The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Rick Reams Rejoins Murphy as Corporate Safety Director
Rick Reams has rejoined Murphy Company as corporate safety director. The announcement was made by Tom Skaggs, chief operating officer for the mechanical contracting and engineering firm. Reams has an extensive safety background with experience in various industries. Previously, he served as general manager for QualSafe Solutions, a safety consulting and services company which is an affiliate of Murphy Co. Most recently he served as corporate safety director for Hayden Wrecking, a nationwide demolition firm based out of the St. Louis area.
“We are delighted to have Rick return to lead our safety initiative,” said Skaggs. “He brings a passion, energy and vision to help achieve our goal of zero injury performance. He joins our exceptional safety team already in place.”
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. Murphy offers process piping, HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, design-build, piping fabrication, energy solutions and 24-hour service emanating from its five locations in St. Louis, Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and Northern Colorado. Ranked 23rd largest mechanical specialty contracting firm in 2018 ENR/Engineering News-Record and ranked 22nd largest mechanical contracting firm by the 2018 Contractor Annual Report, the firm has national capabilities and is licensed to do business in 44 states. Also in 2018, Contractor’s Book of Giants listed Murphy Co. as the fourth largest mechanical contractor in the Midwest and ENR ranked the company sixth in the nation in sheet metal revenue.
The firm employs more than 1,000 people nationwide. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Jennifer Krafka joins Murphy as HR Coordinator
Jennifer Krafka has been appointed HR coordinator for Murphy Company by Kathy Johnson, the company’s human resources director. Krafka previously served as an HR generalist for Tharaldson Hospitality Management, recruiting and hiring staff for Marriott, Hilton and IHG brands throughout the U.S. She also worked with hiring managers to ensure compliance with all federal/state laws and regulations and helped coordinate employment offers. Previously, she worked as a paraprofessional/educator for a local private school and as a marketing analyst for Fleischmann’ where she developed and implemented advertising and brand awareness for industrial product lines.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in marketing from Southern Illinois University. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Marketing Club’s vice-president, and a member of the American Management Association.
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. Murphy offers process piping, HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, design-build, piping fabrication, energy solutions and 24-hour service emanating from its five locations in St. Louis, Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and Northern Colorado. Ranked 23rd largest mechanical specialty contracting firm in 2018 ENR/Engineering News-Record and ranked 22nd largest mechanical contracting firm by the 2018 Contractor Annual Report, the firm has national capabilities and is licensed to do business in 44 states. Also in 2018, Contractor’s Book of Giants listed Murphy Co. as the fourth largest mechanical contractor in the Midwest and ENR ranked the company sixth in the nation in sheet metal revenue.
The firm employs more than 1,000 people nationwide. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Gary Mindel Named President and COO of Color Art Palette, Inc.
New Leadership Announced Within Color Art Governing Body
The Board of Directors of Color Art Palette Inc., the governing body of St. Louis company, Color Art, announces Gary Mindel as President and Chief Operating Officer. Color Art Palette is the holding company and strategy development component for St. Louis-based Color Art and Scott Rice Enterprises out of Kansas City, Kansas. Color Art is St. Louis’ largest interior solutions provider and has been family and employee owned for more than 70 years.
“In his many capacities, Gary has provided leadership and guidance to the development and standing of where the Company is today,” remarked Joe Steiner, Board Chairman and CEO for Color Art Palette. “Gary has earned a stellar reputation as a leader in our industry and the business community. We congratulate Gary on his success and this promotion.”
In addition to his present duties as CEO of Color Art, Mindel assumed the position of President and COO of Color Art Palette effective January 1, 2019. In this additional role, Mindel is responsible for strategic implementation and operational effectiveness, enterprise-wide. Additionally, he is a voting member of the Palette Board, and ensures a strong linkage between Board and operational strategies.
Mindel has been with the company for more than 30 years and is a proven performer and key member of its leadership team. Mindel was initially hired in 1985 as a Sales Manager for New Business Development, was promoted to leadership for the entire sales team, was named President of the Furniture Team, and is now CEO of Color Art.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Marquette University. Following graduation, Mindel worked professionally as a golfer before moving to St. Louis, Missouri. After his move, Gary earned his Master of Business Administration in Finance from St. Louis University. It was in St. Louis that Mindel worked for Service Bureau Company (a division of IBM) selling data processing and timesharing services. Mindel and his college sweetheart – now wife – Mary, live in Webster Groves.
Recently, Color Art announced the appointment of Jeff Bauer, Troy Garner, Mick McIntyre and Ed Wills as Board Advisors. Color Art’s vision is to create and provide the best places for people to do their best work. Color Art does this through understanding and leading practices in connecting architecture, technology, furniture, and services for healthcare, education, corporate and large venue environments.
Color Art is the largest commercial interiors solutions provider in the Midwest and serves clients in 30 states as well as internationally. For more information visit https://www.color-art.com.
