The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Spellman Brady Increases Staff of EDAC Designers
Amy Shoemaker Receives Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC).
Spellman Brady & Company is proud to announce that designer Amy Shoemaker has earned her Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC). Ms. Shoemaker is the most recent Spellman Brady designer to receive EDAC , which brings the firm’s designers to 20% certified.
Evidence-Based Design (EBD) is the process of basing healthcare facility planning and design decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible patient, staff and operational outcomes. Research evidence attests to the fact that the physical environment impacts patient stress, patient and staff safety, staff effectiveness and quality of care provided in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
In order to earn EDAC, Ms. Shoemaker passed a two-hour, 110-question multiple-choice exam. The exam’s five sections tested her on EBD in healthcare, the research process, the pre-design process, construction, and occupancy. The exam certifies professional’s ability to practice the EBD process.
Spellman Brady & Company is an award-winning St. Louis–based interior design firm specializing in senior living, healthcare, and higher education environments. For more information about Spellman Brady & Company, please visit www.spellmanbrady.com.
IMPACT Strategies Welcomes Craig Spidle
IMPACT Strategies is excited to welcome Craig Spidle to the team! Craig with be filling the newly created role of Director of Construction Operations focusing on the delivery of expert services, the execution of construction projects, and helping guide them to a successful completion.
Hailing form Wildwood, Missouri, Craig has 38 years of construction industry experience, most of which was spent in executive level roles in the St. Louis region. Craig has held the senior level positions of Vice President of Sverdrup Corporation, President of CRB Builders, and most recently Regional Manager for Burns & McDonnell. His industry executive level experience and finely tuned skill set are a welcome addition to the IMPACT Team and will aid in the continued growth of the company.
Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT Strategies, said “We’re ecstatic to have Craig on our team as his talents will certainly benefit our company. We have a great opportunity for growth by attracting someone with his knowledge and leadership experience.”
Relationship Builder Joins Holland Construction Team
Steve Schomaker has joined Holland Construction Services as the newest member of its business development team. However, he is anything but new to commercial construction. Schomaker has been building relationships and generating business in the commercial building industry throughout the Metro East for more than 30 years. He also serves as the mayor of Albers, Illinois.
“I began working in commercial construction as Poettker Construction’s first business development guy back in 1986 and was there until 2004,” Schomaker said. “It was then that I went to work for GRS Construction in Columbia, Illinois for 12 years. When the owner of GRS decided to retire and close the company, I wasn’t quite ready to retire yet.”
A close friend of Schomaker’s told Holland CEO Bruce Holland that Schomaker was looking to continue building commercial building relationships. It wasn’t long before Holland offered Schomaker the opportunity to work for him.
“I’m thrilled to be working as part of the Holland team,” said Schomaker. “Holland is built on integrity and they’re the nicest people I’ve ever met. In the construction business, it’s all about integrity and relationships, trying to help people acknowledge and realize hopes and dreams. Holland is not just there to build a building for clients. Holland is there to build long-term relationships that are built with honesty and integrity. I look forward to sharing the contacts I’ve cultivated over the past 30 years,” he added.
Holland said Schomaker’s down-to-earth, genuine work ethic pairs well with the company’s values and mission.
“We’re open for business doing smaller projects,” Holland said. “Smaller projects are managed in a different way. The numbers are different and the process is different. We’ll do almost anything for our clients, and we welcome the job no matter the size. Steve Schomaker’s many longstanding relationships with companies and individuals across the region will benefit us greatly. We welcome the opportunity to work with him.”
Schomaker is a native of Albers, Illinois and a graduate of Mater Dei High School in Breese and Kaskaskia College in Centralia. He has been married to Debbie Schomaker for 33 years; the couple has a son, Cole, who is a public school teacher in Mascoutah.
Holland Construction Services is a full-service construction management, general contracting, and design/build firm based in Swansea, Ill., guided by the principle of providing our clients the best possible building experience on every project. Holland has been providing quality construction services throughout the Midwest since 1986, when it was founded by company CEO Bruce Holland.
