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Ross & Baruzzini Acquires Seattle, Washington-Based COMgroup, Inc

Published on in Companies/News
Craig Toder

Ross & Baruzzini, Inc., an international engineering consulting and design firm based in St. Louis, has acquired COMgroup, Inc., a noted independent telecommunications consulting firm with offices in Kirkland, Wash.  The acquisition expands Ross & Baruzzini’s current technology service offerings deeper into the western U.S., now anchored by the new office in suburban Seattle.

Financial terms were not disclosed.   The acquisition is the fifth consummated by Ross & Baruzzini since 2016.

Founded in 1985, COMgroup serves the public and private sectors with state-of-the-art communications consulting, infrastructure design and planning, operational process improvement and project management.

Craig Toder, chairman of Ross & Baruzzini, commented: “The COMgroup acquisition is strategic for us in two respects.  First, it enables us to better serve domestic and international clients based in the Pacific Northwest – the capital of the global technology world. Second, it gives us a platform to introduce other areas of specialization in the transportation, healthcare and government sectors. We’re excited about the potential for growth.”

J.R. Simmons, president of COMgroup, said the acquisition will benefit COMgroup’s clients and employees.  “We are excited to combine resources with those of Ross & Baruzzini. The partnership will expand and enhance the capabilities and expertise available to clients and increase the value of the services we provide. It will also open new avenues for the professional growth of our employees.”

COMgroup will become a division of Ross & Baruzzini and immediately partner with EDI, Ross & Baruzzini’s technology division, to integrate operations. Simmons will collaborate with William H. Overturf, III, Ross & Baruzzini president, and EDI managing principal, Mark McComb, to incorporate COMgroup into the Ross & Baruzzini organization.

Overturf remarked: “From the onset of discussions, we were attracted by the natural synergies evident between our companies and the opportunity for us to enhance our deep focus on technology.  COMGroup’s clients will continue to work with COMgroup staff, complemented by Ross & Baruzzini and EDI multi-disciplinary expertise. We look forward to extending the full spectrum of our joint capabilities to new clients nationwide.”

Ross & Baruzzini, which has 350 employees, executes projects in more than 30 countries. It operates from headquarters in St. Louis with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Kansas City, New York, Hamden, Conn., and Mexico City. It also has staff in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Founded in St. Louis in 1953, Ross & Baruzzini (http://www.rossbar.com) is an international engineering consulting and design firm consistently ranked among the top companies in the nation among its peers. The firm provides advanced solutions in the transportation, healthcare, government, higher education and mission-critical markets. 

Earlier this year, the firm was named a “best place to work” by the St. Louis Business Journal.  It is also routinely ranked among the nation’s fastest growing design firms by the Zweig Hot List.

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Ryan Freeman Named President of PayneCrest Electric, Inc.

Published on in Companies/News
Ryan Freeman

Ryan Freeman has joined PayneCrest Electric, Inc. to serve as president.  PayneCrest is one of the St. Louis area’s largest electrical contractors serving a variety of industries locally and nationally.  David Payne, who has served as PayneCrest’s president for 34 years, will remain chief executive officer of the firm.

Freeman has 18 years of experience in construction management and executive leadership, most recently serving as a senior vice president at McCarthy.  He has earned a number of honors including being named a “40 under 40” high achiever by the national publication Building Design + Construction and the St. Louis Business Journal.   He was also named an outstanding alumnus by Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville’s School of Engineering from which he graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. Freeman is a past board member of FamilyForward and currently serves on several committees for the St. Louis-based charity that fights child abuse and neglect.

PayneCrest is annually ranked among the nation’s “Top Specialty Contractors” by the construction trade publication Engineering News Record.  It reported revenues of $160 million in 2018, ranking among the top electrical contractors by the St. Louis Business Journal.  The firm provides industrial, commercial and telecommunications electrical contracting and engineering services.  It has been honored more than 25 times for construction excellence in the annual AGC Keystone Awards, including its work on the St. Louis area’s two largest electrical contracts – the Holcim Cement Plant and the Lumiere Place Casino and Hotel.

