The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Christina Dancy Joins Midwest BankCentre as Assistant Vice President and BankCentre Leader
Christina Dancy has joined Midwest BankCentre as assistant vice president and leader of the bank’s Pagedale branch. Midwest BankCentre Chairman and CEO Jim Watson made the announcement.
As branch leader, Dancy cultivates relationships with new and existing customers, fosters a positive work environment and focuses on branch growth. She also serves as a community liaison, providing financial education to area residents and business owners and by partnering with community organizations to help their members achieve their financial goals. Current partners include the Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber of Commerce, Beyond Housing, Prosperity Connection, Grace Hill Women’s Business Center and the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Taskforce.
Prior to joining Midwest BankCentre, Dancy was assistant vice president at U.S. Bank Community Development Corporation.
Dancy earned her bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her master’s degree in management and leadership at Webster University. She is a certified anti-money laundering compliance specialist (CAMS) and is an alumna of Focus St. Louis’ Diversity Leadership Fellowship
A 2018 recipient of the St. Louis American’s Salute to Young Leaders Award, she is a member of the Regional Business Council’s Young Professionals Network-Leadership 100.She serves as a board member of Dream Builders 4 Equity and previously served on the board of Lutheran Family & Children’s Services. Dancy also is a member of the Urban League Guild of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Diversity and Inclusion Consortium. She supports the United Way of Greater St. Louis as a member of the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society Cabinet.
Joe Dietz Promoted to Vice President, Order Development and Engineering at Winco Windows
Joe Dietz has been named Vice President, Order Development and Engineering at St. Louis based Winco Windows.
“Dietz is committed to streamlining and improving how Winco handles the order process and ensures quality control,” said Bill Krenn, Winco President and CFO.
As Vice President of Order Development and Engineering, Dietz will oversee estimating, design, shop drawings, paper fabrication and submittals. He is also responsible for Quality Control and Field Service.
Dietz has been with Winco for nine years. Dietz has a B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing/Management. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.
Kurtis Suellentrop Promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Winco Windows
Winco Windows, a St. Louis-based manufacturer of architectural and heavy commercial aluminum windows sold across the United States, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kurtis Suellentrop, one of the company’s Leadership Team members to Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
“Kurtis has positively impacted our relationships with customers and architects,” said Bill Krenn, Winco President and CFO. “His creative approach to marketing, and sales can be directly linked to our steadily increasing business.”
As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Suellentrop, will focus on securing new business opportunities and transforming how Winco markets itself. This will include independent, and corporate sales representatives, architectural relationship development, territory sales development, marketing, promotional, and brand development.
Suellentrop has been with Winco for 16 years. Prior to Sales and Marketing, Suellentrop managed Winco’s R&D program, including multi-threat systems encompassing psychiatric, dynamic, acoustic, thermal, tornado, and hurricane windows.
He graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla, earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in design and thermodynamics.
For more information, contact Winco Window Company at (314) 725.8088 or visit www.wincowindow.com.
Christie Brinkman Joins Castle Contracting as Business Development Manager
Christie Brinkman has joined Castle Contracting, LLC as business development manager. In this position, she focuses on building relationships with potential clients to understand their needs and deliver solutions to complex civil contracting challenges. Brinkman collaborates with internal teams to establish and execute growth strategies for target clients and markets. This includes supporting division leaders in identifying, qualifying, tracking, prioritizing and positioning pursuit opportunities to maximize success for the St. Louis-based civil contracting firm. Brinkman also represents Castle at industry events and within professional organizations.
Brinkman joined Castle with a wide range of relevant sales, marketing and business development experience. Most recently, she served as business development director at Horner & Shifrin, Inc., where she helped guide the 85-year-old engineering firm to achieve record revenues. Her experience also includes positions with a national educational resources company, a local MBE/DBE civil engineering firm, a regional healthcare system and an international consulting firm.
Brinkman earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and international studies from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. She is active in several industry organizations, including Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLCCC), Missouri Society for Healthcare Engineering (MOSHE), Urban Land Institute (ULI), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Construction Forum STL, American Public Works Association (APWA) and Missouri Association of County Transportation Officials (MACTO).
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.
