News - Page 2

OSHA Virtual Memorial Wall Honors Fallen Workers

By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE

OSHA encourages individuals to share photographs of loved ones lost due to a work-related incident on the agency’s virtual Workers Memorial Wall.

The page, located at https://www.osha.gov/workers-memorial, was developed in partnership with the United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities.

Close-up photos of the faces of individuals who lost their lives while working in construction activities can be accessed via the virtual memorial. Tonya Ford, U.S. Dept. of Labor and OSHA family liaison, says she, too, lost someone dear to her due to a work incident in 2009.

Also at https://www.osha.gov/workers-memorial, OSHA offers a PDF version of its 2023 resource, “Losing A Loved One on the Job,” in English and Spanish.

In OSHA Region 7 (Missouri), the agency’s regional office, 816,283,8745, offers additional support to families grieving such a loss. In OSHA Region 5 (Illinois), that number is 312.353.2220.

More resources and information can be found at www.usmwf.org.

People On The Move In The Local Construction Industry

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Home Builders Association Donates $15,000 to Rebuilding Together Saint Louis

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2023 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) presented a $15,000 donation to Rebuilding Together Saint Louis’ executive director Elaine Powers.

The donation will be used toward Rebuilding Together Saint Louis’ Rebuilding Day Program. Rebuilding Together revitalizes neighborhoods in partnership with the community by rehabilitating the houses of low-income home owners, particularly the elderly and the disabled, so that they may continue to live independently in comfort and safety. Rebuilding Day is the organization’s annual one-day blitz where volunteers make home repairs and a lasting impact on home owners in the St. Louis Metro area.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

Kadean Construction Opening New Philadelphia Office with $288 Million of Industrial Projects Underway

Steven Judge

Kadean Construction has opened a new office in Philadelphia to support the design/build contractor’s fast-growing base of logistics and industrial construction projects in the Northeast Region of the country. 

The St. Louis-based contractor has completed 3.3 million square feet of distribution and manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Rhode Island since 2021 worth more than $164.8 million.  Kadean also has an additional 4 million square feet of distribution, manufacturing, and spec warehouse projects now under construction worth more than $288 million in Pennsylvania and Virginia, including the 1.2 million FedEx Ground hub in Fairless Hills, PA.

            The new Philadelphia office will be led by Steven Judge, Director, a 17-year Pennsylvania-area project executive with extensive design/build and development experience. He currently leads a staff of two project managers and two project engineers, with more anticipated to join the office by the end of 2023. 

            Kadean’s staff moved into its new office at 200 Lindenwood Drive in the Lindenwood Corporate Center in Malvern, PA, in mid-May.  The office includes 3,700 square feet of newly renovated space adjacent to indoor and outdoor amenities including a café and lounge areas.

“Kadean was introduced to the Northeast Region in late 2020 by way of a national key client,” said Mike Eveler, President of Kadean Construction.  “Since then, we’ve secured more than 12 projects, with 80% of that work performed in the state of Pennsylvania.  We’ve taken a methodical approach to further vetting out the local market, resulting in our full commitment to open the Malvern office.  We anticipate growing this office to $250 million in annual revenue by 2027 with support from approximately 20 professional staff.” 

“With more than $150 million in backlog, we’re confident we have the financial stability to invest in talented individuals to help us build a long-lasting future in the Northeast Region,” said Judge, Director at Kadean. “Our vision is to create a motivated work environment where our talented people can build upon our relationship-driven, design-build expertise.”

Philadelphia is the third full-service office operated by Kadean. Based in St. Louis, Kadean opened its Kansas City office in 2018 after handling an increasing amount of work in that market over the past ten years.  Today both offices support the contractor’s growing local and national project base of industrial, healthcare, multifamily, cannabis, institutional, and other commercial design/build projects spread across 20 states. Earlier this year, Kadean moved into a larger headquarters location in St. Louis.

Kadean is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023 with record levels of business from new and repeat customers. Annual revenues have grown by more than 400 percent over the past five years — from $67.6 million in 2018 to $340 million in 2022. For more information on Kadean, visit www.kadean.com

May 12, 2023

McClure Engineering Hires New Chief Operating Officer

Jamie Johnson

McClure Engineering, a St. Louis-based mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm, hired Jamie Johnson as its new chief operating officer (COO). Johnson will lead, support and oversee the operational and financial health, human resources and talent development, marketing and regulatory compliance for McClure Engineering. She will be responsible for both supporting and executing the firm’s vision and operating strategy as it continues to grow. She will also lead the day-to-day business operations of the firm, ensuring daily activities turn strategic plans into actionable goals. 

“We are all very excited to announce Jamie Johnson as the new COO of McClure Engineering,” said Keith Esarey, president of McClure Engineering. “Throughout her career, Jamie has proven to be both a highly respected and transformational leader. Her combination of both motivational and analytical skills is exactly what we were looking for in a COO. We are more than confident that we are in great hands with Jamie as we continue to grow.”

A graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in business and communications, Johnson brings more than 15 years of experience to McClure Engineering. Previously holding roles in human resources and business operations, Johnson most recently held the position of Chief of Staff/Vice President of Business Operations to the Chief Technology Officer of a major organization supporting more than 2,000 employees globally.

“We believe Jamie’s background in human resources is a real plus,” continued Esarey. “It isn’t too common for someone to transition from human resources to business operations, but we believe it gives Jamie a unique perspective. Communication and understanding are very critical at a large organization like ours, and this kind of background should be invaluable for this role.”