Luby Equipment Services Promotes Jim Bailey as Equipment Manager
Luby Equipment Services, a St. Louis-based CASE Construction Equipment Dealer, has announced the promotion of Jim Bailey to Equipment Manager effective immediately. Bailey has been the Rental Manager for the past 15 years and is replacing long time Equipment Manager, Larry Valco, who has retired after 30 years of service.
“Jim has done an outstanding job developing the rental department and has shown a keen ability to mentor and develop employees,” said Doug Juergensen, COO, Luby Equipment Services.
In his new role, Bailey will be responsible for adjusting to industry trends, configuring stock machines, and ensuring the appropriate time to buy, sell, and transfer equipment. “Jim has developed strong relationships with our customers over the last 15 years which will give us the ability to forecast what our customers will need, when they will need it,” said David Kedney, Sales Manager, Luby Equipment Services.
“I am very excited to have such a tenured and customer-centric manager on our team, and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our customers as well as the company,” said Kedney.
Luby Equipment Services operates out of its headquarters in Fenton, MO., and seven other branch locations. The company serves its customers equipment needs with a variety of new, used, and rental equipment. The company represents several manufacturers, including CASE Construction, Takeuchi, Doosan, Indeco, Atlas Copco, Wacker Neuson, Oshkosh Airport Products, Eager Beaver and Towmaster trailers.
Randall Burke and Thomas Everett Join Castle Contracting
Castle Contracting has expanded its St. Louis-based team with the hiring of Randall Burke and Thomas Everett. Randall Burke joined Castle as Estimating Manager. In this role, he reviews project plans, interacts with subcontractors and material vendors, and collaborates with project teams to provide accurate cost estimates to customers for site grading and site utility projects. Prior to joining Castle, Burke served as estimator/project manager at Plattin Creek Excavating in Arnold, Mo. His previous experience also includes serving as an excavating contractor, riding superintendent and heavy equipment operator. Burke earned a certificate in the heavy equipment operations program at Linn State Technical College in Linn, Mo.
And Thomas Everett joined Castle as Warehouse Logistics Manager, where he serves as the first point of contact for foreman needs and deliveries, including equipment, small tools and warehouse stock items. Prior to joining Castle, he was a laborer in concrete construction at Buchheit Construction in St. Charles. Everett earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting systems and forensics from Maryville University in St. Louis. He is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
“Randy and Tom are great additions to the Castle team, and our clients will benefit from their specialized expertise,” said Michael Pranger, vice president of operations at Castle Contracting.
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 subsurface utility mapping service provides industry-leading underground utility investigation and mapping.
March 2, 2018
Luby Equipment Services Hires Jenny Swafford as Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Luby Equipment Services, a St. Louis-based CASE Construction Equipment Dealer, has announced the hiring of Jenny Swafford as its Sales & Marketing Coordinator effective immediately. Prior to Luby Equipment Services, Swafford has served as the Customer Service Manager at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers for the past 7 years out of the Caseyville, Illinois location. There she was responsible for ensuring an excellent customer experience on auction day along with supporting the sales team’s efforts throughout the year. “Jenny has always shown initiative in the performance of her duties, going above and beyond what was expected of her, and consistently delivered exceptional customer service,” said David Kedney, Sales Manager, Luby Equipment Services. “I know the same level of dedication and commitment will be applied in her new role as she leads the sales support efforts.” As the Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Swafford will develop marketing plans, with a heightened focus on social media efforts, customer and community outreach, plus the managing of the company’s digital marketing efforts. “I am very excited to have such a strong talent on our team and look forward to the favorable impact she will have on both the sales & marketing departments and the company,” said Kedney. Luby Equipment Services operates out of its headquarters in Fenton, MO., and seven other branch locations. They serve their customers equipment needs with a variety of new, used, and rental equipment. The company represents several manufacturers, including CASE Construction, Takeuchi, Doosan, Indeco, Atlas Copco, Wacker Neuson, Oshkosh Airport Products, Eager Beaver and Towmaster trailers.