October 5, 2018
St. Louis Community College Foundation Taps PARIC Vice President Hayes For Board of Directors
Howard Hayes, PARIC Corp. vice president of diversity and inclusion, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Community College Foundation. The role of the Foundation is to build awareness and understanding of the college while raising funds to help meet continuing financial needs of students and of the college. The Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization with assets of more than $8.5 million and an endowment of $3.5 million, according to Jo-Ann Digman, the Foundation’s executive director. “The STLCC Foundation has awarded almost $2 million in financial assistance to thousands of students,” Digman said. “We’re pleased to have Mr. Hayes working to help us meet the financial needs of students so they may successfully complete their program of studies and move into the work force as productive citizens.”
Hayes, in his role as PARIC vice president, is responsible for developing and executing initiatives to create and to foster open and inclusive work environments as well as supporting small, local, minority-owned and women-owned companies seeking to do business with PARIC. Before joining PARIC, Hayes worked for the St. Louis Development Corporation overseeing inclusion and workforce goals on large-scale projects including Ballpark Village, Cortex Innovation Center, Union Station and Scottrade Center. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration at St. Louis University and a Master of Business Administration at Webster University.
Established in 1979, PARIC specializes in commercial and interiors, education, healthcare, historic and urban redevelopment, hospitality and entertainment, municipal, science and technology, senior living and sports complexes. More information is at www.paric.com .
OCULUS INC. GROWS INTERIOR DESIGN STAFF
Architecture and interior design firm adds five new hires
Oculus Inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm headquartered in St. Louis, announces the addition of five new interior design staff members to the St. Louis and Portland offices. The new hires will better support the firm’s expanded design services in the hospitality, retail and healthcare markets.
“As Oculus Inc. grows into new and more sophisticated markets, we are dedicated to adding strategic resources to provide our clients with high-end, truly innovative designs that eloquently communicate their message and brand through physical spaces,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “These new, talented additions to the interior design team will strengthen Oculus’ capabilities and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Joining the St. Louis office are interior designers Carolyn Fava and Mallory Smith. Fava’s background includes an emphasis on green design, design-build and architecture. Smith previously worked as a Project Designer at Cushman & Wakefield. Also joining the St. Louis office is project designer Carlos Goldberg. Goldberg comes to the team after working as an interior architectural designer with a focus on senior living, hospitality and luxury residences.
The Portland office welcomes Jaime Merrill as interior designer. Merrill joins the staff with a residential interior design background.
Oculus Inc. has made significant strides in the hospitality industry, most notably the recent acquisition of Staicoff Design Company in Portland, Ore. Oculus employs 50 professional architects, designers, and corporate staff in 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.
M+H Architects Announces Expansion of Ownership
M+H Architects announced earlier this week that they have expanded the company’s ownership to drive its ongoing mission and help their clients realize their goals by providing creative design solutions. M+H Architects will have three new Shareholders/Principals: Mike Deane, Larry Valenza, and Justin Bruce.
As the firm’s first Vice Presidents they will continue to advance the company vision through extended target markets and fostering client relationships. “We want to continue our collective success and add in a fresh, vibrant attitude,” said Larry Mitchell, Principal and President of M+H Architects. “We also want to create new opportunities for our staff regarding our approach to marketing, design and the execution of architecture. The new Shareholders are all great leaders and influencers with positive attitudes and proven track records. They are willing to challenge the status quo and inspire a future generation of leaders.”
M+H’s future will uphold its consistent philosophy of a transparent, focused, and responsive company. “We will have additional and expanded opportunities for relationships and collaboration that will build a stronger organization to galvanize our momentum for the unfolding future of M+H,” said Mark Hugeback, Principal and Secretary/Treasurer of M+H Architects. “This announcement is just another step in our journey to structure M+H for future growth and continued success.”
Construction Safety Expert Joins Guarantee Electrical Company as Corporate Safety Director
The executive management team at Guarantee Electrical Company (Guarantee) is excited to announce long-time construction safety veteran, Todd Cook, CSP has joined the company as Corporate Safety Director. With nearly 20 years in safety program management, Todd will lead, organize and administer efforts of the Guarantee corporate health and safety programs including, jobsite safety inspections/evaluations; claims management; regulatory agency interaction, insurance programs; and fleet management.