April 28, 2023

S. M. Wilson & Co. Promotes Five Team Members to General Superintendent

S. M. Wilson & Co. has expanded its field operations team leadership by promoting Steve Williams, Craig Cox, Mike Ashley, Eric Baumgartner and Ryan Phipps from Project Superintendent to General Superintendent.

A growing portfolio of work and backlog combined with the firm’s efforts to continuously improve and innovate led to the creation of the positions. 

As General Superintendents, they oversee field operations, including the management of all field staff. Responsibilities include working collaboratively to develop and implement strategies to build successful and effective project teams that are accountable for safety, quality, budget, schedule and client satisfaction.

Williams is a second-generation S. M. Wilson superintendent, joining the firm to work with his father in 1981. He has served as Project Superintendent most recently for projects including the new Godfrey, Illinois fire station, Highland Public Safety Building and retail projects for Target and Von Maur. 

Cox has worked at S. M. Wilson for 25 years. Since joining the firm, he has worked on many PreK-12 education and retail projects. He is currently overseeing several Target remodels and Dry Goods buildouts as well as renovation and addition projects for Fox C-6 School District in Arnold, Missouri. 

Ashley joined S. M. Wilson in 2004. He has served as a project superintendent and field operations director on more than $170 million in projects for Ladue School District.

Baumgartner joined S. M. Wilson in 2014 as a project superintendent. He has 30 years of experience. His work at S. M. Wilson has included several projects at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. Baumgartner will be overseeing work for Edwardsville Community Unit District 7 Schools and Target. 

Phipps joined S. M. Wilson in 2022 as a project superintendent. With more than 30 years of industry experience, he has primarily focused on higher education and infrastructure projects ranging up to $105 million. Phipps is currently working on the CDB EPA office renovation project. 

S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis and offices in Edwardsville, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO. Founded in 1921, S. M. Wilson is dedicated to going above and beyond expectations for their clients by putting people first. The 100% employee-owned company is one of the leading construction management firms in the Midwest. Areas of expertise include K-12 education, commercial, healthcare and industrial projects. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.

Mia Rose Holdings Expands Leadership Team with Addition of New Principal

Jordan Dorsey

Growing St. Louis-based developer Mia Rose Holdings (MRH) has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Jordan Dorsey as Principal. As Principal, Dorsey sources and manages new developments and builds partnerships in current and expanding markets, including St. Louis and Northwest Arkansas. He also facilitates capital needs through investor and bank relationships. 

Dorsey brings more than 10 years of valuable construction and real estate industry experience. He was previously president of a development firm focused on senior living developments throughout the Midwest and Mid-South. He holds a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

IMPACT Strategies Announces New Preconstruction Department Leadership

Jason Toennies and Derek Schafer promoted to new roles.

IMPACT Strategies is proud to announce new leadership in its preconstruction department. The firm has promoted Jason Toennies from Senior Estimator to Director of Estimating, and Derek Schaefer from Preconstruction Manager to Director of Preconstruction.

The promotion of these two key staff members to senior leadership positions is part of the firm’s strategic business plan for continued growth in its St. Louis and Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana (OKI) markets. IMPACT Strategies celebrated a record year in 2022 with more than $110 million in completed projects throughout five midwestern states. 

Jason Toennies

Jason Toennies holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville. Jason joined IMPACT Strategies in 2007 and brings more than 25 years of experience to his new role as Director of Estimating.

Derek Schaefer

Director of Pre-Construction Derek Schaefer has 15 years of experience in the construction industry. He graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. He also earned the Design-Build Institute of America’s DBIA designation as a nationally certified Design-Build Professional in 2022. Derek joined IMPACT Strategies in 2013.

Toennies and Schaefer have been a part of numerous high-profile IMPACT Strategies projects, including Altair at the Heights in Richmond Heights, MO; 2200 LaSalle at Lafayette Park; several projects for BJC Health System; and numerous industrial buildings at Fenton Logistics Park.

The development and promotion of these new leaders allows for the future transition of Executive VP Mike Christ to a part-time role, expected in early 2024. Christ will remain a member of the firm’s executive leadership and will act as a mentor and coach for Toennies and Schaefer. Christ will also continue to lead IMPACT Strategies’ virtual design and construction (VDC) initiative.

IMPACT Strategies President Mark Hinrichs said, “As part of our long-term leadership planning and the continued growth of our firm, I am very excited to see Jason and Derek step into their new roles.

Each is a strong, capable leader with a track record of success – they will be instrumental in taking our already high-performing preconstruction department to new heights.”

April 21, 2023

S. M. Wilson & Co. Expands Operations Team Leadership and Promotes Three Team Members to Directors of Operations

(L to R): Patrick Aylesworth, Kerry Lorts, Jason Gasawski

S. M. Wilson & Co., a St. Louis-based construction manager and contracting firm, has expanded their operations leadership team by promoting Jason Gasawski, Kerry Lorts and Patrick Aylesworth to Directors of Operations.

“Significant growth in revenue coupled with our commitment to go ‘Beyond The Build’ for our clients led to our decision to add leadership,” said COO Mark Cochran. In 2022, the firm had revenue growth of more than $100 million. “We are dedicated to delivering consistent and innovative services to our clients. These newly created roles will help us maintain that mission.” 

