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The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.

IFMA St. Louis Honors Members at National Day Celebration 

Members of the St. Louis Chapter of IFMA (International Facility Management Association) gathered to recognize two industry members. Held on Wednesday, June 19, at Dave & Buster’s in suburban St. Louis, the awards were presented during the chapter’s celebration of National FM Day. Started in 2008, FM Day underscores the value and contributions of facility managers in St. Louis and around the nation who ensure that commercial buildings provide a safe, healthy and productive environment.

Award recipients were:

Professional Member of the Year: Dan Rayhawk, Senior Regional Facility Manager at Centene Corp.

Rayhawk earned his credentials as a Certified Facility Manager, considered the most prestigious and sought-after credential in facility management. He uses his experience to mentor other members who are working to gain the industry’s professional designations. Additionally, he serves on the organization’s education committee. Rayhawk oversees regional facilities for Centene, a multinational healthcare insurance and services provider.

Associate of the Year: Gary Wood, President and CEO, Stryker Construction

A member since 2011, Wood played a critical role as membership chair, increasing the ranks of IFMA St. Louis. He now chairs the programs committee, one of the chapter’s most important and time-consuming tasks. Wood also provides financial support as a sponsor for these programs. He launched his construction business in 2011. Today, Stryker Construction is one of region’s top firms in fast-paced interior renovations for a growing list of clients.

IFMA St. Louis offers its members a learning and networking environment among its diverse membership and supplies its members with the tools to achieve their professional goals. Started in 1985, IFMA St. Louis has more than 250 members representing small and Fortune 500 companies throughout the region. For more information, visit www.ifma.org

Andrew Ahlers, CM-BIM,A.C. Named St. Louis business Journal’s 30 Under 30

S. M. Wilson Project Manager, Andrew Ahlers, CM-BIM, A.C. has been named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 30 Under 30 list.

The award recognizes future leaders of the region and local business community. This year’s class contains a diverse group of individuals representing a variety of industries, careers and ethnicities who have made an impact in their profession and the community. Honorees were selected by previous 30 Under 30 recipients as well as the Business Journal editorial board.

Ahlers joined S. M. Wilson in 2014 as a Project Engineer before being promoted to Project Manager in February 2019. He has worked on several highly-critical healthcare projects for Blessing Hospital, BJC HealthCare and Illini Community Health totaling more than $120 M in projects.

He holds his CM – BIM Certificate of Management in Building Information Modeling from the AGC of Missouri and has his AC (Associate Constructor) certification from the American Institute of Constructors and his ASHE – HCC (Health Care Construction Certificate). Ahlers has been instrumental in implementing S. M. Wilson’s latest healthcare construction technology on his projects which produce 3D virtual visualization for the Owner, end users and construction team to view the project and 4D schedule tie-in allowing the team to virtually build the project and monitor the schedule.

Ahlers is also a member of S. M. Wilson’s Collegiate Development Committee which is responsible for setting the company’s internship curriculum, going to career fairs and selecting candidates. As part of this program, he has mentored interns for the past three summers, all of which were hired full time by S. M. Wilson.

Ahlers is OSHA 30 Hour Construction Safety and Health for Construction Industry certified and earned his B.S. in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

30 Under 30 Honorees will be highlighted in the July 12 issue of the St. Louis Business Journal. For a complete list, visit: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2019/06/06/announcing-the-2019-class-of-30-under-30-honorees.html

S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.

Winthrop B. Reed III Joins Midwest BankCentre’s Legal Board of Directors

Winthrop B. “Win” Reed, an attorney and management committee member at Lewis Rice LLC, has been elected to the Midwest BankCentre legal board of directors.

Reed’s primary practice areas including health care, information technology, technology licensing, cybersecurity and data privacy, antitrust, class action and commercial litigation. He serves on the e-discovery committee at Lewis Rice.

While earning his bachelor’s degree in history at Tufts University, Reed participated in Army ROTC, served as soccer team captain and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He graduated from the Saint Louis University School of Law. He served for eight years as an infantry officer in the Illinois Army National Guard and Reserves.