Prior to joining Guarantee, Mr. Cook was the Director of Safety and Health for Thomas Industrial Coatings where he successfully developed, implemented and monitored the company’s safety, health, and training programs. Additionally he has served in various safety roles for general contractors on many high profile transportation, power generation and heavy industrial projects during his 20 year career.
According to Rick Oertli, CEO Guarantee Electrical Company, “We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Todd’s leadership, experience and insights in bringing our already robust safety program to another level. His experience working on projects for global construction companies as well as on private and public projects will help us to continue to be a nationwide leader in corporate safety.”
In addition to his B.S. Construction Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene from Montana Tech, Todd holds several other safety certifications including Certified Safety Professional (CSP). Todd is also a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, the American Hygiene Association, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
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Founded in 1902, St. Louis based Guarantee Electrical is consistently ranked among the largest electrical contractors in the United States. Its operations include branch offices in Granite City, IL. and Denver, CO, plus ongoing operations in California. The company provides full-scope electrical contracting, including preconstruction, construction, engineering and design, design-build, design-assist, value engineering, procurement, electrical and communications systems, service and preventive maintenance. To learn more, visit www.geco.com
Tim Manherz, TAS Commercial Concrete Recipient of ASCC Member Owner Safety Award
The Safety and Risk Management Council (SRMC) of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), St. Louis, is pleased to announce that Tim Manherz, senior vice president of operations, TAS Commercial Concrete, Houston, TX, is this year’s recipient of the ASCC Member Owner Safety Award, presented September 20 at the association’s Annual Conference in Charlotte. The purpose is to annually recognize one owner/executive of a contractor member company that displays a clear focus and passion for safety, and provides the leadership that creates a best-in-class safety culture.
Manherz received a B.S. in construction from Arizona State University where he graduated with honors and was named “Outstanding Graduate” of his class. He is a member of the ASCC board of directors and current president of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association.
TAS works over 3,000,000 man hours annually. For the past three years they have had an RIR average of 1.9 and an average EMR of 0.45. In nominating Tim, TAS’ employees wrote, “Safety has always been priority for TAS management, with Tim as one of the TAS Safety Team’s biggest champions. Tim is the live wire conducting the energy that binds production and safety into a unified force at TAS, now operating in Houston, Dallas, and several cities in central Texas. His close work with, and mentorship to the Safety Team, ensures a constant line of communication between production and safety, thus facilitating a unity of action that ultimately benefits every TAS employee.”
This award is in keeping with Goal #1 of the ASCC Strategic Plan: Increase the Number of Contractor Member Owners Who Truly Demonstrate a Personal Commitment to Safety.
“Strong safety cultures thrive in organizations where leaders take an active role,” says Mike Schneider, SRMC council director. “Contractor member owners that understand this know that building a true safety culture begins and ends with them: the priorities they set, the choices they make and their expectations of others. It requires effort and commitment from the top, but employees will tell you that it makes a difference.”
The Safety and Risk Management Council (SRMC) is a specialty council dedicated to making ASCC contractors the safest in the 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. For more information visit the web site at www.ascconline.org or call (866) 788-2722.
Orvin T. Kimbrough Elected CEO of Midwest BankCentre and Its Holding Company
Extends Entrepreneurship at Nation’s Third Largest United Way to Bank’s Community Focus
Orvin T. Kimbrough, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, has been elected by the board of directors as CEO of Midwest BankCentre and its holding company, Midwest BankCentre, Inc. He will remain a member of the bank board, on which he has served since 2015. The appointment is effective Feb. 1, 2019. Kimbrough will stay in his current role with United Way until then.
Midwest BankCentre CEO and Chairman Jim Watson will continue in his current role until Kimbrough joins the bank, and then serve full-time as executive chairman of Midwest BankCentre while remaining vice chairman of Midwest BankCentre, Inc. Dale Oberkfell continues as president and chief financial officer of Midwest BankCentre.
