News

Tracy Hart, president of Tarlton Corp., a leading St. Louis-based general contracting and construction management firm, has been named to the 2023 St. Louis Titan 100, a program nationwide that recognizes regionally a premier group of CEOs and C-level executives who serve in both the public and private sectors and demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and influence in their industries.

In addition to leading Tarlton, a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, and Waterhout Construction, also WBENC-Certified, Hart serves on multiple civic boards in the region. She is a fiduciary board member and member of the chair’s council for Greater St. Louis Inc.; chairperson for the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership; vice chair for The Muny; board member and vice chair of the Patient Care Committee for St. Louis Children’s Hospital; and board member and lead independent director for Midwest BankCentre. She also serves on the board of ONE Gas in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a publicly traded company serving 2.2 million customers in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. 

Hart was named president of Tarlton in 1999, after joining the firm that was led by her father Robert P. Elsperman, and founded in 1946 by her grandfather, Art Elsperman. Recognized as a trailblazer and ardent leader, she champions training, development and workplace opportunities at Tarlton and in the construction industry in St. Louis and nationally. Deeply committed to her industry, Hart was elected the first woman chairman of the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis and is a life director of the AGC of America.

“It is an honor to be recognized for the 2023 St. Louis Titan program and to be included among the area’s preeminent leaders,” said Hart. “This program provides another opportunity to connect with leaders who care deeply about St. Louis and who are working to bring continued growth, inclusion and prosperity to the region.”

Collectively, the 2023 St. Louis Titan 100 and their companies employ more than 94,000 individuals and generate $28 billion in annual revenue. This year’s honorees will be recognized at the annual St. Louis Titan 100 award event, hosted by Titan 100 and sponsored by Wipfli LLP, one of the nation’s largest accounting firms, on April 6 at The Factory in Chesterfield, Missouri.  

About Titan 100

The Titan 100 is a national program that recognizes the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in a region. Representing both the private and public sector, these Titans of Industry demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion and influence in their field. The Titan 100 are recognized at an annual awards event, published in the Titan 100 book, and given the opportunity to connect multiple times throughout the year with their fellow Titans. The Titan 100 is one of the fastest-growing, most powerful communities of executives across the nation. Titans must be nominated and selected annually with the pinnacle achievement of being recognized as an elite Hall of Fame honoree in their third year.

Visit www.titan100.biz/

About Tarlton

Having celebrated its 75^th year in business in 2021,Tarlton Corp. is a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that provides outstanding preconstruction, construction and design-build solutions to clients in the commercial, institutional, government and nonprofit, industrial and energy markets. The Midwest general contractor/construction manager also has special expertise in concrete construction, restoration and maintenance. Tarlton has completed many landmark St. Louis projects and is committed to improving lives through inclusive construction, civic engagement and service to others.

WINCO Window Company announces the retirement of Bill Krenn, president of WINCO.  Krenn has been with WINCO since 1996 and has served in various capacities, including director of human resources, treasurer, vice president, and chief financial officer before being appointed as the company’s president in 2017.

As WINCO’s president, Krenn ensured that the overall direction of the company’s sales outreach and operations remained in concert with the vision of the family ownership. WINCO is a family owned and operated manufacturer for more than 100 years, when it was established by Johann “Otto” Kubatzky.

“I enjoyed my tenure at WINCO,” says Krenn. “WINCO’s family ownership structure offered great opportunities for my career – I was able to do exciting things that improved the lives of employees and their families, introduce new products, and provide support for our growing engineering department.”

Under Krenn’s leadership, the company faced one of its biggest challenges in 2020.

”I am especially proud that we were able to keep people employed during Covid,” says Krenn.  “WINCO was open the entire time for business.”

In recent years, WINCO has seen growth in product development for specialty niche markets, such as tornado, hurricane, blast protection, solar products, and technology-based automated window products. WINCO expects to continue this trend under new leadership.  Gantt Miller III, AIA and owner of WINCO is assuming Krenn’s responsibilities until a replacement is named. 

Founded in 1915, WINCO Window Company, based in St. Louis, provides full-service manufacturing of high-performance architectural and heavy commercial aluminum windows and doors nationally, for classic renovation and new construction. Visit www.wincowindow.com for more information. For more information, contact WINCO Window Company at (314) 725.8088 or visit www.wincowindow.com

The Pernod Ricard distillery and warehouse will expand across 265 acres in Marion County, Kentucky with an emphasis on using low carbon technologies. 