Reed’s extensive community involvement includes serving on the board of directors and quality committee for Mercy Health East Region. He chairs the board of directors at Mercy South (formerly St. Anthony’s Medical Center) and serves on its bylaws, executive, facilities, and finance and audit committees. He also is president and chairman of the board of the Boniface Foundation, which supports charitable and educational activities promoting individual and community health in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County.

In addition, Reed chairs the St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission and serves on the board of directors and as co-chair of the membership committee at Old Warson Country Club. He is a member of the board of directors and the corporate sponsorship and governance committees for Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Reed also is an advisory board member for Saint Louis University School of Law.

Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, employs a staff of about 280 working at 18 bank locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties. The bank works to empower people, enable business and energize neighborhoods through the strength of its financial services, including personalized consumer and business banking, business cash management, mortgage lending, home equity loans, financial planning and investments, insurance and digital banking. It ranks among St. Louis’ largest locally owned banks with assets exceeding $1.9 billion and deposits of $1.4 billion.

The bank is a local leader in the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force and its Bank-On Save-Up St. Louis initiative. Since 2001, Midwest BankCentre has consecutively achieved the Bauer Financial 5-Star Superior financial rating each quarter. It was the national winner of the 2018 National Community Bank Service Awards by the Independent Community Bankers of America^® (ICBA) for its success in bringing mainstream financial services to unbanked and underbanked citizens in the region.

Giering Joins Cass Commercial Bank As Executive Vice President, Director of Commercial Banking

Eric Giering has joined Cass Commercial Bank as executive vice president and director of commercial banking. In that capacity, he will work to forge comprehensive financial relationships with existing and prospective clients and lead the commercial lending group in the conception and implementation of new growth strategies.

Consistently ranked among the top-performing banks in the U.S., Cass Commercial Bank is a subsidiary of Cass Information Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: CASS), a leading national provider of transportation, energy, telecom and waste invoice payment and information services.

Giering brings more than 30 years of banking experience to Cass. Previously, he played a leadership role in various lending capacities including commercial, credit underwriting and management. Most recently, he spearheaded national business development and lending strategies in the franchise restaurant and gas/convenience store industries.

Locally, the St. Louis resident is active as co-chair of the Persons with Disabilities Allocation Panel and as a member of the Regional Investment Committee of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Giering earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and master’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University.

Founded in 1906 in St. Louis, Cass Commercial Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve. It focuses on fulfilling the financial needs of privately held businesses, faith-based institutions and other nonprofits. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cass Information Systems (NASDAQ: CASS), a public company with $1.6 billion in assets.

Cass Information Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated information and payment management solutions. Cass enables enterprises to achieve visibility, control and efficiency in their supply chains, communications networks, facilities and other operations. Disbursing over $60 billion annually on behalf of clients, and with total assets of $1.6 billion, Cass is uniquely supported by Cass Commercial Bank. Founded in 1906 and a wholly owned subsidiary, Cass Bank provides sophisticated financial exchange services to the parent organization and its clients. Cass is part of the Russell 2000®. 

Melissa Finley Joins Geotechnology as Human Resources Coordinator

Geotechnology, Inc., has hired Melissa Finley as its Human Resources Coordinator. She will be based in Geotechnology’s St. Louis office.

Finley, who came to Geotechnology after most recently working with Post Holdings, has more than five years of benefit and payroll administration experience.

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a BSBA in Human Resources Management, she holds a Fundamental Payroll (FPC) certification and recently received her Society of Human Resource Management, Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.

“Melissa is committed to helping employees engage and succeed professionally and personally,” said Geotechnology Human Resources Manager Dan Drago. “She is an excellent addition to our team.”

