The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Kyle Ogden Promoted to Senior Project Manager at Helmkamp Construction
Jerseyville resident, Kyle Ogden, has been promoted to Senior Project Manager at Helmkamp Construction, a local general contractor in East Alton, IL.
On the brink of graduating with a Construction Management degree from Western Illinois University, Ogden joined Helmkamp as an intern in March of 2007. He was later promoted to Project Manager in 2011. In his 11th year with the 80-year-old company, Kyle is now promoted to Senior Project Manager.
“I enjoy many things about working for Helmkamp, but I like to think we stick to the golden rule of (treat others how you would like to be treated) and a family atmosphere has always seemed to be maintained throughout my time here. Also, Helmkamp management has always been a great resource, but also allows you to complete your objectives as you see fit.”
Kyle’s initial focus at Helmkamp was with industrial clients. He now leads projects for many of Helmkamp’s commercial and manufacturing clients. “We are proud to have Kyle on our team and look forward to him continuing to lead projects for us for a long time to come,” noted Helmkamp’s Owner and President, Rob Johnes.
Helmkamp believes in cultivating its people and providing clients with familiar faces from one project to the next. The current project management team at Helmkamp has been employed with the company for a range of 10-17 years.
Helmkamp is a relationship-based general contractor, based in East Alton, IL, working exclusively for private, professional, repeat buyers of construction, primarily in the industrial, power, manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and pharmaceutical industries. To learn more, visit www.helmkamp.com.
Midas Organization Hires Chief Experience Officer Marc Connor
Named to newly created position for sister businesses
Midas affiliated companies – comprised of Midas Hospitality, Midas Capital, Midas Development and MC Hotel Construction – created a new position designed to take its culture, brand and communications to the next level.
Marc Connor was recently named Chief Experience Officer for sister companies Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group; Midas Capital, an investment company specializing in hotel acquisition and development; Midas Development, a turn-key solution for cyclical renovations and property improvement plans; and MC Hotel Construction, a general contractor specializing in new hotel construction and renovations.
In the newly established position, Connor will lead strategic planning, global marketing and branding, and culture and people development efforts while handling the organization’s charitable foundation. He will primarily focus on hiring and retaining key employees, as well as offering a customer-centric experience for hotel guests and clients. Connor will unify the hotel industry businesses by emphasizing the company’s culture and forward-thinking approach.
Connor has more than 20 years of experience in assisting businesses with innovation, organization, marketing and strategy. Prior to joining the Midas organization, he held senior positions with Build-A-Bear Workshop and the global advertising agency POSSIBLE. Connor earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Miami University in Oxford, OH.
“Our Culture is what makes us unique in our industry. We have always believed that, by focusing on our people first, we create an environment that is a win-win for our associates and our business,” said David Robert, CEO and Manager. “It’s important that we continue to invest even more energy and resources into our associates, guests and clients. Marc’s background and skillset provide this unique advantage to the Midas enterprise.”
Founded in 2006, Midas Hospitality has developed, opened and currently manages numerous properties including 40 hotels in 14 states. For more information, call (314) 692-0100 or visit http://www.midashospitality.com.
Midas Capital is an investment company specializing in hotel acquisition and development. For more information, call (917) 860-0740 or visit www.midashotelfund.com.
Midas Development provides a full suite of hospitality-focused services for new construction and renovations including interior design, procurement and project management. Midas Development provides clients with a turn-key solution for cyclical renovations and property improvement plans.
MC Hotel Construction, which is also located at 1804 Borman Circle Dr. in Maryland Heights, Mo., specializes in hotel construction and renovations with projects currently underway in six states. For more information, call (314) 339-6600 or visit http://www.mchotelconstruction.com.
Western Specialty Contractors Promotes Tim Braico to Branch Manager of its Ridgefield, NJ Facades Division
Western Specialty Contractors has promoted Tim Braico of Hopewell Junction, NY to Branch Manager of its Facades Division in Ridgefield, NJ. Braico was previously a Superintendent at the Facades Division.
Braico will be responsible for running the branch office, which will include marketing, sales, estimating, oversight of operations and administrative functions, safety of all branch employees, and productivity of office staff and field crews. Additionally, he will be responsible for ensuring the branch’s profitability by forecasting and managing the budget, identifying market trends, ensuring quality control and building/maintaining customer relationships.