CARA McKEDY, DENNY CRAIN PROMOTED TO PRINICIPALS; MIKE FAVAZZA JR. JOINS DESIGN FIRM AS CFO
Changes in management structure part of strategic, succession planning
Vern Remiger, president of Remiger Design, the architectural, planning and interior design firm, has positioned the company for future growth with the recent promotions and staff addition. Cara McKedy and Denny Crain will assume more operational responsibilities as well as continuing to grow and diversify the firm’s portfolio. Mike Favazza Jr. will provide financial oversight as the company moves forward.
“These promotions certainly reward Cara and Denny for their contributions to our firm’s success,” Remiger said. “Equally important, Cara and Denny will be positioned to carry on my vision when the time comes for me to step aside. Mike provides the financial expertise to ensure that we sustain our success.”
McKedy joined Remiger Design in January 2011. As a senior project and client relationship manager, she has been charged with overseeing interior design services and maintaining relationships with the firm’s clients. She will maintain this role as a principal while expanding the firm’s business by focusing on the corporate office, retail and hospitality sectors.
McKedy has led projects across the country and globe for Remiger’s clients. Her career as an interior designer started in May 2005.
Denny Crain started with Remiger Design in April 2014 as a project leader and he became a licensed architect in January 2016. His primary responsibilities range across all design and construction phases of projects for the firm’s clients. As a principal, he will further develop the firm’s business while focusing on the education, institutional and industrial industries.
Crain also has more than 10 years of experience from other local design firms before his move to Remiger Design.
Crain and McKedy work closely with the firm’s staff of designers and architects to ensure each project works seamlessly and all services are coordinated to finish on time and on budget.
Mike Favazza has more than 14 years of both public and private accounting experience, including specializing in accounting services for small businesses and working as a controller for a $50 million retailer based in St. Louis.
Favazza served as an outside financial consultant before recently accepting the CFO position in January 2018. In this role, he will oversee several initiatives to improve profitability and efficiencies in Remiger Design’s business processes.
“This gives Remiger Design a talented management group to lead and grow our respective services in interior design and architecture,” Remiger said. “I will continue to oversee the company’s operations but Cara and Denny will become more involved as we move forward. And Mike will keep us on track financially.
“These changes in our management structure are part of our strategic and succession planning. Eventually, this group will assume the reins to take Remiger Design into the future,” he said.
Remiger founded the firm back in August 2010. Since then, it has grown to 15 employees. Its revenues doubled in the past three years, ending 2017 at $3.3 million. The company serves clients across the country in several industries: corporate offices, education, institutional, retail and hospitality.
Clients include, Cass Information Systems, a global pharmaceutical company, MasterCard, Cushman and Wakefield, Washington University, Great Rivers Greenway and Gateway Arch Park Foundation. The latter includes coordinating work done by designers and architects on the St. Louis Riverfront and Jefferson National Memorial Expansion. Nearing completion, the $380 million project integrates the iconic region’s Gateway Arch, riverfront and downtown.
Before starting his own firm, Remiger’s experience included 25 years as the chief architect and chief operating officer at his previous firm.
Based in St. Louis, MO, the firm provides architectural, planning and interior design services in several environments: educational, institutional and industrial facilities, corporate offices, and retail and hospitality. The firm was founded in 2010 by Vern Remiger, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in architecture, interior design, planning and facilities management.
Kappel Named General Manager of Micro-Surfacing Division for Byrne & Jones Construction Co.
Mike Kappel has been named general manager of the micro-surfacing division for St. Louis-based Byrne & Jones Construction Co. Byrne & Jones is a diversified St. Louis civil site contractor serving clients through six divisions – concrete, sports, asphalt, soil stabilization, marine and micro-surfacing.
Kappel joined Byrne & Jones in 2002 as a project manager. In his new position, Kappel will oversee the micro-surfacing division which serves commercial and municipal customers, building and maintaining parking lots, roads and highways. Micro-surfacing is a preventative maintenance paving product used to prolong the life of roads and parking surfaces.
Kappel holds a degree in construction management from Purdue University. He is a member of the SITE Improvement Association and served as its board president in 2016 and 2017.