Established more than 30 years ago, Geotechnology, Inc. is a professional corporation offering a comprehensive range of consulting services in applied earth and environmental sciences, including geophysics, water resource management, geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling. Geotechnology has provided expertise on thousands of major construction projects in the Midwest and Mid-South regions, and is ranked in ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms. The company is based in St. Louis, Mo., and has 10 offices in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. For more information, visitwww.geotechnology.com

June 21, 2019

HNTB names Chris Price president of Central Division

Price leads operations of growing nine-state division, including 15 offices and more than 600 employees 

Chris Price, PE, has been named president of HNTB Corporation’s Central Division. He oversees operations, project delivery and client service in nine states including Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and Mississippi. Price leads approximately 600 professionals who provide aviation, highway, bridge, transit and rail, toll and construction management projects to improve mobility.

Price is based in the firm’s downtown Kansas City, Missouri, office.

“The firm’s Central Division continues gaining strong momentum in our core market sectors,” said Mike Inabinet, PE, HNTB Central Region president. “Chris is a proven leader, whose many meaningful contributions and accomplishments during his decades of service are helping the firm continue on this positive growth trajectory.”

Price has a 32-year career with HNTB in numerous roles, most recently as national bridge practice leader. He was responsible for overseeing the firm’s delivery for bridge projects across the U.S.

Additionally, Price’s project leadership experience includes oversight for geotechnical services, railway track design, street design and traffic analysis.

He actively represents HNTB in civic and industry-related associations, helps recruit top talent to the firm, and fosters relationships with clients and thought leaders.

Price earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri.

HNTB has been involved in some of the most high-profile, complex infrastructure programs that are helping alleviate congestion, improve safety and add mobility options in the central U.S. The firm’s many signature infrastructure projects include Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s South Oak Cliff Extension; program management services for the North Texas Tollway Authority, US 290 reconstruction and expansion in Houston, Texas; 3-Trails Crossing Memorial Highway in Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas Turnpike; Peoria Bus Rapid Transit in Tulsa, Oklahoma; multiple long span river crossings over the Mississippi River, and many other projects.

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors. Celebrating 105 years of service in the United States, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. For more information, visit www.hntb.com, or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Chuck Helms has joined Murphy Company as a service account manager. The announcement was made by Chris Carter, vice president, service for the mechanical contracting and engineering firm.  Helms has more than three decades of industry experience, having built  two large coal-fired boilers at Anheuser-Busch and converting three Zurn boilers from coal to natural gas at General Motors. He’s also managed complete rebuilds of heat recovery steam generator units in New Jersey and has installed multiple tank floors and side wall sections. He also managed more than 6,000 small boiler and pressure vessel repairs during his career. He holds an associate’s degree in welding and properties of materials from Jefferson College and has been a boilermaker since 1985. 

Heather Chatman has joined Murphy Company as receptionist, reporting to Tina Jones, executive administrative assistant/office manager for the mechanical contracting and engineering firm. Prior to joining Murphy, Chatman was self-employed. Career highlights include serving as a billing specialist for a finance company and as a department manager for a large St. Louis spa and salon.  She holds a cosmetology license and has extensive experience in customer relations and service. 

Holly Yorg has joined Murphy Company as an accounts receivable billing specialist, reporting to Russ Frink, job cost accounting manager. Prior to joining Murphy, Yorg served as general manager of a retail outlet, overseeing daily operations for a franchised operation.  Before that she was sales manager for a fashion jewelry company, managing more than 2,000 accounts.  She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1907, Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.

Kurt Andersen Promoted to Senior Vice President at Midwest BankCentre’ Chesterfield Commercial Division

Kurt Andersen, formerly vice president at Midwest BankCentre, has been promoted to senior vice president in the bank’s Chesterfield Commercial Division. Andersen develops the bank’s commercial and industrial lending portfolio by supporting middle-market companies in the St. Louis region with the financial backing for growth. His focus spans real estate lending, equipment financing, working capital lines of credit and treasury/wealth management solutions. Andersen offers deep expertise in the banking needs of trucking, transportation, manufacturing and wholesale distribution companies. Now in his 15^th year of banking, Andersen joined Midwest BankCentre in 2010.

“Kurt brings a strong affinity for technology and customer experience to his role,” said Midwest BankCentre CEO Orvin Kimbrough. “We look forward to his continued work with innovations to our lending processes and functions to best serve our customers.”