In his new role, Jason Gasawski will focus on company office operations in addition to overseeing projects. He is responsible for improving operational processes, integrating construction and project management technology into firm-wide procedures to increase productivity and efficiency, and adequately allocating staffing across projects to ensure delivery and performance. Gasawski has worked at S. M. Wilson for more than 15 years, most recently as a Senior Project Manager, and has 18 years of experience. His vast experience has covered the firm’s education, commercial, retail, and industrial market sectors ranging in value from $250,000 to $105 million.   

Kerry Lorts and Patrick Aylesworth will focus on client development in addition to overseeing projects. Their primary responsibilities include ensuring the overall performance and profitability of multiple project teams and developing company-wide building programs as well as cultivating relationships with new and current clients, subcontractor partners and architects. 

Lorts has worked at S. M. Wilson for 12 years, most recently as a Senior Project Manager. Since joining the firm, he has been primarily focused on healthcare projects ranging from $4 million to $567 million for clients such as Washington University, Blessing Hospital and Illini Community Hospital. As the manager of S. M. Wilson’s Illinois office, he has also overseen projects in the public sector including the City of Highland Public Safety Building, Madison County Transit New Administration Building and the City of Edwardsville R.P. Lumber Center. In his new role, Lorts will continue to manage the firm’s Illinois office.

Aylesworth joined S. M. Wilson in 2018 and has served as both a Project Manager and Pre-construction Manager. He has 18 years of experience. Prior to joining S. M. Wilson, he worked for a large, construction firm in Arizona where he began his career as a virtual construction engineer and progressed to a project management position working on healthcare, civic, sports and hospitality projects. Aylesworth’s work at S. M. Wilson has focused on the firm’s K-12 education projects including building programs for Hallsville School District, Francis Howell School District, Winfield R-IV School District and Pattonville School District. 

S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis and offices in Edwardsville, IL and Cape Girardeau, MO. Founded in 1921, S. M. Wilson is dedicated to going above and beyond expectations for their clients by putting people first. The 100% employee-owned company is one of the leading construction management firms in the Midwest. Areas of expertise include K-12 education, commercial, healthcare and industrial projects. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.

Mike Perry Retires After 40+ Year Industry Career

Mike Perry

After 40+ years of dedicated service to the St. Louis market, Michael (Mike) Perry, former President of HBD Contracting, and current Executive Vice President at Russell, will officially begin a well-deserved retirement, starting May 1st.

Mike has been in the construction industry for his entire professional career with many notable achievements, including fostering positive relationships with numerous clients, including Sansone Group, Dobbs Tire & Auto, Nuovo, Capital Land, Dierbergs Markets, Equis Hospitality, Wehrenberg Theaters, Life Care Centers of America, and O’Reilly Development, to name just a few.

Mike was born and raised in St. Louis and has dedicated the last 40+ years to the construction industry. His passion for construction was directly influenced by his father, who served as the President of R.W, Murray Co. After graduating from college in 1980, Mike joined HBD Contracting and became partner in 1990, President by 2004, and is completing his career as an Executive Vice President at Russell, who acquired HBD in 2020.

Mike has long shown passion for construction and serving the community throughout his career as well, taking part in numerous community and professional boards, including Chairman of the AGC of Missouri, Regional Union Construction Center (RUCC), Youth Lifeline, the American Heart Association of St. Louis, and Hard Hats for Heart.

Mike’s wry sense of humor and positive energy will be missed as he transitions into a well-deserved retirement. Thank you for all you have done for your company, St. Louis community, and for Russell.

A retirement celebration is planned for April 28th to celebrate Mike’s retirement. This is a by invite-only event, however, if you want to learn more information, please reach out to rsvp@russellco.com

Tarlton Promotes Sondra Rotty and Jason Bretz to Senior Vice Presidents

The Board of Directors at Tarlton Corp. has promoted Sondra Rotty and Jason Bretz to senior vice presidents at the St. Louis-based general contracting and construction management company.

“Over the past several years, Sondra and Jason have continued to excel in their respective areas of expertise, while also taking on additional corporate responsibilities and leadership,” said Tracy Hart, Tarlton president. “They naturally exhibit the values that Tarlton is known for and personify our guiding principles, while advancing the growth of Tarlton and its team.”

Sondra Rotty

Rotty, LEED AP BD+C, has 19 years of industry experience, serving 17 of those years at Tarlton. In addition to directing construction project teams, she focuses on the company’s team member development, inclusion and diversity. “Sondra continues to excel in the oversight of many of our significant projects while providing leadership on key corporate initiatives and being engaged in our community,” said Hart. “We look forward to her continued leadership.”

Rotty has directed projects for clients including Washington University in St. Louis; Logan University; St. Louis Community College; Missouri Botanical Garden; the U.S. General Services Administration; and the National Park Service. A role model for women at Tarlton, as well as in the St. Louis and regional construction industries, she has received many industry and community honors, including being named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s “30 Under 30,” and “40 Under 40” classes; the “30 Under 30” Award from Missouri S&T Magazine; and the Civil Engineering Exemplary Young Professional Award from the Missouri S&T Academy of Civil Engineers.

Jason Bretz

Jason Bretz, PE, LEED AP, DBIA, has 28 years of industry experience, including 23 years at Tarlton. He most recently served as a vice president overseeing work acquisition efforts. Bretz served as director of preconstruction from 2007 to 2010 and continues to lead Tarlton teams providing outstanding estimating and pre-planning critical to project success.

During his tenure at Tarlton, Bretz has worked with clients that include the Cortex Innovation Community; Saint Louis Zoo; Wexford Science & Technology; Washington University in St. Louis; BJC HealthCare; the U.S. General Services Administration; and the National Park Service. He has been instrumental in Tarlton being awarded many significant contracts, including the current historic renovation of the Old Courthouse at Gateway National Park as part of the $380 million CityArchRiver project in downtown St. Louis. 

