The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
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.
February 16, 2018
New Hires at Murphy Company
Maria L. Ogata has been named purchasing agent for Murphy Company, a leading mechanical engineering and contracting firm. The announcement was made by Dave Book, vice president – purchasing & facilities. Ogata has more than 18 years’ experience in commercial mechanical contracting with most of that being in the procurement area. “We are delighted to have someone with her extensive purchasing skills and experience join our outstanding team,” said Book. She attended both MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, and more recently, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
Daniel Ruiz has joined Murphy Company as help desk technician. His appointment was announced by Michael Julson, network manager for the mechanical engineering and contracting firm. Ruiz has worked as a desktop support technical and service center technician since 2012. His work experience includes repairs and trouble-shooting of personal computers, smartphones and tablets. Earlier, as a manager/supervisor for two game shops, he also did troubleshooting and repair of electronic game systems. He has extensive computer skills and HTML experience which he also brings to his new position.
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.
Michael Delano Jr. Joins Striler Group as Project Executive
The Striler Group hired Michael Delano Jr. as Project Executive to lead industrial and commercial projects. Michael’s career includes over one billion of construction and development project oversight, including the New Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Kauffman Stadium Renovation (Kansas City Royals), Marlins Ballpark (Miami Marlins), Ed Smith Stadium (Orioles Spring Training). He served as Owner’s Rep for the Oceana Key Biscayne and Oceana Bal Harbor ultra-luxury condominiums in Miami, FL as well as Business Development Manager for Coastal Construction Group.
Midas Hospitality Hires Director of Revenue Management
Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group, recently hired Morgan Bilek as Director of Revenue Management. In this position, Bilek will implement and execute the company-wide revenue management culture and philosophy. Her responsibilities include handling transient and group pricing strategies, creating a proper segmentation mix, and overseeing revenue management objectives and strategies in order to maximize hotel room revenue at all Midas properties.
Bilek has more than 12 years of hospitality experience. Prior to joining Midas Hospitality, she worked as the Director of Revenue Management for a hospitality management group based in Kentucky. She also has worked in a similar capacity for a hospitality property operator and developer in Wyoming.
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.
Longtime Contract Furniture Sales & Installation Veteran Joins Professional Installers, Inc.
Longtime contract furniture sales and installation expert, Dennis Popp recently joined the team at ProfessionalInstallers, Inc. (PI) as a Senior Project Manager. As the transformation of the office workspace continues to evolve, Dennis will bring best practice means and methods to PI, especially in the architectural wall installation area.
Prior to joining PI, Dennis worked for NewSpace Business Interiors. NewSpace is a St. Louis based contract furniture dealer and Teknion Authorized Dealer. Dennis brings 34 years of business interior sales and installation experience to the PI team. His primary responsibilities will focus on preconstruction, constructability and feasibility analysis, major project oversight, project logistics, estimation and architectural wall installation projects. Likewise, Dennis will be the installation liaison between architect, owner, dealer, and general contractor on projects.
With a B.S. in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University, Dennis’ understanding of complex projects lends well to the construction industry.
Dennis has most recently been instrumental working on projects such as Anders CPA renovation, Washington University Olin Library, Metal Exchange Corporation new offices, Nestle modular wall renovation and BJC IT Services Group reapplication of space. He is also currently on the Foundation Board of the Nazareth Living Center.
Grant Named MCAA Region E Vice President
Brian Grant, President of Grant Contracting Company in Fenton, Mo., was elected to the position of MCAA Region E Vice President at the MCAA Annual Meeting on January 25, 2018 during the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas.
Brian is currently in his thirty-fifth year in the masonry industry. He is a Professional Engineer, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Brian is past president of the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis, and the American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council. Brian is also past Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Masonry Institute of St. Louis. He currently serves as Management Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Bricklayer’s Union Local 1 of Missouri Pension and Welfare Funds. Brian currently sits on the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis’ Arbitration Board and is on the Board of Trustees for the Masonry Institute of St. Louis.
In addition to the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis and the American Subcontractors Association Midwest Council, Brian is currently a member of the Mason Contractors Association of America, The Masonry Society and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Grant Contracting Company, a certified masonry construction firm with an over seventy year history, specializes in commercial, industrial and institutional masonry.
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and our members welcome Brian to his new role.