Andersen has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a member of the Missouri Trucking Association and the National Tool and Machining Association. He has volunteered with the Easterseals Midwest for the past decade and chaired the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse golf tournament committee. He is also active with Youth in Need, based in St. Charles.

Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, employs a staff of about 280 working at 19 bank locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties. 

May 7, 2019

Kaitlyn Knickmeyer Promoted to General Ledger Specialist

Kaitlyn Knickmeyer has been promoted to general ledger specialist for Murphy Company.  The announcement was made by Russ Frink, job cost accounting manager for the mechanical contracting and engineering firm. Prior to joining Murphy Co. in October 2017, Knickmeyer worked in retail, with an emphasis on customer service. She attended St. Charles Community College. 

Charles Webber Named Help Desk Technician

Charles Webber has been appointed help desk technician for Murphy Company, the area’s largest mechanical contracting and engineering firm.  The announcement was made by Tushar Shelar, chief information officer. Webber attended the Technical Institute where he studied information systems and cyber security.  He previously worked as a desktop/network support specialist for Johnny Mac’s Sporting Goods from 2015 to 2019.  Prior to that he was a service/networking technician for Word Pro Systems.

Founded in 1907, Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets.  The firm employs more than 1,000 people nationwide. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com. 

Kwame Building Group Hires Derrick Stanton as Civil Inspector

Derrick Stanton has joined Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) as civil inspector. Stanton’s responsibilities include inspecting construction sites for KWAME’s infrastructure, transportation and commercial projects.

Stanton has more than 30 years of construction industry experience. He holds a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certification and an associate’s degree from Dillard University.

Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) is one of the nation’s top pure construction management firms, dedicating 100 percent of its resources to project management services. For more information, visit www.kwamebuildinggroup.com or call (314) 862-5344.

Missouri Public Transit Association Elects Roach To Board Of Directors 

The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) today announced Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development, has been elected to MPTA’s Board of Directors.

Roach has more than three decades of experience in transportation, real estate, infrastructure and economic development. As President and CEO of Bi-State Development, he oversees an organization serving as a catalyst for economic growth and development in the St. Louis metropolitan region through diverse business enterprises that include Metro Transit, Gateway Arch Riverfront, St. Louis Downtown Airport, and St. Louis Regional Freightway. Prior to serving in this capacity, Roach spent more than 15 years with the St. Clair County Transit District where he was credited with the establishment and implementation of the River Bridge District transportation infrastructure development, the reorganization of the St. Clair County MetroLink Extension project refunding revenue and the development of the MetroBikeLink.

Roach graduated from Regis University with a bachelor’s degree in history. He went on to earn his master’s degree in public policy and administration from the University of Missouri. He has also earned the Executives in State and Local Government Certificate from Harvard University. Roach is a frequent public transit rider, an avid cyclist and a longtime member of Citizens for Modern Transit’s Board of Directors.

To learn more about the Missouri Public Transit Association, visit www.mopublictransit.org. Individuals can also like the organization on Facebook or follow them on Twitter at @MOPublicTransit.

May 31, 2019

IMPACT Strategies Welcomes New Team Members 

IMPACT Strategies is pleased to welcome Terry Midgley as a Senior Project Manager and Bob Moske as a Project Estimator, to their team of construction professionals.

Midgley comes to IMPACT Strategies with 39 years of well-rounded construction experience. He resides in Lebanon, IL and has Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering/Structural Design from SIU Edwardsville. He has also completed ICRA training for Best Practices in Health Care Construction, U.S Army Corp of Engineers – Construction Quality Management for Contractors courses, and is DBIA Certified.

Moske brings 35 years of construction experience to IMPACT Strategies. He has a Bachelor of Science in Construction from SIU Edwardsville and a diverse history, working as an estimator and a project management in various trades within the construction industry. Moske is originally from Granite City, IL and now lives in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, MO

Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT Strategies says “Terry and Bob have extensive experience that will take IMPACT Strategies and our proven process for success to the next level.” 

IMPACT Strategies provides client-focused construction management, design/build, and general contracting services. The firm offers a full continuum of innovative design/build service capabilities including proven construction management processes and site development. To learn more visit BuildwithIMPACT.com or call 618-394-8400 or 314-646-8400.