“Jason has been a strong driver in pursuing work,” said Dirk Elsperman, Tarlton executive vice president and chief operations officer. “The services his team provides after winning the work are continually cited by our clients as best in class.” In addition, Bretz is leading several short- and long-term corporate strategic initiatives, Elsperman said. Hart added that Rotty and Bretz have “complementary strengths,” and that they make a great team to help lead Tarlton into the future.

April 14, 2023

Poettker Industrial Adds Robert (Trey) Wiegmann as Vice President of Construction 

Robert (Trey) Wiegmann

Poettker Industrial Services, a woman-owned utility, energy, and infrastructure contractor, is excited to announce the addition of Robert (Trey) Wiegmann as Vice President of Construction.  

Wiegmann has over 16 years of experience working with award-winning contractors to expand their utility, energy, and infrastructure programs on average by 30-50% annually.  

As Vice President of Construction, Wiegmann will provide leadership and technical direction for Poettker Industrial’s project teams, as well as oversee preconstruction and relationship-building initiatives to ensure projects are constructed in accordance with design, budget, schedule, quality, and sustainability requirements. 

“Utility and infrastructure construction requires strong safety and quality control performance. Trey has a laser-sharp focus on sustaining zero accidents and achieving the highest quality in all aspects of construction and self-perform capabilities, which makes him a perfect fit for this role,” said Kimberly Luitjohan, president of Poettker Industrial. “He is an exceptional leader and I’m excited for him to make his mark on Poettker Industrial.” 

Poettker Industrial’s project experience includes transmission and distribution, substations, utility infrastructure, and renewable energy solutions.  

Under Wiegmann’s leadership, Poettker Industrial is currently working with a regional power company on a new delivery approach that streamlines the construction of a transmission line, from site clearing and access to the civil, electrical, and restoration work. The Limestone Ridge project features a new, approximately 15.3 mil 138Kv transmission line consisting of 1192 KCMIL 54/19 “Grackle” ACSS conductor and two AFL-DNO-11706 72 Fiber OPGW supported by self-supporting galvanized steel monopoles on over 90 reinforced concrete pier foundations and is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2023 

“I’m thrilled to take on this role and further enhance Poettker Industrial’s reputation as a safety-first culture,” said Wiegmann. “I look forward to helping in all aspects of the growth and success of the company moving forward.” 

Wiegmann is an associate member of St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SL3C). He earned a degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  

Poettker Industrial Services is a women-owned business that specializes in general contracting and self-perform services with a focus on transmission, distribution, substation, utility infrastructure, and renewable energy construction. Its vision is to build relationships that help clients achieve their construction initiatives by providing safe, quality, and sustainable solutions. For more information, visit www.poettkerindustrial.com.  

Spellman Brady & Co. Director of Design, Alicia Nicolay, Named to “Environments for Aging” Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board

Alicia Nicolay

Spellman Brady & Co. is proud to announce that “Environments for Aging” (EFA) Magazine has selected Alicia Nicolay, IIDA, NCIDQ, Spellman Brady’s Director of Design, to join its Editorial Advisory Board.  As a member of the publication’s board, Ms. Nicolay joins some of the brightest and most passionate design professionals and owners/providers in the senior living industry.  Together, they provide insight to industry professionals where the senior living market is as a design community and where senior living is heading.

When asked about her passion for senior living design, Ms. Nicolay responded,

“Living with my father, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 56, it was at that point I decided to change gears in my design career to follow a path of design that could provide more purpose and meaning to residents and loved ones.”

Environments for Aging Magazine is the industry’s premier source of insight, information, and inspiration, delivering to readers the latest senior living design news and in-depth coverage of new projects and trends.

Spellman Brady & Company is an award-winning St. Louis-based interior design firm specializing in senior living, healthcare, higher education, and multi-family environments. The firm maintains design excellence by delivering comprehensive space planning, interior design, furniture, artwork master planning and procurement services. As a Certified WBE Business, Spellman Brady & Company has completed more than 6,300 projects in forty-three states and abroad since its founding 29 years ago. For more information about Spellman Brady & Company, please visit www.spellmanbrady.com

IMPACT Strategies Announces New Hire & Promotions

L to R: Bryce Reeves, Jordan Grant & Andrew Michel

In support of its vision for growth, IMPACT Strategies is bolstering its construction operations staff with the addition of a new Project Engineer and the promotion of several team members.

The firm has added Bryce Reeves of Edwardsville, Illinois as Project Engineer. Reeves, who interned at IMPACT Strategies in 2022, is a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. Construction runs in Bryce’s blood – he credits his uncle, who is a construction manager, with fostering his love of the industry. Mr. Reeves said, “I’m excited to be at IMPACT Strategies where I can continue to grow and gain knowledge in the construction industry, while challenging myself to become the best that I can be.” In his spare time, Bryce enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, and fitness.

IMPACT Strategies has also promoted two Senior Project Engineers, Jordan Grant, and Andrew Michel, to Assistant Project Manager.

Since joining IMPACT Strategies in 2018, Jordan Grant has demonstrated leadership on the jobsite, from coordinating owner meetings and correspondence, to taking a lead role with subcontractors. Grant graduated from the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Construction Leadership Institute in March 2022.