Most recent PayneCrest projects include the Pfizer research campus in Chesterfield, Mo., Centene’s expansion in Clayton, Mo., the expansion of the GM auto plant in Arlington, Tex. and the Facebook Data Center in Omaha, Neb.

Founded in 1954, PayneCrest specializes in solution-oriented industrial, commercial and telecom electrical contracting and engineering services for a local, regional and national clientele.  Clients span healthcare, technology, biotech, energy, industrial, institutional and commercial industries. Find out more at www.paynecrest.com

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Trio of Construction Firms Acquire St. Louis-Based Leonard Masonry, Inc.

Published on in Companies/News

Firm Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary by Adding Restoration and Preservation Services

Alberici Corporation, Byrne & Jones Construction and Central Building & Preservation, L.P. have jointly acquired the assets of the venerable St. Louis construction firm Leonard Masonry, Inc.  Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Founded in 1959 by Donald Leonard, the two-generation, family-owned company grew to become one of the largest masonry contractors in St. Louis, focusing on new construction.  Its capabilities will be expanded to restoration and preservation projects.

“With an infusion of capital from the new ownership group, we are excited to broaden Leonard Masonry’s exquisite craftsmanship in new construction and introduce its skills to masonry restoration and preservation in the built environment,” said John Heitert who serves as general manager of Leonard Masonry.  Heitert was formerly a project manager and corporate equipment manager at Alberici.

Heitert is joining long standing Leonard Masonry leadership – Kenneth Westhoff and Ken Booth.  Westhoff is the former Leonard Masonry, Inc. president and has been with the company for more than 22 years. He serves as chief estimator.  Booth joined the firm in 1999 and will remain field operations manager, a position he’s held since 2004.

Under the new ownership, Leonard Masonry will retain its name and its headquarters at 5925 Fee Fee Road.  The firm employs 40 people, but will add additional employees as it grows its new construction and restoration practice with a goal of employing up to 80 people. The new ownership group hopes to double annual revenues to about $10 million over the next 12 months.

“We are excited that the 60th anniversary of Leonard Masonry’s founding is a benchmark year, fortified by new ownership that is energizing our next generation of craftsmanship and service to  facility managers, developers and general contractors,” noted Westhoff.

Leonard Masonry’s craftsmanship is found throughout the St. Louis area in ornate granite, stone and brick installations. It has won numerous awards from the Masonry Institute of St. Louis, the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) St. Louis Chapter, the Construction Products Council of St. Louis and other organizations.  Among those award-winning projects are:

  • Uncas A. Whitaker and Earth and Planetary Science buildings on the Washington University campus, among several award-winning Washington University projects for Leonard Masonry;
  • Emerson Grand Basin in Forest Park;
  • John Apostle and Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown St. Louis;
  • Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Washington, Mo.; and
  • Arnold Recreation Center in Arnold, Mo.

Among its many landmark projects are the St. Louis Missouri Temple of The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the BMO Harris Bank Building in Des Peres, the Boeing Leadership Center Chateau in Florissant, Mo. and The Dome at America’s Center, which included $7.8 million in masonry alone.  More on Leonard Masonry can be found at www.leonardmasonry.com.

With annual revenues exceeding $2 billion, St. Louis-based Alberici is a diversified global construction company regularly ranked among the top 40 contractors in the United States by Engineering News-Record.  Alberici serves a broad spectrum of industrial and commercial markets providing general contracting, construction management and design-build solutions, as well as the ability to self-perform key components of its projects. Learn more at www.alberici.com.

Chicago-based Central Building & Preservation L.P. is Chicago’s leading masonry restoration contractor.  Founded in 1924, the firm has a loyal clientele and performs many of the high profile projects in Chicago.  Central specializes in masonry reconstruction, tuckpointing, concrete restoration, and sealant application.  Central serves a broad array of commercial, multi-unit residential, and institutional clients.  Learn more at www.centralbldg.com

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KAI Announces Acquisition of Fratto Engineering, Inc. in Arlington, Texas

Published on in Companies/News

KAI has acquired woman-owned Fratto Engineering, Inc. based in Arlington, TX. Founded in 1997, Fratto Engineering specializes in Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering and has more than 40 clients that include higher education institutions, hospital systems and healthcare centers, local municipalities, architectural firms, electrical contractors, general contractors and other institutions.