Clayco, a full-service, turnkey real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firm announced today it is building the first Pernod Ricard green field distillery in the United States. The project, designed by the Lamar Johnson Collaborative, is part of Pernod Ricard’s fast-growing Jefferson’s Bourbon brand. Clayco Design & Engineering is the process engineer and structural engineer of the project. The facility will produce over 7.5 million proof gallons of bourbon annually.  

Anticipated to break ground in early 2023 and completed in the third quarter of 2024, the 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, carbon neutral distillery and aging warehouses located in Marion County, Kentucky, will be approximately 265 acres and include a world class visitor center to welcome bourbon enthusiasts on the historic Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

“This inaugural project marks a major accomplishment for both Pernod Ricard and Clayco,” Nathan Cook, Project Executive at Clayco, said. “We are extremely proud of this partnership with Pernod Ricard. It’s truly an honor for Clayco to help such a prestigious organization bring this new state-of-the-art distillery to life in such a historic part of bourbon country.”

“This investment is the latest illustration of our belief in the strength and potential of American Whiskey” said Jessica Chen, VP Operations, American whiskies at Pernod Ricard. “We’re delighted to partner with Clayco on this project and are committed to making our new Jefferson’s facility one of the most exemplary and sustainable distilleries in the world to achieve our ambitions for the brand. We can’t wait to welcome bourbon enthusiasts from all over to experience our new site.”

The Pernod Ricard green field distillery will be the first of its size in the United States to achieve LEED certification, an internationally recognized sustainability framework for efficient, carbon and cost-saving environmentally friendly buildings. The distillery and warehouses will include such low-carbon technologies as electrode boilers powered by certified renewable electricity, allowing the distillery to abstain from using fossil fuels during bourbon production. Clayco is leading the design-oriented visitor center using an integrated design-build approach with its in-house engineering capabilities and architecture that strives for a low carbon footprint.  

In addition, as part of Pernod Ricard’s commitment to protect and nurture its relationship with the community, Jefferson’s will continue to partner with local farmers and suppliers to source ingredients and casks whenever possible. 

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely and sustainably delivers the highest quality solutions to clients across North America on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $4.9 billion in revenue for 2021 Clayco specializes in the “art and science of building,” providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential-related building projects. For more information, visit www.claycorp.com. 

LJC is a full-service design and architecture firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience and to improving how design and architecture can impact each individual’s emotional being. By harnessing the power of integrated design, including architecture, workplace strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning and engineering, the company achieves its clients’ goals and aspirations. For more information, please visit www.theljc.com.

To create a comprehensive sports center that helps athletes grow and compete to their full potential, Chesterfield Sports Association, Mercy and ACE Performance Lab have announced a collaboration to offer on-site services at Chesterfield Sports Complex (CSC) when it opens this March. 

As the facility’s medical provider, Mercy Sports Medicine will have athletic trainers on site for all practices, games and tournaments to evaluate and advise athletes following an injury and refer them for follow-up services. A 4,200-square-foot ACE Performance Lab will provide performance training and muscle recovery programs to athletes who train at the facility. A shared athletic training room will be used by Mercy and ACE Performance Lab staff to evaluate and treat athletes.

“We have one mission, and that is to take care of the youth of St. Louis,” said Stuart Duncan, president of Chesterfield Sports Association. “We are extremely proud to offer the best in sports medicine and specialized performance training to the athletes who will call.”

“From youth athletes to professionals and everyone in between, our athletic trainers and medical team is ready to provide care when and where it’s needed,” said Jason Muchow, Mercy Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine executive director. “We look forward to working with the ACE Performance Labs team to keep these young athletes performing at their highest levels.”

Developed by Volleyball Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Touzinsky, ACE Performance Lab will offer private and group training sessions to help athletes maximize their performance. The state-of-the-art facility on the first and second floor of the complex will feature Olympic lifting stations and a 65-foot long and 15-foot wide turf area for speed and agility training using sleds and battle ropes. A recovery area features tools to help athletes speed muscle recovery to prevent injury or during rehabilitation following an injury. Equipment will include Hyper Ice Recovery Sleeves, theraguns, vibrating rollers and spheres. This is the third ACE facility to open in St. Louis in the last three years. ACE also operates ACE Volleyball Lab in Affton and ACE Performance Lab in Fenton.  