Andrew Michel started as an intern at IMPACT Strategies in 2019. Over his nearly four-year tenure at the firm, he has successfully taken on ever-increasing project responsibilities. Michel holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He is passionate about construction, having grown up around the industry, even working as a laborer for his father’s masonry business before college. “I enjoy that every day is different and comes with new challenges and opportunities,” said Andrew. “I aspire to become a leader in the construction industry and help develop buildings that will benefit the surrounding communities.”

In their new positions, Grant and Michel will continue to take on greater leadership roles with management level responsibilities, including financial and contract management. Mark Hinrichs, President at IMPACT Strategies said, “We’re excited to see the great things Bryce, Jordan, and Andrew will accomplish in their new roles.”

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. IMPACT Strategies serves a regional and national client base in the Healthcare, Senior Living, Multifamily, Office, Retail, and Warehouse/Distribution markets from its offices in Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio.

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Kadean Construction Opening New Philadelphia Office with $288 Million of Industrial Projects Underway

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Kadean Construction has opened a new office in Philadelphia to support the design/build contractor’s fast-growing base of logistics and industrial construction projects in the Northeast Region of the country. 

The St. Louis-based contractor has completed 3.3 million square feet of distribution and manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Rhode Island since 2021 worth more than $164.8 million.  Kadean also has an additional 4 million square feet of distribution, manufacturing, and spec warehouse projects now under construction worth more than $288 million in Pennsylvania and Virginia, including the 1.2 million FedEx Ground hub in Fairless Hills, PA.

Steven Judge

The new Philadelphia office will be led by Steven Judge, Director, a 17-year Pennsylvania-area project executive with extensive design/build and development experience. He currently leads a staff of two project managers and two project engineers, with more anticipated to join the office by the end of 2023. 

Kadean’s staff moved into its new office at 200 Lindenwood Drive in the Lindenwood Corporate Center in Malvern, PA, in mid-May.  The office includes 3,700 square feet of newly renovated space adjacent to indoor and outdoor amenities including a café and lounge areas.

“Kadean was introduced to the Northeast Region in late 2020 by way of a national key client,” said Mike Eveler, President of Kadean Construction.  “Since then, we’ve secured more than 12 projects, with 80% of that work performed in the state of Pennsylvania.  We’ve taken a methodical approach to further vetting out the local market, resulting in our full commitment to open the Malvern office.  We anticipate growing this office to $250 million in annual revenue by 2027 with support from approximately 20 professional staff.” 

“With more than $150 million in backlog, we’re confident we have the financial stability to invest in talented individuals to help us build a long-lasting future in the Northeast Region,” said Judge, Director at Kadean. “Our vision is to create a motivated work environment where our talented people can build upon our relationship-driven, design-build expertise.”

Philadelphia is the third full-service office operated by Kadean. Based in St. Louis, Kadean opened its Kansas City office in 2018 after handling an increasing amount of work in that market over the past ten years.  Today both offices support the contractor’s growing local and national project base of industrial, healthcare, multifamily, cannabis, institutional, and other commercial design/build projects spread across 20 states. Earlier this year, Kadean moved into a larger headquarters location in St. Louis.

Kadean is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023 with record levels of business from new and repeat customers. Annual revenues have grown by more than 400 percent over the past five years — from $67.6 million in 2018 to $340 million in 2022.

For more information on Kadean, visit www.kadean.com.

Strategic Growth Inspires Terracon’s Key Organizational Changes

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Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals announces strategic organizational changes to support client service, innovation and project delivery as the company continues to grow.

A new growth organization has been formed within Terracon focused on client development, marketing, and innovation. Leadership promotions and changes include:

  • Michael O’GradyP.E., to chief growth officer. He is responsible for expanding Terracon’s client base, focusing on innovation development, positioning in the marketplace, and driving the client experience.
  • Jason Kephart to chief technology officer. He leads Terracon’s efforts around the development of innovation and digital services including new client delivery technology and communication solutions.
  • David Harwood, P.E., to director of business transformation. He is focused on driving efficiency and implementing solutions for challenges within Terracon’s organization and marketplace.
  • Vanessa Zambo, CPSM, to chief marketing officer. She will continue to drive excellence in positioning Terracon through a variety of new and traditional marketing channels, further developing the value of marketing nationwide, and advancing the client experience.
  • Don Dracon, MBA, recently joined Terracon as senior vice president of client development. He is responsible for developing and executing national client development strategies and ensuring those strategies are linked with local operational goals.

“The organizational and leadership changes we’re making will enable us to grow and transform how we meet changing market dynamics going forward,” said Gayle Packer, Terracon chair, president, and CEO. “We’re excited to continue elevating how we partner with our clients throughout the lifecycle of their projects.”

Terracon is an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Explore with us by visiting terracon.com.

HDA Architects Selected for Two New Love’s Truck Solutions Facilities Across the U.S.

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HDA Architects, one of the nation’s leading architectural, interiors and master planning firms, is nearing completion on one new Love’s Truck Solutions facility in Natalia, TX, while another location in Brigham, UT, is just beginning. Due to the firm’s design acumen that exceeded budget and timeline expectations on Love’s Natalia facility, HDA was selected to complete the additional fast-track project in Brigham.

Love’s Truck Solutions – Natalia is a 252,500 square foot, $23 million facility that will contain a tire warehouse, temperature-controlled storage space, retread bays and a 5,500 square foot office. Building components include two drive-up doors, 24 full docks and 4 overhead door KO panels. Located adjacent to an existing Love’s Travel Stop, the concrete tilt-up facility will serve as an essential component to conveniently serving Love’s customers all in one location.