Braico was a Project Manager for Western’s Facade Division for nearly two years (Oct. 2013-March 2015) before returning to the company in May 2017 to assume a Superintendent’s position at the same branch. He has over 22 years of experience supervising and managing restoration and new construction projects.
He is a graduate of the Institute of Design & Construction Technical College in Brooklyn, NY. His current certifications include: RESTORE Architectural Training Program, 4 Hour NYC DOB Supported Scaffold User Training, 30 Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training, 32 Hour NYC DOB Suspended Scaffold Supervisor Training, 40 Hour NYC DOB Site Safety Manager Training, 16 Hour NYC DOB User Suspended Scaffold Safety Training, 32 Hour NYC DOB Rigging Supervisor Training, Jahn (Cathedral Stone) certified installer, EIFS Certified Mechanic, Cintec Installation, Edison Coatings, Dow Corning Sealant, Respirator Training Instructor, and a member of the American Institute of Constructors and the Construction Management Association of America.
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.
FSA, LLC Promotion Announcements
After just two years of working with the company, Stephen Matlock has been promoted to Senior Associate at FSA, LLC. With over 35 years’ experience, Matlock leads firm efforts in generating and managing K-12 education projects in the Midwest region. Matlock also oversees specification development and building code review for projects firm-wide, yet still finds time to mentor younger FSA staff members. Professional affiliations include AIA, CSI, and licensure in the state of Missouri. Matlock earned his bachelor’s degree in Architectural Technology from Washington University School of Architecture.
Michael Lehr has been promoted to Director of Architecture at FSA, LLC. Being part of the team since its start in 2005, Lehr has managed over 500 projects for the company covering a wide range of building categories. Project types include healthcare facilities, laboratories, medical office buildings, surgery centers, senior living, office buildings, urgent care centers, single and multi-residential units, warehouses, strip retail, pharmaceutical facilities, manufacturing, and more. Lehr won three design competitions within the last five years, bringing new clients and consistent business to the firm. Additionally, Lehr is working on several master planning projects, all while leading multiple design teams, mentoring younger staff, delivering top-notch client satisfaction, and strategizing future growth
plans with the executive management team.
FSA, LLC (Feeler, S. Architects) is a comprehensive architectural and design firm specializing in healthcare, laboratory design, higher education facilities, medical office buildings, and master planning. For more information, please visit our website at www.fsastl.com.
Spellman Brady & Company Expands Team – Kelli Sargent Newest Designer
Spellman Brady & Company, an award-winning interior design firm, is pleased to announce that Kelli Sargent has joined the firm as a Designer. In this role, her creativity will support the team with design, furniture specification, space planning and renderings within the healthcare, senior living and higher education market sectors.
Ms. Sargent is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. In addition to her interior design experience in the hospitality industry, she previously interned with Spellman Brady.
Spellman Brady & Company is an award-winning interior design firm specializing in senior living, healthcare, and higher education environments. The firm maintains design excellence by delivering comprehensive 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 43 states and abroad since its founding in 1991. For more information about Spellman Brady & Company, please visit www.spellmanbrady.com.
Castle Contracting Promotes Michael Pranger to Vice President, Operations
Castle Contracting, LLC has elevated Michael Pranger to the position of Vice President, Operations. This appointment caps off a period of unprecedented growth and expansion for the St. Louis-based civil contracting company.
As principal of the Castle Contracting leadership team, Pranger will oversee the company’s operational, project management and field operations teams. Castle has operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of McCarthy Holdings, Inc. since 2014.
“Mike has been instrumental to Castle’s growth and success during the last several years, and his new role recognizes his exceptional leadership abilities and knowledge of the unique challenges of civil construction,” said John Buescher, president of McCarthy Building Company’s central region.
Since joining Castle Contracting in 2004, Pranger has led key projects and managed the company’s field operations staff as Castle evolved from a small local player to one of the region’s top civil contractors with projects nationwide. The firm has established a reputation for its innovative use of construction technology,
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 utility mapping service provides industry-leading underground utility investigation and mapping.
