cornerstone of Findorff’s more than 135-year history. For generations, we’ve remained committed to building up our communities beyond the construction site by investing in the places where we live and work.
We’re proud to partner with more than 350 community organizations that share our values and help create lasting impact through a variety of different focuses:
- Education and literacy
- Environment and sustainability
- Food security
- Health and well‑being
- Housing stability
- Music and the arts
- Workforce development
- Youth initiatives
Being an integral part of this community means showing up, staying involved, and working together to make a difference. To reaffirm that long-standing commitment, Findorff created a new role within the company: Community Relations Manager, focused on deepening connections and expanding our involvement.
Leah Linscheid has been named to this role, bringing nearly 15 years of community experience, a deep knowledge of and appreciation for the communities we serve, along with an understanding of the impact thoughtful community engagement can have. As Community Relations Manager, Leah will lead Findorff’s efforts to build meaningful partnerships, coordinate community investments, and serve as a connector between the company, nonprofit partners, and the communities we call home.
Our investment in this role reflects a belief that strong communities are built through relationships, listening, and continued presence. At Findorff, we’re grateful to work alongside our partners to support initiatives that make a positive difference today and for generations to come.
Learn more about Findorff’s community involvement and the work we’re doing across Wisconsin.
Since 2020, Findorff has been recognized as Wisconsin’s Top Green Builder. We are honored to hold that title, ever motivated to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint — on our jobsites and beyond.
We provide sustainability services that empower our clients, so that they may make informed decisions that positively impact their buildings, both now and in the future. We enact initiatives that improve sustainability across our company operations, from net-zero energy solutions to electric vehicles and more. And we extend our commitment to sustainability throughout our community, sharing resources and dedicating time to organizations that strive to make our planet a better place for all.
On Earth Day and every day, Findorff cares about sustainability and doing what’s right. Check out our sustainability video to learn more.
Across Wisconsin and throughout the U.S., Findorff has more than 50 years of experience working on food and beverage manufacturing projects, ranging in size and complexity. From targeted improvements within active, occupied environments to large-scale production and processing facilities, Findorff’s dedicated food and beverage leadership team helps support the planning and execution of these projects throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.
As the food and beverage industry evolves, Findorff continues to deliver on projects that balance speed to market with safety, quality, sanitation, and the regulatory demands of highly controlled environments. Projects often involve hygienic zoning, sanitary construction practices, controlled process flows, and coordination of integrated utilities.
Findorff’s experience spans a variety of facility types, including:
- Production and processing
- Cold storage
- Distribution and warehousing
- Conversion and packaging
- Agricultural-related facilities
- Bottling
- Food testing labs
- Wastewater
This work is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who collaborate with clients to navigate technical, operational, and regulatory considerations unique to food and beverage facilities.
Alex Johnson, Food & Beverage Group Lead
Alex brings nearly a decade of experience supporting more than $325 million in projects and over 1.3 million square feet of building space, including food service environments and food production kitchens. He works closely with clients and project partners to understand complex requirements and coordinate practical, effective solutions. Alex is an active member of FaB Wisconsin, serving as a sponsor and holding a seat on the organization’s Leadership Council.
Brad Olson, Director of Project Management
With 25 years of experience, Brad has led teams on more than $1 billion in construction projects. His background includes complex technical work, production and processing facilities, and cold storage environments, providing leadership across projects of varying scale.
Joe Schuchardt, Vice President – Wausau
Joe has more than 30 years of experience working on food and beverage projects, including notable work for Schoep’s, Nueske’s, and Top Tier Ingredients. His experience includes facilities with material receiving, wet and dry processing areas, and specialized fire protection and wastewater systems. Joe has also led multiple projects within occupied facilities for a global cheese producer and processor.
Chad Eschler will continue to serve as the Vice President – Business Development, supporting client relationships and strategic growth within the food and beverage industry.
Bob Hougard will continue in his role as Vice President – Science & Technology, providing specialized expertise in technically advanced and regulated facilities.
Visit our food and beverage page to learn more about our projects and expertise.