Kimbrough, 43, joins Midwest BankCentre after a nearly 20-year career leading entrepreneurial, community-focused nonprofit organizations. As president and CEO since 2013 of United Way of Greater St. Louis, it has advanced from the fifth to the third largest United Way in the country, generating more than $82.5 million annually in private and public funding to create social impact. It is among the region’s leading nonprofits.
Kimbrough’s entrepreneurial approach has been shaped by his educational background in social work, business and theology. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. He earned his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Kimbrough also graduated from Aquinas Institute of Theology with a master of arts in theology. He currently serves as adjunct professor in Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work, designing a post-graduate course on teams and leadership.
“We are deeply grateful to Orv for his decade of service and leadership with United Way of Greater St. Louis,” said Rich McClure, board chair of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Orv has made a lasting impact in the St. Louis region during his time with United Way. As CEO, he led the community through five successful campaigns, raising more than $370 million to help others live their best possible lives. In addition, Orv has guided the organization through a strategic transformation in how United Way engages with stakeholders and supports our community. United Way’s board and staff remain focused and committed to the important work of our agencies and partners, and we look forward to continuing a strong relationship with Orv in his new role with Midwest BankCentre.”
According to McClure, United Way has convened a search committee of the board to conduct a national search for Kimbrough’s successor. The committee expects to have a president and CEO named and in place before Kimbrough’s departure.
The appointment of Kimbrough, who will become the region’s only African-American bank CEO, affirms the transformation begun by Midwest BankCentre in 2011, when it enlarged its vision of service to the community. About the same time, the bank entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, which expired in mid-2016. The bank committed to open a bank branch in an area of St. Louis populated primarily by African-American citizens; invest in a special financing program to expand loans to St. Louis area neighborhoods with majority African-American residents; allocate funding for consumer financial education and credit repair; and expand marketing.
About Midwest BankCentre: Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, employs a staff of about 280 working at 19 bank locations in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County. In April 2015, it acquired Southern Commercial Bank, formed in 1891. In July 2016, it purchased Bremen Bank & Trust Co., founded in 1868. It ranks among St. Louis’ largest locally owned banks with assets of about $1.9 billion and deposits of $1.4 billion. It provides integrated financial services with expertise in commercial, retail and digital banking; business cash management; mortgage lending; consumer lending; and insurance. The bank is a local leader in the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force and its Bank-On Save-Up St. Louis initiative. Since 2001, Midwest BankCentre has consecutively achieved the Bauer Financial 5-Star Superior financial rating each quarter. Further details are available at www.midwestbankcentre.com.
About United Way of Greater St. Louis: United Way of Greater St. Louis mobilizes the community with one goal in mind — helping people live their best possible lives. Located throughout 16 counties in Missouri and Illinois, United Way helps one in three people in the region build a foundation for a good quality of life through basic needs, financial stability, education, health and strong communities. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org.
Editor’s note: Orvin T. Kimbrough, born in East St. Louis, currently lives in St. Louis County with his wife, Latriece, and their two children, Maddison and Matthew.
September 28, 2018
Gillani Joins USA Mortgage As Branch Manager
Mike Gillani has joined USA Mortgage as branch manager in charge of overseeing its new partnership with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties. Prior to joining USA Mortgage, the 20-year industry veteran founded and led Chesterfield, Mo.-based Boardwalk Lending since 2004. Gillani resides in Wildwood, Mo. 63021.
New Hires at Murphy Company
Carrie Shoults has joined Murphy Company as refrigeration customer service representative. The announcement was made by Bob Eichelberger, manager, refrigeration solutions for the mechanical contracting and engineering firm. Shoults served as a dispatch supervisor for AAA Missouri for 12 years and most recently worked as a dispatch supervisor for MTM, Inc. She attended Truman State University and St. Louis Community College, and currently is studying business at Columbia College.
Tawnya Naslund has joined Murphy Company as a service dispatcher. The announcement was made by Stephanie Oberle, service dispatch supervisor. Naslund has more than nine years experience coordinating service and preventative maintenance schedules for multiple field technicians in HVAC, fire suppression and building automation controls.