The Natalia, TX, location is on track to beat its expected completion date, wrapping up construction this August. The team consists of Catamount Constructors (General Contractor), Ambrose Property Group (Developer), Vickrey & Associates, LLC (Civil Engineer) and Alper Audi, Inc. (Structural Engineer).

Love’s Truck Solutions – Brigham is a 238,000 square foot, $20 million facility that mirrors the first with a tire warehouse, temperature-controlled storage space, retread bays and a 5,500 square foot office. However, this location will also offer a training facility space and training service bay. Building components include 24 full docks and 4 overhead door KO panels. The concrete tilt-up exterior with steel frame facility is situated just one block away from an existing Love’s Travel Stop, again ensuring an exceptional experience for customers.

Earthwork for the Brigham, UT, location began in early May. The team consists of Catamount Constructors (General Contractor), Ambrose Property Group (Developer), Hansen & Associates (Civil Engineer) and Alper Audi, Inc. (Structural Engineer).

“With the need for distribution and industrial support ever-increasing, the construction of these two facilities for Love’s Truck Solutions couldn’t come at a better time,” said Patrick Holleran, HDA Architects Vice President. “The buildings’ efficient and streamlined designs will allow for quick and comprehensive service. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with first-rate partners like Catamount Constructors, Ambrose Property Group and the entire team to bring Love’s vision to life.”

Chris Copeland, Vice President of Industrial at Catamount Constructors, commented, “It has been a privilege to be involved in the construction of the two Love’s projects in Natalia and Brigham City and bring value to the Love’s service teams with these new properties. We are grateful to work with the project partners of HDA Architects, Ambrose Property Group, and Love’s, whose collective expertise and dedication have made these projects a success.”

It starts with a vision. More than just a motto, this is the philosophy that first formed HDA Architects and has continued to bolster its exponential growth as one of the nation’s leading architectural, interiors and master planning firms. Since 1986, HDA has executed creative and timeless design with exceptional customer service, resulting in over 100 million square feet of dynamic space in 44 states at a construction value over $3 billion. The firm, with offices in St. Louis, MO, and Denver, CO, specializes in a variety of markets including beverage wholesaler, interiors, industrial/distribution, power retail centers, office/commercial, auto dealerships, multi-family, mixed-use, hospitality, and craft brewery projects. For more information, visit  www.hdai.com, call 636.449.1175 or follow us on social media using the hashtag #itstartswithavision.

Diversity in Pipe Trades Continues to Grow through Unique Labor/Management Partnership

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More than two dozen people from underserved populations have entered the pipe trades in the last three years through a unique partnership between Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri (MCA EMO), and the Plumbing Industry Council (PIC). Now, the CHAMPIONS Initiative is preparing to launch a fourth cohort of women and minorities who will devote their summer to kick-starting an exciting new career through intensive training, formal mentorship, and job placement as a pre-apprentice with union mechanical and plumbing contractors.

CHAMPIONS – short for Creating Hometown Advantages through Minority Participation in Our Neighborhoods – launched in 2020 as an effort to diversify the skilled labor force in St. Louis. Recognizing the need for greater inclusivity in construction, labor and management came together and created a concrete road map to increasing diversity in jobs historically unavailable to women and minorities. Though the process for entrance is highly competitive, candidates are not required to have previous work experience in the trades, but simply a strong desire to make it a lifelong career, which is just one of several unique attributes of the initiative.

“It is a huge part of making our city more equitable for women and people of color,” said Megan Evergreen, a member of the first CHAMPIONS cohort, who is now a Local 562 apprentice working at Murphy Company.

“The program is an innovative response to the desperate need for new blood in light of an aging workforce,” said Steve Faust of icon Mechanical, who helped develop the program.

“Having new apprentices all the time is so important, and it’s so important that they get in here now so we have that transfer of information from the senior workforce to the newer generation coming into the field,” Faust said in a new video spotlighting the CHAMPIONS Initiative.

The six-week training period at the core of the CHAMPIONS Initiative uses a dual approach. Participants spend the bulk of their time in full-time technical training in the plumbing, pipefitting and mechanical trades. They also participate in weekly classes focused on personal and professional development such as financial literacy, communications, and teamwork, all aimed at helping them build a long-term career. In addition, each CHAMPIONS participant receives mentorship from a career tradesperson.

The program aims to address common barriers to moving into a new career by providing compensation through living stipends and transportation assistance to all participants during the initial six-weeks of intensive training. Upon successful completion of the six-week kickoff, participants officially graduate to pre-apprentice status and are hired on by participating mechanical and plumbing contractors of MCA EMO and/or PIC. They continue to receive mentorship and attend peer group meetings while earning an hourly wage and qualifying for Local 562 benefits such as retirement savings and health care. Following a year in the program, successful pre-apprentices are invited to officially begin their journey as a skilled pipefitter or plumber with a formal invitation into the Local 562 Apprenticeship Program.

Kurt Voss, MCA board member and vice president of engineering at Integrated Facility Services, said the program is a great way to introduce fresh perspectives on the trades.

“It helps us as the contractors to bring in new personnel and sometimes those that might think a little bit differently than those that have always been in the industry,” Voss said.

This week, current and past participants, mentors, and management will meet for dinner and a discussion on how to continuously improve and update program design and delivery.  Labor and management are also working on a toolkit that other industry partners and unions can use to build their own programs, with estimated release later this summer.