February 22, 2019
Maggie Stamm Joins HOK’s St. Louis Office as Marketing Coordinator
Maggie Stamm is the newest member of HOK’s growing St. Louis studio and will serve as a marketing coordinator assisting the office in branding, client engagement and project pursuits.
A native of the greater St. Louis area, Stamm earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She has spent the past three years in California where she held a similar marketing role in HOK’s San Francisco office.
With offices around the globe, HOK designs buildings and spaces that respond to the needs of people and the environment. HOK designers are rooted in technical excellence, driven by imagination and focus.
Color Art Governing Body Appoints Four to Board of Directors
Color Art, St. Louis’ largest interior solutions provider, announces additions to its governing Board of Directors. Four new members join a roster of more than ten distinguished individuals responsible for directing the company’s growth strategies, acquisition decisions and financial planning. The Board of Directors for Color Art Palette, the company’s governing body, shares the appointment of Jeff Bauer, Troy Garner, Mick McIntyre and Ed Wills as Board Advisors. Color Art has been family and employee owned for more than 70 years.
“I look forward to serving stockholders and team members as an Advisor,” remarked Jeff Bauer. “It’s a privilege to continue building on the family legacy that started 71-years ago. Color Art is a great place to work and grow.”
Color Art’s vision is to be the clear knowledge leader for connecting people and space, an irreplaceable partner to each of its customers, and a place where highly talented and engaged people can thrive. Its vision is to create and provide the best places for people to do their best work. Color Art does this through understanding and leading practices in connecting architecture, technology, furniture, and services for healthcare, education, corporate and large venue environments.
Recently, Color Art announced the hires of 15-year executive Todd Nixon as Executive Vice President of Furniture, and Jennifer Clark as both Vice President Operations of Furniture and General Manager of Color Art’s non-union Installation and Moves Team. Additionally, long-time employee Christine Hoffmann was promoted from Executive Vice President to President of Color Art Furniture, the company’s largest and longest-standing division.
Color Art is the largest commercial interiors solutions provider in the Midwest and serves clients in 30 states as well as i
nternationally. For more information visit https://www.color-art.com.
S. M. Wilson Promotes Andrew Ahlers, CM-BIM, A.C. To Project Manager
S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Andrew Ahlers, CM-BIM, A.C. to Project Manager. As Project Manager, he will be responsible for handling all administrative functions for a project, including scheduling, holding progress meetings, generating meeting minutes, tracking costs and maintaining logs for all project information.
Ahlers joined S. M. Wilson in 2014 and has worked on a variety of projects including numerous projects at Blessing Hospital, the Chaddock School Education Center Addition and Ignite Medical Resorts in Kansas City, MO. Currently, he is serving as the Project Manager on the Blessing Hospital Tower Expansion project. The vertical expansion includes adding two floors to the existing four-story patient tower which was originally built by S. M. Wilson in 2015. Ahlers’ strategic planning and attention to detail on this challenging project have been a tremendous asset to ensure the two fully-functioning hospital floors below are not impacted during construction.
He holds his CM – BIM Certificate of Management in Building Information Modeling from the AGC of Missouri. He has his AC (Associate Constructor) certification from the American Institute of Constructors and his ASHE – HCC (Health Care Construction Certificate). 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.
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.
February 15, 2019
Castle Contracting Hires Four
Castle Contracting, LLC has expanded its team with the hiring of four new employees: Charles Danner, project engineer; Dan Schaefer, estimator; Cory Howell, project manager; and Cody Hobbs, safety coordinator.
As project engineer, Charles Danner supports the estimating department in compiling accurate project bids, as part of a three-step development program instituted by Castle for all project engineers. Prior to joining Castle, Danner served as an engineer at Kiewit Corporation in Federal Way, Wash. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technologies from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo. Before college, he served in the U.S. Air Force and earned the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He lives in St. Louis.
In his role as estimator, Dan Schaefer prepares complete, accurate quantity take-offs to build detailed cost estimates and prepares comprehensive proposals for Castle clients. He previously served as estimator/project manager at Kuesel Excavating Co. in O’Fallon, Mo. and an estimator/project manager at Septagon Construction in Columbia, Mo. Schaefer received a bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo. He and his family live in St. Peters, Mo.
As project manager, Cory Howell oversees the day-to-day operation of projects, including budget reporting, submittal review, subcontractor coordination, material ordering, scheduling maintenance and trade coordination. Prior to joining Castle, he served as project manager at Crossland Construction Company in Kansas City and held several roles at Hensel Phelps Construction Co. Howell received a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering technology from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. He and his family reside in Spring Hill, Kansas.
And Safety Coordinator Cody Hobbs is responsible for the overall administration of safety guidelines on Castle projects, including monitoring the safety efforts of employees and subcontractors. He earned a bachelor’s degree of safety in the health sciences program at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill. A Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), Hobbs is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals. He lives in Belleville, Ill.
“As Castle continues to expand our business in St. Louis and beyond, these new professionals will play key roles in strengthening our team and enhancing our services to clients,” said Michael Pranger, Castle Contracting vice president of operations.