Brian Thompson has been appointed refrigeration project manager for Murphy Company, the area’s largest mechanical contractor and engineering firm. The announcement was made by Bob Eichelberger, manager, refrigeration solutions. Thompson has more than 16 years’ experience in the supermarket retail facility and service industry. Most recently he served as manager of construction and maintenance for a franchise holder of over 75 McDonald’s in Tennessee where he was responsible for a large team of technicians covering service/maintenance and construction for multiple locations. Prior to that he served as a facilities maintenance manager with a division of Kroger, a manager of facilities for United Supermarkets, and then as senior facilities manager and HVAC/R alarms/customer service manager for Supervalu. Early in his career he also served as a district maintenance manager for Winn-Dixie. He attended the University of Memphis.
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. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Justin Pham Joins Wiegmann Associates as Project Engineer
Mr. Pham will be responsible for designing and selecting HVAC systems for client facilities, and provides mechanical engineering support on construction projects. He has expertise in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Pham holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla.
Wiegmann Associates is a St. Louis-based mechanical contractor and a national leader in design/build HVAC projects. For more information, visit www.wiegmannassoc.com or call (636) 940-1056.
Kyle Wilson Joins Kadean Construction As Director Of Project Development
Kyle Wilson, AIA, has joined Kadean Construction as Director of Project Development, and will lead the company’s marketing and business development. He also will lend his architecture expertise to Kadean’s construction delivery process.
Wilson previously worked as an architect for HDA Architects, where he held a variety of positions since 2006 — from an associate to managing director.
“We are excited to have Kyle on board to help develop new business for us in the St. Louis area and throughout the Midwest,” said Kadean President Mike Eveler. “Kyle is highly qualified and will be a great addition to our team.”
Founded in 1963, Kadean Construction is based in Fenton, MO in suburban St. Louis, and has become one of the Midwest’s most successful construction companies. It specializes in design-build, construction management, and general contracting for a diverse set of major clients in the health care, industrial, commercial, office, senior care, and multi-family industries.
Wilson, who is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, is licensed in 15 states, from as far west as California, throughout the Midwest, and as far south as Texas and Florida.
He also holds a certificate from the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB), and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Urban Land Institute (ULI) St. Louis Chapter, and the Webster Groves, MO Architecture Review Board.
Wilson earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2006 from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University in 2012.
During his career, Wilson has designed in excess of two million square feet of commercial, retail, and residential space worth more than $300 million in construction costs.
Cari A. Noll Joins Midwest BankCentre as Senior Vice President-Private Banker
Cari A. Noll has joined Midwest BankCentre as senior vice president-private banker. Midwest BankCentre Chairman and CEO Jim Watson made the announcement.
With nearly 20 years in the financial services industry, Noll helps high net worth clients meet their personal and financial goals with concierge service. “Her experience and track record of providing excellent service and financial advice make her a true asset to our Midwest BankCentre clients and team,” said Erin Erhart, executive vice president of retail and fee services.
Prior to joining Midwest BankCentre, Noll was senior vice president and private banker at Commerce Trust Co. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Lindenwood University.
Cari Noll resides in Defiance, Mo. (63341). Her office is located at Midwest BankCentre’s branch at 500 Chesterfield Center, Chesterfield, Mo.
Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, employs a staff of about 280 working at 19 bank locations in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County. Further details are available at www.midwestbankcentre.com.
September 21, 2018
Castle Contracting Promotes David Denny to Director, Field Operations
In this role, he oversees Castle’s field operations staff to ensure that project teams have the people, equipment and other resources required to successfully execute their work on a daily basis. His responsibilities also include the hiring, training and development of superintendents, foremen, field employees and internal apprentices.
Denny joined Castle in 2012 as an estimator/project manager and was promoted to field operations manager in 2013. His 22-year construction career has also included serving in estimating and project management positions at Goodwin Brothers Construction, RV Wagner, Inc., Kozeny-Wagner and J.H. Berra Construction Co.
“David is a proven leader who understands the importance of supporting construction teams to maximize their overall performance,” said Michael Pranger, vice president, operations at Castle Contracting. “Our clients and teams will benefit from his skilled leadership.”
Denny earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and American Subcontractors Association (ASA) – Midwest. He is also a Master Drainlayer in St. Louis City and County.
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’searthmoving expertise is visible throughout the St. Louis region and from coast to coast.