Cohort 4 will launch in mid-June at the state-of-the-art LU562 Training Center, with successful participants set for pre-apprenticeship placement with participating contractors in early August. Its graduates will join about 30 CHAMPIONS participants who have entered the apprenticeship pipeline since the first cohort in 2020.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri, the Plumbing Industry Council, and the Plumbers and Pipefitters LU 562 came together to launch the Champions Initiative in order to strengthen the St. Louis construction workforce through direct investment in the underrepresented local community.

The Initiative provides long-term mentorship and professional development support – inspiring interest, minimizing common barriers to success, and offering a clear pathway to an exceptional career in the pipe trades.

Home Builders Association Donates $15,000 to Rebuilding Together Saint Louis

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On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2023 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) presented a $15,000 donation to Rebuilding Together Saint Louis’ executive director Elaine Powers.

The donation will be used toward Rebuilding Together Saint Louis’ Rebuilding Day Program. Rebuilding Together revitalizes neighborhoods in partnership with the community by rehabilitating the houses of low-income home owners, particularly the elderly and the disabled, so that they may continue to live independently in comfort and safety. Rebuilding Day is the organization’s annual one-day blitz where volunteers make home repairs and a lasting impact on home owners in the St. Louis Metro area.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

State Funding Advancing Critical Infrastructure Projects in SW IL

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Eight major infrastructure projects in Madison and St. Clair Counties in southwestern Illinois are receiving more than $41 million in grant funding through the 2023 Illinois Competitive Freight Program. The initiative, which distributes federal infrastructure funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), aims to improve the movement of freight and create jobs and economic opportunity while enhancing safety and local quality of life.  Successful proposals were ranked based on the plan’s goals: increasing safety, improving reliability, and boosting intermodal connections and commerce at the local level. A total of more than $200 million is being invested in 22 projects on established freight routes statewide.

“These funds will be used for 22 port, rail, and highway projects in Illinois to address bottlenecks, increase mobility, and improve the supply chain up and down the state,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker when he announced the funding this spring.

Among the local projects funded are five on the St. Louis Freightway’s 2023 Priority Projects List. The List is compiled annually by the St. Louis Regional Freightway’s Freight Development Committee. Business and industry leaders work directly with local and state officials and the Illinois and Missouri Departments of Transportation to set infrastructure priorities by helping them to understand how infrastructure and efficiency impact on-time delivery and costs. The ongoing regional effort to compile and build consensus for this List and advocate for funding for projects on it remains a key accomplishment of the organization and plays a vital role in helping to ensure various parties are familiar with the priorities before they see them on a grant application.

The five funded projects on the St. Louis Regional Freightway’s Priority Project List received $33,979,428, allocated as follows:

$15,197,718 to the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis for its multi-modal freight yard expansion at Madison Yard and rail improvements in St. Clair County

$10,000,000 for lane improvements on Interstate 55/70 in Madison County between Interstates 255 and 270.

$4,323,800 to the Kaskaskia Regional Port District for congestion reduction and safety engineering and construction.

$3,636,000 for dock improvements at America’s Central Port in Madison County.

$771,960 for engineering work on the Illinois Route 3 Diversion – Falling Springs Road and Route 3 Bypass in Sauget.

“The funding TRRA has received will support the addition of a third main line at our Madison Yard, adding another 8,000 feet of track that will provide added capacity to accommodate greater velocity, so that freight trains moving through this area can move through faster,” said Brent Wood, President of the Terminal Railroad of St. Louis. “We appreciate the State of Illinois’ commitment to funding infrastructure projects of this nature that can help to reduce congestion and delays in one of the highest volume freight hubs in the nation and strengthen our rail network so it can handle increasing volumes in the years ahead.”

Three other local projects receiving funding, included:

$4,000,000 for reconstruction engineering for Illinois Route 127 between I-64 and Illinois Route 15 in St. Clair County.

$2,100,000 for road improvements at America’s Central Port.

$1,600,000 for Illinois Route 203 pavement profile raise engineering in Madison County.

“The State of Illinois continues to be a great partner and certainly understands the value of freight transportation at all inland ports,” said Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director, America’s Central Port, which received funding for two projects. “We are pleased to work with the State of Illinois on rehabilitation of critical roads within our main industrial park that will allow trucks ease of access to and from the Port’s terminals and warehouses.”

Wilmsmeyer said the funding for the expansion of the Granite City Harbor General Cargo Dock will allow for an increase in capacity and movement of goods to and from barges. That project also will increase the laydown area, truck turning area, and provide a safer and more efficient surface for handling commodities.

“We are thankful that Governor Pritzker and IDOT are highlighting these projects which serve as economic catalysts for the St. Louis Metro East area and the State of Illinois,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development and head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway enterprise. “These infrastructure enhancements will further elevate the region as a global logistics hub while supporting increased safety, reliability, and mobility.”

Ed Weilbacher, General Manager of Kaskaskia Regional Port District, said, “This project not only reduces congestion and improves safety and efficiency but also builds the infrastructure to link to a new south dock that was just submitted to the Maritime Administration’s PIDP program. We greatly appreciate the State of Illinois in selecting our project for funding.  It shows that the State of Illinois supports ports throughout the state..

The full list of 2023 Priority Projects, which includes more details about each of the 25 projects identified for investment, is available at https://www.thefreightway.com/why-stl-region/priority-infrastructure-projects/.