Oculus, Inc. Announces Promotions of Three Staff Members.
Rob Forney, AIA, LEED AP, was recently promoted from Sr. Project Architect & Manager to Director of Healthcare and Government. He has 30 years of experience in all areas of architectural practice with strong organizational skills coupled with the ability to multi-task many projects and teams at once. His leadership skills, creativity, and in-depth knowledge of these two markets allow for strong problem-solving abilities during all phases of a project. Forney is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED Accredited Professional with the US Green Building Council (USGBC). He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas.
Jim Stotlar, AIA, LEED AP O+M, GGP, who joined the firm in 2015 as a Project Architect, has been promoted to Project Manager. He has diverse experience in federal, healthcare, commercial, education, retail, and residential projects. In his new role, Stotlar will be responsible for managing project budgets, schedules, and programs, coordinating project communications and documentation, estimating fees, determining scopes of work, and preparing proposals and contracts. Stotlar is a member of the American Institute of Architects, a LEED Accredited Professional Operations + Maintenance with US Green Building Council (USGBC), and a Green Globes Professionals (GGP) with Green Building Initiative (GBI). He holds a Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Planning from Kansas State University and a MA in Interior Design from RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Promoted to Marketing Coordinator, Sarah Kreider brings over nine years of experience in marketing and graphic design. She joined the firm in 2016 and is responsible for developing and maintaining marketing information systems, coordinating the preparation of proposals, marketing correspondence and marketing material, and researching target markets and potential clients. Kreider earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from McKendree University.
“We are fortunate to have these three amazing individuals on our team,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “Their hard work, creativity and industry knowledge will help Oculus continue to grow and expand.” All three members of the team are in the St. Louis office.
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 national and international clients in the commercial, education, government, healthcare, hospitality, restaurant, and retail markets from offices in St. Louis and Dallas, and in Portland, Ore. through Staicoff Design Company, a division of Oculus. www.oculusinc.com.
June 22, 2018
Spiegelglass Construction Welcomes Scott Beard as Senior Project Manager
St. Louis-based Spiegelglass Construction Company, a 110+ year old commercial general contractor specializing in restaurants, corporate interiors and retail, welcomes Scott Beard as a senior project manager. Scott, who brings more than 20 years of construction management experience to the company, will be managing ground up and renovation projects for franchises, national chains and independently-owned businesses.
After serving as the 82nd Airborn Infantry Squad Leader in the United States Army, Scott spent several years in various construction management roles leading numerous new home residential projects. He then moved into the commercials space where he served as an owner representative and project manager for a host of multi-million dollar projects including hotels, educational facilities, apartment complexes and multi-family units.
In his current role at Spiegelglass Construction, Scott is managing all aspects of local and regional projects – from pre-construction to completion – for restaurant and retail clients.
Based in St. Louis, Spiegelglass Construction Company has been a family-owned general contractor since its inception in 1904. For more information, please visit www.spiegelglass-gc.com.
June 15, 2018
New Hires at Feeler, S. Architects
Cody Henderson has been promoted to Senior Associate at FSA, LLC. Henderson has been with FSA for nine years and has worked on many high-profile projects. Spearheading FSA’s mentorship program, Henderson’s dedication to developing young architects played a key role in the firm receiving the Emerging Professional Friendly Firm designation from the AIA Central States Region. Outside of work, Henderson participates in many local community programs, such as Habitat for Humanity, Young Architects Forum, and the American Institute of Architects. Professional affiliations include LEED AP, NCARB, AIA, and licensure in Missouri and Arizona. Henderson earned his bachelor’s in Architectural Technology from Ranken Technical College and his Masters in Architecture from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Joshua Curvey joined the FSA team as an Architectural Associate in March. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a bachelor’s in Architectural Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies. While at SIUC, Joshua operated the Design Fabrication Lab and actively volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. When it comes to architecture, he is most passionate about sustainability and efficiency in design.
Kimberly Lange stepped into her role as the Operations and Marketing Coordinator at FSA last October. Bringing seven years of marketing and management experience to the firm, Kimberly specializes in operational process improvement, engaging management practices, innovative marketing programs, and exceptional customer experiences. She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is currently pursuing her MBA at Maryville University.