The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
S. M. Wilson Promotes Josh Weber to Assistant Project Manager
S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Josh Weber to Assistant Project Manager. As Assistant Project Manager, he will work with the Project Managers in coordinating the activities of a project to ensure schedule, document control and quality standards are met and projects are completed safely, on time and with approved budgets.
Weber joined S. M. Wilson in 2017 from a Kansas City contractor where he quickly demonstrated his perseverance as well as his ability to remain composed after joining a challenging project at the midpoint of Tallgrass Creek Residential Building 1.4. After working on Tallgrass Creek Residential Building 1.5, Weber became more involved in the project management aspects of the project.
Weber has begun work on the Von Maur Dry Good Stores and will be responsible for continuing to grow the long-standing relationship with high-end retailer, Von Maur. He has six years of construction experience, holds a B.S. in Construction Management from Southeast Missouri State University and is OSHA 30 certified.
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.
Clayco Hires Key Technology Executives
Construction firm brings on Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Information Officer
Clayco recently announced the hiring of two digital and innovation executives: Matthew Porter as Chief Innovation Officer and Simona Rollinson as Chief Information Officer. Porter will oversee all aspects of technology at Clayco, continuing to drive the company’s message and implementation of innovation forward in the design-build industry, while Rollinson will be responsible for overseeing all elements of the information technology function.
Porter will oversee traditional IT entities such as service and storage and search for new ways to integrate IT into Clayco’s day-to-day operations through new technologies such as virtual construction and augmented reality. With more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, he most recently served as Clayco’s interim Chief Information Officer while leading the effort to hire a permanent CIO. Seeing Porter’s experience and unique perspective he brought to advance the company, Clayco created the role of Chief Innovation Officer for him.
One of Porter’s key goals as he begins in his new role is to break down silos across the construction landscape. Particularly, he hopes to make data accessible throughout the construction process to ensure that the best tools are available to the marketplace, creating a seamless process from the moment planning begins to the moment the keys are handed over to a building’s owner.
Rollinson will spend much of her time working with Porter, planning to outline a strategic roadmap in the technology space, and identify new opportunities that will allow Clayco to develop innovative initiatives. She comes to Clayco with more than 20 years of experience as a technology professional. Following 17 years in the private sector at a software company, she spent four years in the public sector before joining Clayco.
As Rollinson begins her tenure at Clayco she is planning to outline a strategic roadmap in the technology space and establish an IT investment council, as well as identify new opportunities that will allow Clayco to develop innovative initiatives that change the field.
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering and construction firm that delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. For more information visit www.claycorp.com.
Caroline Devereux joins Knoebel Construction as Accounts Payable Coordinator
Caroline Devereux of the Central West End in St. Louis, MO, has joined Knoebel Construction as Accounts Payable Coordinator. She is responsible for monitoring accounts payable, processing invoices and issuing payments. Devereux holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Saint Louis University.
Knoebel Construction, Inc. is a national general contractor specializing in retail center, multi-use, restaurant, grocery, healthcare and retail store construction. For more information, visit www.knoebelconstruction.com or call (636) 326-4100.
December 14, 2018
New Hires at HDA Architects
HDA Architects hired Tom Young as a Senior Designer
HDA Architects hired Jim Gabel as a Senior Project Manager
HDA Architects hired Stephanie Jack-Moore as Marketing-Administration
HDA Architects hired Mirella Mosquera as a Graphic Designer
Ed Hogue Named Senior Plumbing Designer
Edward Hogue, CPD, has joined Murphy Company as senior plumbing designer in the mechanical contracting and engineering firm’s Engineering Group. The announcement was made by Bill McKanna, supervisor, plumbing (Missouri Engineering). An ASPE “Certified plumbing Designer” (CPD) certification professional, Hogue has more than 12 years’ experience as a plumbing department manager/project manager and senior plumbing designer. From 2007 to 2014, he was owner/principal of Zion MPE, specializing in HVAC, electrical and plumbing design and CAD production for client projects. He holds an associate’s degree in applied science for computer-aided drafting from ITT Technical Institute.