“ACE Performance Lab is extremely excited to work with Mercy and the Chesterfield Sports Association to give young athletes the help they need to stay healthy on the court playing the game they love,” said ACE Performance Lab Founder Scott Touzinsky. 

As St. Louis’ first world-class, indoor volleyball and basketball complex, the multi-court, 97,000-square-foot sports complex will attract an estimated 900,000 visitors each year to its clinics, camps, leagues and tournaments. More than 1,000 youth athletes will practice and train during the week and over 2,500 athletes will play in league and tournament games each weekend. Tenants include Bradley Beal Elite (BBE), the top ranked NIKE-sponsored basketball club in the Midwest; CNR Basketball, and High Performance STL, greater St. Louis’ premier youth volleyball club and Stratman Sports for volleyball.

A major economic driver, Chesterfield Sports Complex is projected to generate $3.6 million in local annual spending, including over 10,000 hotel room nights per year. 

CSA expects to host over 40 tournaments each year that will attract out-of-town guests to the area to generate economic activity for local restaurants, hotels and retail establishments. A total of 18 major regional sports events are already scheduled between March and July, including a top regional gymnastics meet and national martial arts tournament. 

Chesterfield Sports Complex will be owned and operated by nonprofit Chesterfield Sports Association. The organization is seeking naming rights and other sponsors to help support the remaining development and initial operation of the facility. For information about partnership opportunities, booking birthday parties, or hosting a sports competition at the facility, visit www.chesterfieldsports.com or email info@chesterfieldsports.com. 

Mercy, one of the 25 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized quality care and one of the nation’s largest Accountable Care Organizations. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 4,000 Mercy Clinic physicians and advanced practitioners, and more than 40,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

At St. Louis-area locations in Fenton and soon Chesterfield, ACE Performance Lab provides a fun and positive environment for athletes to learn from the best and become 1 to 2% better each time they walk into the Lab. Founded by Volleyball Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Touzinsky, ACE offers performance training services athletes need to help athletes dream big and reach their max potential as a volleyball player. Recovery areas at locations feature tools to help athletes speed muscle recovery to prevent injury or during rehabilitation following an injury. For more information, visit. 

Founded in 2020, Chesterfield Sports Association (CSA) is a Chesterfield, MO-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed to give St. Louis youth the opportunity to grow, develop, and reach their highest potential as an athlete, student and individual. The organization will own and operate Chesterfield Sports Complex, which will provide local athletes a much needed home for volleyball and basketball training and competitions in St. Louis. A major economic driver projected to generate $3.6 million in annual local spending, CSC will host over 40 tournaments and major regional sports events each year. For more information, visit https://chesterfieldsports.com and follow chesterfieldsports on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Historic partnership between the foundation and the HBCU to benefit men’s and women’s golf programs

The Kwame Foundation and Lincoln University have come together for a historic partnership to improve men’s and women’s golf programs and increase access to the sport. Kwame Foundation’s multi-year commitment to Lincoln University Athletics was launched with extensive renovations to the university’s golf facility and provides much-needed equipment for student athletes. The Kwame Foundation Golf Center, which was unveiled to students last week, includes the installation of two fully interactive golf simulators, improved flooring and lockers. Founded in 1866, Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri is one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States and is the only HBCU in the state with both men’s and women’s golf programs. 

“We could not be more excited to commemorate the Kwame Foundation’s historic commitment to the only HBCU men’s and women’s golf programs in the state of Missouri,” said Dr. Kevin Wilson, Vice President for Advancement, Athletics and Campus Recreation. “Similar to emerging groups of philanthropists across the country, the KWAME Foundation is passionate about providing our students with access to the game of golf and equipping them with the tools to compete with anyone.” 

On January 18, athletes, faculty and alumni attended the unveiling ceremony of the modernized facility. The Foundation’s donations to the HBCU will allow the program to continue to progress and increase its competitiveness. With the renovation, athletes are no longer hindered from practicing during rainy and cold weather but are able to practice indoors year-round. A new van, purchased from Rusty Drewing Automotive, provides safe transport of student athletes as well as adequate storage for equipment to competitions. 