Pete Zeiser Promoted to President of Midwest BankCentre’s Chesterfield Commercial Division

Pete Zeiser, formerly president of Midwest BankCentre’s St. Louis City region, has been promoted to president of Midwest BankCentre’s Chesterfield commercial division. Zeiser specializes in commercial and industrial lending, primarily serving manufacturers, distributors and transportation-related clients. Since joining the bank in 2014, he has been instrumental in leading the bank’s tax credit marketing, lending and investment monitoring as well as lending secured by brokerage portfolios and cash value life insurance.

Zeiser plays an active role in the bank’s community reinvestment efforts. He manages the bank’s sponsorship of the Affordable Housing Program grants backed by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. He also serves as a board member and loan committee member for the Gateway Community Development Fund’s loan participation pool, in which the bank participates.

Zeiser has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance and banking from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s of business administration degree with an emphasis in finance from Saint Louis University. He is currently in the graduate school of banking program at Southern Methodist University. Zeiser is an active Junior Achievement volunteer.

Dan Drago Joins Geotechnology as Human Resources Manager

Geotechnology, Inc., has hired Dan Drago as its Human Resources Manager. In this role, Drago will direct and coordinate all human resources functions for Geotechnology’s 10 offices, including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, training and development, safety, and employee relations. He will also be responsible for succession planning and compliance of federal, state and local requirements.

Drago has almost 10 years of human resources management experience, in addition to extensive experience in the fields of safety and security. He earned a BA degree from Webster University and holds a Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.

A resident of Eureka, MO, Drago is married and has four children.

Established more than 30 years ago, Geotechnology, Inc. is a professional corporation offering a comprehensive range of consulting services in applied earth and environmental sciences. For more information, visit www.geotechnology.com 

Roseann Locher Joins G&S Acoustics as Project Manager

St. Louis-based G&S Acoustics has hired Roseann Locher as a new Project Manager. Locher’s responsibilitiesinclude customer contact, data input, scheduling, field dimensions, shop drawings, and ensuring the project is completed to the customer’s satisfaction.

Before joining G&S Acoustics, Locher worked as a Material Damage Field Appraiser with Nationwide Insurance. Her background includes agriculture, automotive and insurance industry experience. She has a degree in Agribusiness Management with a minor in Horticulture with Architectural Design.

Locher started with G&S Acoustics in March and says that she is committed to “Ensuring that projects are accomplished as efficiently and effectively as possible without delays or errors.”

May 24, 2019

Castle Contracting Promotes Stacey Lampe and Daniel Grasham to Project Manager

Castle Contracting has promoted Stacey Lampe and Daniel Grasham to the position of project manager. Both previously served as assistant project manager.

In their new roles, Lampe and Grasham assume day-to-day project management responsibilities, including estimating and managing project costs, coordinating interactions between field and office personnel, and building and maintaining long-term client relationships.

Lampe joined Castle as project engineer in 2013 after serving as assistant project engineer and project assistant at St. Louis-based Tarlton Corporation and project coordinator at Hof Corporation, a family-owned St. Louis general contractor.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology/construction from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Lampe has held various Board positions with the National Association of Women in Construction – St. Louis Chapter and serves on the Advisory Board of the Missouri Military Memorial Foundation. She previously participated in the Construction Leadership Council of the AGC of Missouri. She also holds a Construction Industry Technician (CIT) certification.

Grasham joined Castle as assistant project manager in 2017. He previously served as civil field engineer at MC Industrial in St. Louis, a construction management professional at Jacobs in Houston and project engineer at The Beck Group in Houston.

Grasham earned a bachelor’s degree in construction science from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He’s a LEED Green Associate from the U.S. Green Building Council, a Certified Professional Constructor from the American Institute of Constructors and a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute.

Castle Contracting, LLC provides turnkey site preparation services, site utilities, earthwork and trenchless technology directly to owners; general contractors; and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection contractors. 