Founded in 1907, Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Kevin Ridgeway Joins McCarthy as Project Director
Kevin Ridgeway, P.E., has joined McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. as project director in the firm’s solar and renewable energy group.
Ridgeway has 15 years of diverse experience as an electrical engineer, senior project manager and director of operations. In his new role, his focus is on expanding McCarthy’s presence in utility-scale solar installations and other renewable energy projects across the company’s 28-state Central Region. McCarthy’s national solar and renewable energy group ranked No. 7 on Solar Power World’s 2018 Top Solar Contractors list and No. 5 among the “Top 10 Solar EPCs” (engineer, procure, construct).
“Communities across the Midwest increasingly see the positive economic impact of solar and renewable energy projects, particularly in rural communities,” said John Buescher, president of McCarthy’s Central Region. “Adding Kevin to our growing team will strengthen McCarthy’s ability to serve as an expert partner in overseeing the construction of these complex systems.”
Prior to joining McCarthy, Ridgeway held a range of leadership, engineering and project management positions at Ross & Baruzzini and PayneCrest Electric. A licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 150 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google+.
Susan Bowen joins Knoebel Construction as Director of Business Development
Susan Bowen of Ballwin, MO, has joined Knoebel Construction as Director of Business Development. Bowen is responsible for developing the overall corporate growth strategy for retail, retail center, restaurant, grocery, multi-use, healthcare and financial markets. She provides research and market analysis on existing and new markets while forecasting future growth and revenue.
Bowen has eight years of experience in the construction industry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is an active member of International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), Missouri Society for Healthcare Engineering (MOSHE) and the St. Louis Council for Construction Consumers (SLCCC) diversity committee.
Knoebel Construction, Inc. is a national general contractor specializing in retail center, multi-use, restaurant, grocery, healthcare and retail store construction.For more information, visit www.knoebelconstruction.com or call (636) 326-4100.
December 7, 2018
KRJ Architecture Promotes Tim Uelk, to Associate in Charge of Construction Administration.
KRJ Architecture, a St. Louis-based architectural firm specializing in the design of educational and civic facilities, has promoted Tim Uelk, to the Associate in Charge of Construction Administration.
In this role, Uelk is responsible for managing information between building owners, the design team and contractors during the construction phase. He also assists with project cost estimates throughout the project and surveys existing building conditions.
Uelk joined KRJ in 2014 and brings to the role extensive experience in renovations, additions and new construction for educational, civic and government clients, including school districts, municipalities and ambulance districts.
“Tim consistently provides clients with the level of service that KRJ strives to sustain,” said David Kromm, president of KRJ Architecture. “His leadership adds to KRJ’s long tradition of maximizing a community’s resources through designing and enhancing new and existing community facilities.”
Uelk holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Drury University. He is a LEED Green Associate with an Associate AIA designation from the American Institute of Architects.
New Hires at Muphy Company
Charles (“Jerry”) Cova has been appointed as account manager for Murphy Data Center Services. The announcement was made by Eric Gottschlich, manager, Murphy DCS. Cova has more than 17 years’ experience in the industry, having worked as a program service manager and account manager for a national firm providing facility services and consulting on data centers and other critical infrastructure.
From 2001 to 2008 he was responsible for management of HVAC, generator, UPS, battery and fire system maintenance for customers. From September 2008 to 2018 he provided account management services in local, regional and national territories.
He attended both the University of Nebraska Omaha and Saint Louis University
Murphy DCS is a turn-key data center services solution, providing strategic integration of all facility infrastructure components, from consulting, design and construction to operation and maintenance. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Sid Sarginson has been named an engineer for Murphy Company. The announcement was made by Mike Werdes, vice-president, engineering. A May 2018 graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville,Sarginson holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a math minor. He previously served as a mechanical engineering intern at both Murphy Company and at Westermeyer Industries, Inc. a designer and supplier of components for the air-conditioning and refrigeration industries.
