Blog written by Findorff’s Christin Mlsna, Director of Education Market & Communication Services
When I think of thought leadership, I think of the words of Albert Einstein. He once said, “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” I believe this to be true, as thought leadership is not about being the best. Instead, it is about tapping into the experience, knowledge, and talents of others to offer something meaningful. In other words, thought leadership is about making a difference.
As the year comes to a close, I am reminded of this. Throughout 2017, I have been surrounded by many who epitomize Findorff’s role as a thought leader. I have experienced this firsthand as part of the Company’s education team where together we partner with schools to identify facility goals and construct quality school buildings. In turn, we have proudly become education construction experts and have worked in dozens of districts and hundreds of school buildings over the years. Our efforts range from facility assessments to new construction, and we are well versed in what it takes to make a difference in building quality learning environments.
Although such qualifications are valuable, they alone do not make us a thought leader in education. This past year, we also shared our expertise at various conferences. Specifically, Findorff’s Project Management team members including Laura Blood Velotta, Matt Breunig, Marc Grasswick, Matt Claggett, and I presented at WASB, WASDA, WASBO, and WSPRA conferences. On January 17, we will present at the State Education Convention in Milwaukee with the Juda, McFarland, and New Glarus School Districts. Here, we will facilitate a panel to discuss successful facility and referendum strategies for districts of all sizes.
We also try to make a difference directly with students by leveraging our role as a contractor. For example, Findorff is currently working on two new elementary schools in the Sun Prairie Area School District and we hired two high school students as Youth Apprentices. Additionally, our Project Managers and Superintendents routinely make classroom presentations about:
- Getting students excited about the projects going on in their schools
- Providing students tips and insight into staying safe throughout construction
- Helping students understand career opportunities in construction
Findorff genuinely appreciates the work district administrators, educators, and staff members do. It is because of their leadership that Findorff can help make a difference in the communities where students grow and learn.
Blog written by Findorff’s Project Engineer Carolyn Reno
This week we celebrate National Women in Construction Week. I believe this is such an opportune time to raise awareness, as well as increase the support of and encourage women in the construction industry. It’s a field I love!
After completing graduate school at the Harrington Institute of Design, I was fortunate enough to work for several extraordinary interior design firms. I honed my AutoCAD and Revit skills while also spending a great deal of time at Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart. I took these opportunities to soak in as much industry knowledge as possible.
Before long, I pursued a career in Milwaukee working as a design consultant for a million-dollar-plus home builder. As my career progressed, I later worked as an interior designer for an architectural firm. I continued to build my skillset helping with construction documents, code review, and compliance.
After a move to Madison, I worked as a project manager for a European design company and later became the lead designer for a design/build firm where I managed various projects. My interest and experience clearly became interior design, construction processes, and architectural documentation. Eventually, I decided to make the leap into the construction field full time and have been working for J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. (Findorff) for the last six years.
At Findorff, I have had the chance to work on projects of various sizes and scopes. One of the most exciting opportunities pertains to my current responsibilities as a Project Engineer. Because of my unique background, I was offered an opportunity to help manage interior construction efforts at the Epic Storybook Campus. This project is one of Findorff’s latest corporate campus endeavors and truly is a dream job for a woman in construction. I get to work closely with other designers and Epic staff to help make their visions come to life. The pace is challenging and I often find myself researching innovative concepts to support the project’s storybook theme such as giant gum-drop installations, rabbit hole slides, and teapot chandeliers. My favorite part is seeing a project come together after months of research, design, and procurement. Working on the Epic Storybook Campus is a once-in-a-lifetime project and I’m fortunate to do work on such creative undertakings every day!
Blog written by Macy Wasson, Findorff Project Engineer Co-op and UW-Platteville Student
From the field to the office and from site safety to project management, my time at Findorff as a Project Manager Co-Op has offered me both hands-on experience and much career direction. Prior to this opportunity, I had little familiarity in project management. However, through the help of my team and everyone at Findorff, I was able to develop many skills to guide my future in the construction industry.
As a Building Construction Safety Management Major at UW-Platteville, my Co-Op and involvement with the DeForest Area School District has helped to broaden my construction terminology and knowledge. Additionally, I was able to further enhance my understanding of how to create phasing plans for project take-offs, punch lists, and owner manuals.
Most significantly, my mentor and Project Manager Aaron Zutz, kept me challenged. I was able to work with Findorff’s estimating department and shadow Findorff’s Safety Supervisor while touring various jobsites. Although my experience at Findorff has been very educational, I can’t say my time has been all work and no play. Some of my favorite activities were participating in a Mock Bid Day, as well as touring Findorff’s field operations and numerous projects with fellow Co-Ops.
Through my Co-Op at Findorff, I was able to further determine that project management and safety are both avenues I want to continue in my career. Additionally, I learned more about how and why Findorff is one of the Midwest’s leading builders!
Blog written by Findorff’s Chad Eschler, Business Development
Findorff created the Special Projects Group (SPG) in Madison 10 years ago. The SPG was developed to accommodate requests for efficient ways to complete smaller, miscellaneous work for our clients.
So we got busy. We purchased a van, assigned a manager to the group and set out to exceed the needs of our clients. The SPG took off! We found that clients appreciated the resources and expertise that we could bring to projects of all shapes and sizes. From a $150 door adjustment to a $500,000 lab renovation, the SPG can truly do anything. Last year alone, the team completed over 300 projects throughout southern Wisconsin.
Now a decade later, Findorff is extremely proud of the SPG’s growing success. We’ve added more vans, more staff, a Milwaukee division, and have thousands of successful projects under our (tool) belts. Most recently, the SPG team has worked on a variety of parking ramps in both the Madison and Milwaukee areas. The team is even working on four major parking ramp renovations currently. Due to the nature of repairs, SPG has partnered with our client for almost seven years! Each year we have had a three-month window to get as much work completed as we can – Our last phase will occur this fall.
Additionally, our team is very excited about completing a major renovation to a historic local sorority this summer. Over the past five years, this sorority has asked Findorff’s SPG to perform various work on its facility. From minor masonry repairs to energy efficient upgrades, SPG has helped the client prioritize projects, budget upcoming work, and ultimately provide its residents with a great place to call home.
Findorff is prepared to meet any construction need for all types of projects and we look forward to what the year will bring!