Jerrod Crosby Joins G&S Acoustics as Project Manager

St. Louis-based G&S Acoustics has hired Jerrod Crosby as a Project Manager. Crosby’s responsibilities include customer contact, data input, scheduling, field dimensions, creating AutoCAD drawings, and ensuring the project is completed to the customer’s satisfaction. 

Before joining G&S Acoustics, Crosby was an estimator with James G. Staat Tuckpointing. He attended Western Carolina University where he pursued a degree in engineering technology. Crosby is also a member of the Columbia Jaycees in Columbia, Illinois.

Crosby started with G&S Acoustics in March.

G&S Acoustics® is a leading manufacturer of acoustical, tackable and sound diffusing wall and ceiling products distributed worldwide. G&S Acoustics’ fabrication process includes custom designs, prints and shapes to visually and acoustically enhance any interior space. For more information, email G&S Acoustics or call 800-737-0307. 

Oculus Inc. Expands Architecture Team with Two New Hires 

Project manager, project designer bring expertise in government, healthcare and military sectors

Oculus Inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm, is expanding its expertise in the government, healthcare and military sectors with the additions of Bryan Beckering as project manager and Nick Balsman as project designer. Beckering, AIA, and Balsman, LEED AP BD+C, will both be based out of the firm’s St. Louis corporate headquarters.

Beckering is a versatile licensed architect with more than 10 years of experience in the design and construction fields. He brings to Oculus an emphasis in private sector and military healthcare design requirements and standards.

Prior to joining Oculus, Beckering served as a project manager/architect responsible for managing teams of architects, engineers and consultants, coordinating with construction project managers to ensure projects meet the client’s scope of work, schedule and budget, as well as producing proposals for various project types. Beckering graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University.

Prior to joining Oculus Inc., Balsman served as a building information modeling manager and lead project director on commercial, recreation, government, healthcare and military projects throughout the U.S. His responsibilities focused around project management and design, as well as pursuing new projects, developing client relationships and contract negotiations. He has experience conducting facility audits, outlining code and operations deficiencies, along with detailing of design and concept drawings, preparing Revit documents and communicating with other disciplines for coordination of project documents. Balsman has a Master of Architecture from the University of Kansas. Balsman is currently in the process of completing the Architect Registration Examination.

Oculus Inc. delivers comprehensive architecture, interior design, planning and move management services with a driving aesthetic to Connect | Shape | Move people, experiences, sensibilities and spaces. Oculus has offices in St. Louis, Dallas, and Portland, Ore., is WBE-certified and is regularly cited in top industry rankings for architecture and design. Oculusinc.com. 

Terri Fritsche Earns FMP Designation 

Terri Fritsche, a facilities planning manager with Spire, has attained credentials as a Facility Management Professional.

Fritsche took an extensive course and passed assessments in four focus areas to achieve the FMP designation. Professionals who earn the designation demonstrate a proven comprehension of the foundations of facility management and knowledge in the core facility management topics deemed critical by employers.

Fritsche joined Spire, formerly Laclede Gas, in 1996. She has held numerous positions with the utility company, including customer service and sales before accepting a position in facilities management and real estate five years ago. As a workplace manager, she oversaw workspaces and hospitality programs. She now provides planning support for the company’s facilities.

Fritsche has been a member of IFMA (International Facility Management Association) St. Louis since 2017.

IFMA St. Louis offers its members a learning and networking environment among its diverse membership and supplies its members with the tools to achieve their professional goals. Started in 1985, IFMA St. Louis has more than 250 members representing small and Fortune 500 companies throughout the region. For more information, visit www.ifma.org.

February 16, 2018

New Hires at Murphy Company 

Maria L. Ogata has been named purchasing agent for Murphy Company, a leading mechanical engineering and contracting firm. The announcement was made by Dave Book, vice president – purchasing & facilities. Ogata has more than 18 years’ experience in commercial mechanical contracting with most of that being in the procurement area.  “We are delighted to have someone with her extensive purchasing skills and experience join our outstanding team,” said Book. She attended both MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, and more recently, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Daniel Ruiz has joined Murphy Company as help desk technician.  His appointment was announced by Michael Julson, network manager for the mechanical engineering and contracting firm. Ruiz has worked as a desktop support technical and service center technician since 2012.  His work experience includes repairs and trouble-shooting of personal computers, smartphones and tablets.  Earlier, as a manager/supervisor for two game shops, he also did troubleshooting and repair of electronic game systems.  He has extensive computer skills and HTML experience which he also brings to his new position.

Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.

Michael Delano Jr. Joins Striler Group as Project Executive

The Striler Group hired Michael Delano Jr. as Project Executive to lead industrial and commercial projects. Michael’s career includes over one billion of construction and development project oversight, including the New Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Kauffman Stadium Renovation (Kansas City Royals), Marlins Ballpark (Miami Marlins), Ed Smith Stadium (Orioles Spring Training).  He served as Owner’s Rep for the Oceana Key Biscayne and Oceana Bal Harbor ultra-luxury condominiums in Miami, FL as well as Business Development Manager for Coastal Construction Group.

Midas Hospitality Hires Director of Revenue Management

Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group, recently hired Morgan Bilek as Director of Revenue Management. In this position, Bilek will implement and execute the company-wide revenue management culture and philosophy.  Her responsibilities include handling transient and group pricing strategies, creating a proper segmentation mix, and overseeing revenue management objectives and strategies in order to maximize hotel room revenue at all Midas properties.

Bilek has more than 12 years of hospitality experience.  Prior to joining Midas Hospitality, she worked as the Director of Revenue Management for a hospitality management group based in Kentucky.  She also has worked in a similar capacity for a hospitality property operator and developer in Wyoming.

Founded in 2006, Midas Hospitality has developed, opened and currently manages numerous properties including 40 hotels in 14 states. For more information, call (314) 692-0100 or visit http://www.midashospitality.com.

Longtime Contract Furniture Sales & Installation Veteran Joins Professional Installers, Inc.

Longtime contract furniture sales and installation expert, Dennis Popp recently joined the team at ProfessionalInstallers, Inc. (PI) as a Senior Project Manager. As the transformation of the office workspace continues to evolve, Dennis will bring best practice means and methods to PI, especially in the architectural wall installation area.

Prior to joining PI, Dennis worked for NewSpace Business Interiors.  NewSpace is a St. Louis based contract furniture dealer and Teknion Authorized Dealer.  Dennis brings 34 years of business interior sales and installation experience to the PI team.  His primary responsibilities will focus on preconstruction, constructability and feasibility analysis, major project oversight, project logistics, estimation and architectural wall installation projects.  Likewise, Dennis will be the installation liaison between architect, owner, dealer, and general contractor on projects.

With a B.S. in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University, Dennis’ understanding of complex projects lends well to the construction industry.

Dennis has most recently been instrumental working on projects such as Anders CPA renovation, Washington University Olin Library, Metal Exchange Corporation new offices, Nestle modular wall renovation and BJC IT Services Group reapplication of space.  He is also currently on the Foundation Board of the Nazareth Living Center.

Grant Named MCAA Region E Vice President

Brian Grant, President of Grant Contracting Company in Fenton, Mo., was elected to the position of MCAA Region E Vice President at the MCAA Annual Meeting on January 25, 2018 during the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas.

Brian is currently in his thirty-fifth year in the masonry industry.  He is a Professional Engineer, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Brian is past president of the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis, and the American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council.  Brian is also past Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Masonry Institute of St. Louis.  He currently serves as Management Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Bricklayer’s Union Local 1 of Missouri Pension and Welfare Funds.  Brian currently sits on the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis’  Arbitration Board  and is on the Board of Trustees for the Masonry Institute of St. Louis.

In addition to the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis and the American Subcontractors Association Midwest Council, Brian is currently a member of the Mason Contractors Association of America, The Masonry Society and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Grant Contracting Company, a certified masonry construction firm with an over seventy year history, specializes in commercial, industrial and institutional masonry.

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and our members welcome Brian to his new role.