A graduate of Jersey Community High School, Sarginson served as a 4-H Club president 2007-2010, and as the Jerseyville FFA vice president 2013-14 and FFA treasurer 2011-12. He holds an Illinois State FFA degree and was honored with the Outstanding FFA Award, among others. He also was a member of the Jersey County Young Leaders, an affiliate of the Illinois Farm Bureau, and a member of the National Honors Society.
Founded in 1907, Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Midas Capital Hires Director of Investor Relations
Laura Robbins brings development and managerial experience to investment company
Midas Capital, an investment company specializing in hotel acquisition and development, recently hired Laura Robbins as Director of Investor Relations. Robbins will be responsible for establishing potential investor opportunities, as well as strengthening existing client relationships. She will assist with raising capital, manage investor events, oversee communication strategies, and supervise marketing and research efforts.
Prior to joining Midas Capital, Robbins served as Chief Development Officer at a non-profit social services organization. She has more than 10 years of director and development experience in various financial, hospitality, entertainment, and non-profit industries.
Robbins is currently earning her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Independent Theater Studies from the Boston University School for the Arts in Boston, Mass.
“Laura brings a wide array of fundraising and relationship management skills to our company,” said Midas Capital’s Managing Member and Co-Founder J.T. Norville. “She is a strategic individual who will lead our efforts in the investment community while upholding our high standards of excellence.”
Midas Capital – the sister company of premier hotel management group Midas Hospitality – is located at 1804 Borman Circle in St. Louis, Mo. For more information about Midas Capital, call (314) 692-0100 or visit http://www.midashotelfund.com.
November 29, 2018
Zane Truman Joins McCarthy as Director of Business Development
Zane Truman has joined McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. as director of business development in the firm’s Advanced Technology and Manufacturing group.
In this position, Truman will build relationships with current and potential clients in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors to expand McCarthy’s project work in a 28-state region—from the Plains to the East Coast.
Truman joins McCarthy with significant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage, and oil and gas industries. Most recently, he served as director of engineering at the Alkem Laboratories pharmaceutical facility in Fenton, Mo., and he previously served as a project manager at CRB, an engineering, architecture and construction firm in St. Louis.
“Zane is a tremendous asset to McCarthy as we continue to expand our presence in the growing pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors,” said Ryan Freeman, senior vice president at McCarthy. “His strong background and deep understanding of client needs will position us for ongoing success.”
Truman earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in construction management from Washington University in St. Louis. He is a member of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA).
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 150 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google+.
BSA LifeStructures Hires Leah Hofferkamp as Director, Interior Design
Nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm BSA LifeStructures (BSA) has hired Leah Hofferkamp as director of interior design in its St. Louis office. As the director, Leah will coordinate efforts between interiors and architecture for the firm’s healing, learning, and discovery markets.
Named a 2017 American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Ones to Watch award winner, Leah embodies the traits the award recognizes: exceptional leadership potential and a willingness to push the boundaries of the interior design profession. She earned her master’s degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Leah is also a registered architect and interior designer in Missouri and certified by the Council for Interior Design Qualification and LEED AP Building Design + Construction.
With nearly 15 years of design experience, Leah’s work is recognized throughout the industry. Her expertise and skills will greatly impact BSA’s design teams. Leah’s understanding of building design as an architect, as well as the function of the interiors, allows for her projects to have a cohesiveness inside and out. “To see projects that exceed the client’s expectations, while being both functional and beautiful to the client, is very rewarding,” says Leah.
BSA, a national, integrated design firm, creates inspired solutions that improve lives. BSA provides architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning services for spaces that support and enhance healing, learning, and discovery – facilities known as LifeStructures. Learn more at www.bsalifestructures.com.
November 23, 2018
S. M. WILSON PROMOTES JORDAN SANDERS TO PROJECT MANAGER
S.M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Jordan Sanders 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.