Founded in 1976, Byrne & Jones builds and maintains parking lots, roads and highways, athletic fields, running tracks, tennis courts, underground drainage systems and paved surfaces and performs a variety of marine construction. Learn more at www.byrneandjones.com.
February 23, 2018
ACG St. Louis Hires New Executive Director to Spearhead Continued Growth
The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) St. Louis Chapter is pleased to announce the hiring of Amy Ruebsam as its new executive director of the St. Louis chapter.
Ruebsam will seek to strategically position ACG for future growth, while focusing on membership development and increasing sponsorship opportunities. Weintraub Advertising’s Association Management Division led by Darcie Carney, CAE, will continue to manage ACG’s administrative responsibilities.
“The Board is extremely excited to welcome Amy into our local chapter. We believe it will be a perfect fit,” said Kevin Prunty, ACG St. Louis President and Vice President at RGA Private Debt & Equity. “I am confident in Amy’s ability to take our chapter to the next level of growth and provide members an even better and stronger association.”
Her non-profit experience includes serving as the Chapter Manager of the Human Resource Association of the Midlands in Omaha, NE and the District Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, also in Omaha.
“Joining ACG is a tremendous opportunity for me to apply my non-profit and sales experience to enhance membership value and help grow the organization,” Ruebsam said.
ACG St. Louis’ 325 members drive corporate growth and mid-market dealmaking in the Midwest. Members include corporate CFOs, local banks, private equity and mezzanine firms, local investment banking professionals, area law and accounting firms and leaders at the area’s top advisory and service companies.
KAI Design & Build Expands Marketing Department with New Director of Marketing, Senior Marketing Coordinator and Promotions
KAI Design & Build has expanded its Marketing Department with the addition of new hire Daniel Poole as Director of Marketing and Michelle Gray as Senior Marketing Coordinator. Ashley Mensinger and Kristina Glassl were also promoted within the department.
New Hires
Daniel Poole, Director of Marketing – Poole has seven years of marketing and public relations experience, having previously led content marketing strategy for a Webster Groves, MO-based engineering firm. In his new position, Poole will be responsible for developing and implementing the corporate marketing strategy, promoting and improving process management, expanding and managing brand awareness, and engaging and leading the marketing team. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Southeast Missouri State University and is pursuing his Master’s degree in Management & Leadership from Webster University. He is currently the Communications Director of SMPS St. Louis.
“2018 is already proving to be a big year for KAI. As we continue to grow, I’m focused on working with leadership to develop strategy that is innovative, thoughtful, inclusive and emphasizes our unique position in the industry and the communities we serve,” said Poole. “KAI has a compelling story to tell from their collaborative value offering to their incredible group of talent. There is an excitement in the air that fuels individuals to do great things, and it’s empowering. I’m excited to be part of something this special and proud to join the team.”
Michelle Gray, Senior Marketing Coordinator – Gray has 14 years of AEC industry experience, most recently as Senior Marketing Coordinator for an architectural firm based in Creve Coeur, MO. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business with a specialization in Mass Communications and a minor in Spanish from the University of Florida. In her new role, Gray will play an integral part in proposal management and strategic messaging. She will also provide expertise in market research and trend analysis.
Promotions
Ashley Mensinger, Graphic Designer – Mensinger was promoted from Project Coordinator to Graphic Designer. In her new position, Mensinger will provide graphic and administrative support to the marketing department. She will be essential in helping build brand awareness and provide support in process management. She has five years of industry experience, most recently as a Project Coordinator at an architectural and engineering firm in St. Louis, MO. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
Kristina Glassl, Marketing and Events Coordinator – Glassl was promoted from Marketing Assistant to Marketing and Events Coordinator. In her new role, Glassl will manage project photography, organize and direct company-wide events, oversee proposal submissions and manage the customer relationship management database. She has been with KAI since 2016 and previously worked as an Accounts Payable Specialist for The UP Companies. She has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Dayton in Ohio.
KAI Design & Build is a national 100+ person design and build firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. A renowned leader in the industry, KAI provides design and build integrated project delivery solutions through collaboration, technology, processes and expertise. For more information about KAI Design & Build, visit www.kai-db.com or call 314-241-8188.