February 9, 2018

Luby Equipment Services Promotes Vince Smith to Rental Manager

Luby Equipment Services, a St. Louis-based CASE Construction Equipment Dealer, has announced the promotion of Vince Smith to Rental Manager effective immediately. Smith has been the rental coordinator for the past 4 years based out of the corporate headquarters.

Prior to Luby Equipment Services, Smith spent 9 years as the Assistant Manager at Nu-Way Rents located in St. Louis. In his new role, Smith will be responsible for providing leadership in guaranteeing efficient procedures and management of all branch rental activities. He is replacing longtime rental manager Jim Bailey, who is transitioning into an equipment management role.

“Vince’s skills and experience will be instrumental in the future growth of the rental department as well as improving the customer experience,” said David Kedney, Sales Manager, Luby Equipment Services. “The rental industry is poised for accelerated growth over the next three years, especially in the St. Louis Metro area, and with Vince in this leadership role, we will be positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Luby Equipment Services operates out of its headquarters in Fenton, Mo., and seven other branch locations. They serve their customers equipment needs with a variety of new, used, and rental equipment. The company represents several manufacturers, including CASE Construction, Takeuchi, Doosan, Indeco, Atlas Copco, Wacker Neuson, Oshkosh Airport Products, Eager Beaver and Towmaster trailers.

Erin Wright Joins Rosemann & Associates, P.C as Architect/Project Manager

Rosemann & Associates, P.C. is pleased to welcome Erin Wright to its St. Louis staff as Architect/Project Manager. Erin comes to Rosemann with more than 14 years of specific expertise in the multi-family and commercial sectors and brings an abundance of design experience with her.

Erin’s experience prior to Rosemann included project management for Capital Consultants and Checkmate Design, where she was instrumental in managing lender/investor inspections, physical needs and property assessments, plan reviews, construction document management and interior design of historic tax credit residential projects.

“We are excited to add Erin to our team, she brings a strong background in project management and a commitment to excellence,” said Jarrett R. Cooper, Vice President/St. Louis Studio Director.

Erin is a registered architect, LEED® accredited professional and served as a board member for the St. Louis Cultural Resources Office Preservation Board. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.

New Hires at HOK’s St. Louis Office

Fatemeh Shirpour, has joined HOK in St. Louis. She will support the HOK office as design professional.

Shirpour joins HOK after receiving her Master’s degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and after having previously been an intern with HOK. Shirpour is originally from Tehran, Iran.

HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. Through a network of 23 offices worldwide, HOK provides design excellence and innovation to create places that enrich people’s lives and help clients succeed. DesignIntelligence consistently ranks HOK as a leader in sustainable, high-performance design and technology innovation.​

Jared Zipprich promoted to Senior Project Manager at McGrath & Associates

Jared Zipprich has been promoted to Senior Project Manager at McGrath & Associates, a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm. Zipprich has been with McGrath & Associates for more than three years as a Project Manager.
McGrath & Associates is a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm specializing in commercial, health care, industrial, institutional and pharmaceutical construction projects since 1983.. For more information, call Ken Knobbe at (314) 772-7600 or visit www.mcgrathconstruction.com.

The UP Companies Hires Paul Renaud to Head Up New Drywall Division

The UP Companies (UPCO) has hired Paul Renaud of O’Fallon, MO as General Manager of Square UP Builders’ new Drywall Division. As General Manager, Renaud oversees preconstruction and field operations including contract execution and administration, personnel training and career development, and the implementation of safety plans. He is also integrally involved in the division’s overall business planning.

“Paul’s experience and proven leadership skills are a real asset to our customers and to the outcomes they have come to expect from Square UP,” said Brian Arnold, Vice President of The UP Companies.

Renaud has 39 years of management experience, having previously worked as Director of Self Perform at Paric Corporation and as General Manager at McBride and Son Companies. He also served as Mayor of the City of O’Fallon, MO for 10 years and previously served on the St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Board and St. Louis YouthBuild Leadership Steering Committee.

The UP Companies (UPCO) is one of the region’s largest full-service MBE-certified contracting companies. For more information, go to www.theupcompanies.com or call 314.865.3888.