Sanders joined S. M. Wilson in 2012 and has worked on a variety of projects including the Alton School District Renovations, School of Osage R-II School District Heritage Building Addition, and Renovation and BJC Campus Renewal Project. Most recently, he filled the role of Assistant Project Manager for Tallgrass Creek Residential Building 1.5. His dedication and attention to detail played a pivotal role in the early completion of the new four-story, 113,000 SF residential facility. Sanders holds a B.S. in Construction Management from Southeast Missouri State University. He is OSHA 30 and ASHE certified.
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.
Oculus Inc. Hires James Standing, Elevates Interior Design Division in St. Louis
Standing’s expertise will grow Oculus in healthcare, financial and hospitality markets
Oculus Inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm headquartered in St. Louis, has strengthened their interior design business group with the addition of outstanding talent and leadership. James Standing will assume the role of acting director of Interior Design for Oculus Inc. He will oversee interior design services for a variety of building and market types, including healthcare, education, senior living and financial services.
“James’s proven track record in designing high-profile, beautiful interior spaces for over 30 years is a tremendous addition to our growing organization,” noted Lisa Bell-Reim, president of Oculus Inc. “We’re thrilled to bring our architectural expertise together with James’s outstanding reputation and elevate the interior design division in St. Louis and surrounding markets.”
“Oculus Inc. is an award-winning architectural and design firm that I’m honored to be a part of,” commented Standing. “Joining Oculus Inc. is a new and exciting endeavor that will allow me to continue to pursue my passion for the art of interior design. I’m looking forward to great achievements in this new role,” he added.
Standing co-founded Standing Design LLC with his wife, Jerri, in 1996. After 22 years, the couple is winding down their business. Effective December 15, 2018, the Standing Design business will formally shutter and transition its client base to Oculus Inc.
In the past year, Oculus Inc. has added more than 10 professional architects, project managers, designers and corporate staff to the St. Louis headquarters and the Dallas and Portland offices.
Oculus Inc. delivers comprehensive architecture, interior, planning and move management services that support business change and promote business value. Founded in 1994, Oculus creates high-performance design for clients in the retail, commercial, restaurant, education, government and healthcare industries. For more information, visit oculusinc.com.
CREW-St. Louis Honors Wendy Timm with Lifetime Achievement Award
CREW-St. Louis presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Wendy Timm at its Third Annual Signature Event on Nov. 13. Timm was honored for her leadership within the organization, as well as her contributions to the region’s economic development, and civic and charitable endeavors.
“CREW-St. Louis is honored to present our Lifetime Achievement Award to Wendy for her dedication to our mission and for her contributions to the economic development of our region,” said Lynn Goessling, 2018 CREW-St. Louis president. “Wendy has served as a mentor and role model for so many of our members. She continues as a true ambassador in promoting the St. Louis region as a great place for commercial real estate development and for companies to call it home.”
Timm’s ties to CREW-St. Louis started in 1983 when few women carried a significant presence or voice in the industry. She has played a critical part and served as a role model in advancing, educating and supporting women to influence the commercial real estate industry.
As president of CREW-St. Louis in 1999, she founded the CREW-St. Louis Annual Golf Classic, which continues as the industry’s premier networking event. She has worked with countless members on significant developments in St. Louis, and continues to serve as a mentor for women who have chosen a career path in the commercial real estate industry.
Her career spans more than four decades as an appraiser, mortgage banker, real estate developer/financier and consultant. Timm’s passion for urban planning and real estate development have moved the St. Louis region forward. She helped deliver notable projects such as Clayton on the Park, Maryland Walk, 4545 Lindell, Metro Lofts, Old Town Executive Center, Claytonian, Hi-Pointe Lofts, Summit Lofts, Cupples O1, Mississippi Lofts and Millwell Office Park.
Her role in the St. Louis region has been recognized. She was selected as a Woman of Influence by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2004. Timm also was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate News Hall of Fame in 2014.
CREW-St. Louis is one of the largest of CREW Network’s global chapters. Its more than 200 members come from all disciplines in commercial real estate. For more information, visit www.crewstl.org. Follow CREW-St. Louis on Twitter @CREWSTL.