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. The company’s earthmoving expertise is visible throughout the St. Louis region and from coast to coast.
New NGA CTO Announced
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency appoints a new chief technology officer to lead NGA’s technology transformation and modernization efforts, while also attracting IT talent.
Mark Munsell, currently the deputy director of the CIO and IT Services Directorate, will fill the role of chief technology officer at NGA beginning immediately. Munsell is based at the agency’s St. Louis, Missouri, location and will remain in his CIO-T deputy director role as he steps into the CTO job.
The CTO role was created in 2018 to focus on increasing the agency’s ability to instill next-generation technology, tradecraft and innovative approaches to the geospatial intelligence community, enterprise and mission.
Munsell began his career in 1990 with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where he was awarded the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for his software engineering work transforming the nation’s nautical charting production system. He joined an NGA predecessor agency, the Defense Mapping Agency in 1996 where he led the update of the agency’s aeronautical production systems. After a stint with a government contractor, Munsell founded the Internet Marine and Aviation Planning Services, or IMAPS, in 2000 to offer flight and maritime planning services to individuals, industry and government via the Internet. He returned to government service at the NGA in 2006. Munsell is also the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and NGA’s Distinguished Civilian Service Medal.
Kevin Kopp Named BIM Manager at Murphy
Kevin J. Kopp has been named BIM manager for Murphy Company. The announcement was made by Mike Werdes, vice president, engineering.
Kopp holds an associate’s degree in drafting and design technology from ITT Technical Institute and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He is certified in numerous computer software and design programs, and has extensive experience in Revit, Navisworks, Fabrication, Plant 3D,Revizto, AutoCAD, BLK360 and Microsoft environments.
He recently served as BIM Director for a global engineering, architecture and project/construction management firm. . With over 18 years’ experience in BIM/CAD modeling and design as well as integrated project delivery, he previously served as a BIM coordinator and manager for several area engineering and contracting companies. He began his construction career in 2001 as CAD manager/IT support for Tensar Corp., a BIM/CAD manger/senior IT support for Planners and Engineers, and a Bentley Admin/BIM for Hydro-Chem – all in Georgia.
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.
Woody Miller Promoted to Vice President, Operational and Facilities Development at WINCO Windows
WINCO Windows, a St. Louis-based manufacturer of architectural and heavy commercial aluminum windows, is pleased to announce the promotion of Woody Miller, one of the company’s Leadership Team members, to Vice President, Operational and Facilities Development.
“WINCO’s Leadership Team was formed late 2017 and took effect early 2018,” said Bill Krenn, WINCO President and CFO. “Woody’s success at coordinating plant operations to increase efficiencies and enhance communication, as well as bringing employees’ ideas to fruition keeps the company moving forward in a positive light.”
As Vice President of Operational and Facilities Development, Miller will work with team members Brian Scott and Sharon Gamble to continue evolving WINCO’s manufacturing systems. Integrating new equipment, technologies and processes is vital to serve the demands of WINCO’s expanding presence in the window industry. Miller is one of several family members who have leadership roles in WINCO. The company has been family-owned for more than 100 years.
Miller is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Over the years, Miller has worked as the owner/operator of a construction company, property developer, consultant, and business owner/entrepreneur. Miller was recently named to this year’s class of 40 Under 40 by the St. Louis Business Journal. This honor recognizes young business leaders for their accomplishments, professional excellence, and contributions to their community. In his spare time, Miller is an avid rock climber.
For more information, contact WINCO Window Company at (314) 725.8088 or visit www.wincowindow.com.
New Hires at S. M. Wilson
S.M. Wilson & Co., has rehired Mary Anderson as a Project Engineer and former S. M. Wilson Interns Travis Schmitt, Chris Watkins as Field Engineers as well as Emily Echele as Project Engineer.
Schmitt and Watkins will be responsible for supporting and assisting field and office personnel on job sites to produce successful projects, ensure safety, quality, cost control, schedule and overall compliance with applicable laws and regulations are achieved.
Watkins recently graduated from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville where he received his B.S. in Construction Management. He spent the summer working as an intern for S. M. Wilson on an apartment complex project
Schmitt holds an Associates in Applied Science – Construction Management Technology from Southwestern Illinois College with 10 years of construction experience. He also worked as an intern and co-op for S. M. Wilson on the Ladue Horton Watkins High School project.
Echele and Anderson will be responsible for helping establish procedures with the design professionals, consultants and Owner of projects for information flow, approvals, meetings and reporting. They will also track shop drawings, submittals, material deliveries and RFIs through the duration of projects and assist the Project Manager with MBE/WBE participation and workforce inclusion. Anderson rejoins S. M. Wilson with four years construction experience. She holds a B.S. in Construction Management from Southeast Missouri State University and is OSHA 30 certified.
Echele recently graduated from Missouri S&T where she received her B.S. in Civil/Architectural Engineering. She also worked for S. M. Wilson on an apartment complex project as an intern over the summer.
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.