About St. Louis Regional Freightway 

A Bi-State Development enterprise, the St. Louis Regional Freightway is a regional freight district and comprehensive authority for freight operations and opportunities within eight counties in southwestern Illinois and eastern Missouri, which comprise the St. Louis metropolitan area. Public sector and private industry businesses are partnering with the St. Louis Regional Freightway to establish the bi-state region as one of the premier multimodal freight hubs and distribution centers in the United States through marketing and advocacy for infrastructure development that supports the movement of freight. To learn more, visit thefreightway.com. 

PPI for Inputs Rises in April but Dips Over 12 Months; Pay in Construction Tops U.S. median by 18%

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Submitted by the AGC.

The producer price index (PPI) for material and service inputs to new nonresidential construction rose 0.5% from March to April but declined 1.1% year-over-year (y/y), according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data posted on Thursday. The divergent changes were driven by the PPI for energy inputs to construction, which climbed 1.9% for the month but tumbled 16.3% compared to April 2022, when prices soared following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The index for goods other than energy and foods climbed was flat in April and up 1.0% y/y. Despite the y/y moderation overall, some key inputs continued to post double-digit y/y cost increases: cement, 13.7%; electrical switchgear, 13.3%; concrete products, 13.2%; and gypsum building materials, 12.1%. The PPI for new nonresidential building construction—a measure of the price that contractors say they would bid to build a fixed set of buildings—dipped 0.3% for the month but increased 11.8% y/y. PPIs for new, repair, and maintenance work by subcontractors were mixed: roofing contractors (3.0% for the month and 19.7% y/y), electrical contractors (-3.0% and 13.6%, respectively); plumbing contractors (0.2% and 9.6%); and concrete contractors (-0.2% and 4.3%). AGC posted tables of construction PPIs. Readers are invited to send information on price and supply-chain changes to ken.simonson@agc.org.

“Half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $54,540,” 18% more than the U.S. median wage of $46,310, “and the top 25% make at least $77,030,” 4.9% higher than the U.S. top quartile base of  $73,460, the National Association of Home Builders reported on Tuesday, based on its analysis of May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics posted by BLS. “Among construction trades, elevator installers and repairers top the median wages list with half of them earning over $100,480 a year, and the top 25% making at least $123,020. First-line supervisors of construction trades are next on the list. Their median wages are $74,330, with the top 25% highest-paid supervisors earning more than $93,600. [BLS] adopted a new estimation methodology in 2021. As a result, the previously published estimates are not directly comparable to the latest 2021 and 2022 editions. Nevertheless, comparing the median wages in construction over the last two years reveals that, on average, lower-paid occupations experienced a somewhat faster wage growth. Median wages of construction laborers, for example, grew 13.3%, while the overall construction median increased 11.1%, one of the largest increases among all industries.”

In a trend with implications for school and other construction, “Thirty-five states have fewer children than they did five years ago, a situation caused by declining birth rates nationwide, but also by young families migrating across state borders in search of cheaper housing,” Stateline reported on Thursday. “The states with the largest drops were California, Illinois and New Mexico, where the child population declined by 6% between 2017 and 2022, according to a Stateline analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Idaho and North Dakota saw the largest increases, at 4%.”

Firms reporting declining profit margins outnumbered firms reporting rising margins by 27 percentage points (a net balance reading of -27%) in the first quarter (Q1) 2023 RICS-AACE USA Construction Monitor, covering 60 responses between March 8 and April 21 and posted by RICS on Monday. “The emphatic message coming through in the insights to the Q1 survey is the ongoing strength of workloads in the infrastructure space. [The net balance reading climbed] to 45% from 34% in the final part of last year…More intriguing on the face of it is the less negative read on private residential workloads, as the net balance climbed to 11% from -31% previously….The one segment of the construction industry which has a negative result for workloads this quarter is private nonresidential, although this needs to be seen in the context of seven successive positive readings beforehand. As such, at this point, the latest result represents a modest slowing in momentum.”

Highway contractors are invited to complete AGC’s annual highway work zone safety survey by tonight, May 12. Responses will be kept confidential. AGC will use the information from this survey as the main focus of a media and public education campaign we will launch the week before Memorial Day and the traditional start of the summer driving season.

The Census Bureau reminded firms in all industries, “The due date for responding to the 2022 Economic Census has passed, but it’s not too late to respond.” Results from the Census of Construction are used by a wide range of stakeholders.

MoDOT, County Partner on Pedestrian Safety Initiative

By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE

The Missouri Dept. of Transportation and St. Louis County are collaborating with several engineering firms to make thoroughfares safer for workers and travelers throughout the county.

Goals include reducing fatal and serious injury crashes within the budget of $49 million ($45 million from MoDOT and $4 million from St. Louis County); maximizing safety improvements for pedestrians and roadway users distributed equitably across the project area; constructing improvements with an emphasis on safety for workers and the traveling public; and delivering the project by June 30, 2026 using a diverse workforce.

Jacobs (including StreetLight Data, Inc.), EFK Moen, LLC, Kivindyo Engineering and Vector Communications Corp. comprise the owner’s consultant team.  

RFPs will be released in August according to the anticipated procurement schedule, with proposals due in December and an award made in early 2024. Project design is expected to begin in Spring 2024 with construction commencing in Summer 2024.

According to MoDOT and the county, crashes involving pedestrians (37 percent MoDOT roads, 19 percent St. Louis County roads) rank highest over the past eight years.

Courtesy of MoDOT and St. Louis County

Improvements will include two approaches. A “hot spot” approach will implement countermeasures at existing crash locations. A systemic approach will proactively identify and implement safety mitigating measures at potential crash locations, concentrating mainly on pedestrian improvements.

For access to project information, email SLSafetyProject@modot.mo.gov.