Frank Lewis Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Frank Lewis, retired from Sundek Products, Arlington, TX, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Concrete Contractors, (ASCC), St. Louis, MO on September 20, at the organization’s Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC.
Lewis joined ASCC’s Decorative Concrete Council in 1999; Sundek Products was a charter member. He served as council director from 2009-2011.
“During his long tenure with our association Frank was a teacher, trainer, speaker, mentor and cheerleader for the DCC and the decorative concrete industry,” said Bev Garnant, executive director, ASCC. The award was presented in recognition of Lewis’ devotion and commitment to the DCC, and his efforts to make it the foremost organization in the U.S. dedicated to the decorative concrete industry.
The ASCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of those who build with concrete, and to providing them a unified voice in the construction industry. Members include concrete contracting firms, manufacturers, suppliers and others interested in the concrete industry such as architects, specifiers and engineers. There are approximately 730 member companies in the United States and 12 foreign countries.
For more information, visit www.ascconline.org or call the ASCC office at (866) 788-2722.
Chris Sullivan Joins American Society of Concrete Contractors
Chris Sullivan, noted concrete industry speaker and trainer, has joined the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), St. Louis, MO as decorative concrete specialist (DCS). The DCS provides leadership, counsel and direction for the Decorative Concrete Council (DCC), a specialty council of ASCC. One of the key responsibilities of the DSC, says ASCC executive director Bev Garnant, is answering two member hotlines; one for decorative concrete questions and the second covering polished concrete.
Sullivan is part owner and vice president of sales and marketing for ChemSystems Holdings, Inc. He is a frequent public speaker on all topics dealing with decorative concrete and has authored four books and hundreds of articles for industry publications. He has been a presenter at the World of Concrete since 2005 and at the Concrete Décor Show since 2009. Sullivan was inducted into the Decorative Concrete Hall of Fame in 2015.
The ASCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of those who build with concrete, and to providing them a unified voice in the construction industry. Members include concrete contracting firms, manufacturers, suppliers and others interested in the concrete industry such as architects, specifiers and distributors. There are approximately 730 member companies in the United States and 12 foreign countries.
For more information, visit www.ascconline.org or call the ASCC office at (866) 788-2722.
John Suelthaus Elected President of Home Builders Association of St. Louis & Eastern Missouri
John Suelthaus, president of Kingbridge Homes, has been elected the 85thpresident of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of St. Louis & Eastern Missouri.
The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry.
Oculus Inc. Promotes Jim Stotlar to Senior Project Manager
Stotlar to provide architectural leadership in variety of industries
Oculus Inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm, has promoted Jim Stotlar to senior project manager for its St. Louis headquarters. Stotlar, AIA, LEED Associate, GGP, has diverse experience in federal and healthcare projects.
“Jim has been an instrumental part of our company for nearly 4 years now,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. president. “The variety of experience he brings to the table is a major piece of Oculus’ identity. He will be integral in our continued success in the federal and healthcare markets, among others. We look forward to seeing how Jim will lead in his new role.”
In his new position, Stotlar will be responsible for managing staff and contributing to the leadership of Oculus. He will also continue to oversee project budgets, schedules and programs, coordinate project communications and documentation, estimate fees, determine scopes of work and prepare proposals and contracts. Stotlar joined the firm in 2015 as a project architect. He was promoted to project manager in 2017.
Stotlar is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED Associate with the U.S. Green Building Council. He also is a certified Green Globes Professional ™ through the Green Building Initiative.
He holds a Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Planning from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts in Interior Design from RMIT University, located in Melbourne, Australia.
Outside of its headquarters in St. Louis, Oculus has offices in Dallas and Portland, Ore.
Oculus Inc. delivers comprehensive architecture, interior, planning and move management services that support business change and promote business value. Founded in 1994, Oculus creates high-performance design for clients in the retail, commercial, restaurant, education, government and healthcare industries. For more information, visit oculusinc.com.