The game of golf has been central to Kwame Foundation since its founding. Each year, the organization hosts its ‘Tee Off Fore Education’ golf tournament to raise money for scholarships for minorities and first-generation college students. Since 2003, Kwame Foundation has contributed nearly $3 million for endowed scholarships to colleges and universities throughout the United States. $75,000 was raised for scholarships in 2022 alone.   

“With our primary educational focus now directed towards scholarships at HBCUs, we have strengthened our partnership with each of the two historically Black universities based here in Missouri,” said Kwame Foundation Executive Director, Lydia Huston. “Our support of Lincoln University’s golf program is a worthwhile investment that will allow the women and men who participate various pathways for athletic and academic success. We are excited to see this program thrive and grow.”

“On behalf of the Lincoln University Golf programs, I extend my deepest appreciation to the KWAME Foundation for their partnership. I am grateful for their desire to see progress and a culture of competitiveness in HBCU golf,” said Kortland Ware, Director of Golf. “Support from the KWAME Foundation will expedite our development into a program that will make our alumni, the Jefferson City community, and the Show Me state proud.”

Founded in 2003, Kwame Foundation is the charitable arm of Kwame Building Group. Kwame Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to address a prevailing need among African American students who have the aptitude and motivation for college, but who lack the financial and other resources necessary to succeed and graduate. Programs include contributions to universities for scholarships, educational mentorships, internship opportunities and training to prepare for an ever-evolving workforce. For nearly 20 years, Kwame Foundation has been a champion for education and a philanthropic pillar in the St. Louis area and throughout the United States. For more information about Kwame Foundation, contact Lydia Huston at lhuston@kwamebuildinggroup.com or call (314) 754-5619.

Submitted by Schmersahl Treloar & Co

By now, many construction businesses have at least outlined the parameters of their 2023 budgets, if not finished them entirely. No matter where you’re at in the process, it doesn’t hurt to double-check your methodology to ensure your spending plan for next year is built on a solid foundation.

Start with spending

Often, the budget-setting process begins with an estimate of total revenue for the year. A better strategy, however, is to start with projected spending because it’s something over which you can exert a little more control.

Divide your expenses between hard and soft costs. As with individual project budgets, hard costs are the “brick and mortar” expenses directly related to physically completing work — such as equipment, materials and labor. Soft costs are indirect costs (such as insurance, fees and certifications) and overhead costs (such as office rent and furniture).

When you divide your budget into these two categories, you’ll have a better sense of which line items are variable and can be adjusted and where to apply cost-control measures. Throughout the year, check back on hard and soft costs to see whether new or overlooked ones are threatening the budget.

Heed historical lessons

Taking last year’s budget and adjusting the numbers for inflation may be tempting, but it usually doesn’t work. You can and should, however, review your construction company’s historical data to better identify relevant trends that could likely affect the budget throughout the year.

For example, study your income statements from the past several years. Start with the most recent one and compare each line item to past statements. If you detect an upward or downward trend for a certain expense, adjust the line item accordingly.

Such a review presents the opportunity to determine where your operation has consistently spent above or below allotted budget constraints. It could also reveal whether you need to readjust spending, cut back operations or look for ways to raise capital.

Be realistic

Calculate your gross margin, which is the difference between net sales revenue and the cost of goods sold (COGS). In construction, COGS typically refers to direct costs, such as materials and labor, as well as indirect costs or general conditions.

Compare your gross margins from previous years with the average gross margins for the industry segments in which you perform work. You should be able to locate this data through trade publications or industry associations. Knowing these numbers will help you refine your current budget and set prices for jobs as the year goes along.

When it comes to projecting gross margin, temper optimism with pragmatism. A 5% sales growth last year doesn’t automatically translate to 5% growth this year. Consider other qualifying factors such as staff turnover, current market costs of labor and materials, the need to buy or lease new equipment, local market demand, and the overall economy.

Seize opportunities

An objective review of your budget, as well as your budget-setting and -management process, can provide useful insights. Feel free to contact us for help identifying trends that may be hidden in your financial statements, as well as implementing strategies to leverage opportunities and guard against risk.

Call us with questions at 314-966-2727