Fratto Engineering President Debbie Fratto said the KAI Enterprises family of companies was the perfect fit for the acquisition due to the companies’ shared philosophies and collaborative culture. The acquisition, she said, will give Fratto customers the unique advantage of having design and construction professionals in the same office to provide input and advice on project solutions.

“As we sought to transition to the next period of our lives and careers, we were looking for a firm that exhibited similar qualities in service to their clients as well as a familial culture with their team members,” Fratto said. “It was refreshing to find a firm that valued our approach, reputation and team members as much as we do. Our philosophy of ‘Build It Right and They Will Come Back’ is in line with KAI’s mission of ‘Transforming Communities Through Integrated Design and Construction Excellence.’ We believe in building relationships not only with our clients but also with the communities we serve.”

Under the acquisition agreement, Fratto Engineering’s staff will complete its current contractual commitments to its clients, with all new opportunities as of Feb. 1, 2019 moving forward as KAI Engineering, LLC. Fratto Engineering’s 12 employees will remain in the Arlington office, accompanied by a few engineers transferred from KAI’s Dallas, TX office.

Debbie Fratto and Fratto Engineering Principal Mark Fratto, P.E. will stay on in senior level roles in the Arlington office.

“I am excited to have Mark and Debbie Fratto join the KAI team,” said KAI Enterprises President Darren L. James. “As the acquisition of Fratto was announced, the two of them have been exceptional in their new roles. They are a joy to work with and their insight, knowledge and personal touch serves us well as we provide additional resources and experience to our growing client base.”

Examples of Fratto Engineering’s clients include Huguley Hospital, Angiel Electric, Davis Latham Construction, CADCO Architects, Callahan & Freeman Architects, MPI Architects, Peter Lewis Architect, Rabe Architects, REES, SBL Architecture, Tarrant County College District, VA Hospitals, JPS Hospital and Parkland Hospital.

KAI Enterprises is a national design and build firm providing delivery-oriented building solutions with a diverse portfolio of experience, in-house multi-discipline professionals, and expertise in both design and construction delivery. To learn more about KAI, visit www.kai-db.com.

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Bangert, Inc. Continues Growth with Addition to Leadership Team

Published on in Companies/News
Dirk Ochs

Bangert, Inc. today announced the promotion of Dirk Ochs to General Manager and Integrator. Dirk brings with him a wealth of experience from his prior leadership and integrator role as the Co-Founder of Athlete Network. Dirk will oversee Bangert, Inc.’s new internal operations structure, EOS. “I’m very familiar with the positive impact the Entrepreneurial Operating System or EOS can have,” says Dirk, “Bangert is prime for phenomenal growth by implementing the EOS system and I’m thrilled to be an integral part of such a fantastic team.”

The Entrepreneurial Operating System, or EOS, is a complete set of simple concepts and practical tools that have helped thousands of entrepreneurs get what they want from their businesses. By mastering this simple way of operating, leadership teams of growth-oriented companies systematically and permanently improve.

Dirk’s skill set and drive will push the company’s short-term and long-term objectives as well as ensure the team continues to provide a great customer experience. Bangert, Inc.’s President & CEO, Kurt Bangert says, “Dirk has proven to be a valuable member of the Bangert Team and I’m excited to have Dirk fill the role of General Manager and Integrator,” adding that, “Dirk exemplifies our core values and will be a great leader here at Bangert, Inc.”

For over 35 years, Bangert, Inc. has been a leading provider of construction business productivity and technology solutions in North America. Bangert, Inc. and their partners deliver integrated solutions for every critical operation in a construction business, from lead development to project delivery. To learn more about its work and products, visit bangertinc.com

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KAI Design & Build, HBD Construction, Inc. to Build New 136-room Fairfield Inn & Suites in Downtown St. Louis

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The KAI Design & Build/HBD Construction, Inc. team has been selected to build one of the first new hotels in downtown St. Louis in years – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new hotel was held on Oct. 18 at the corner of 22nd and Market streets, the former site of iconic Harry’s Restaurant & Bar.

“We are truly excited to be a part of this dynamic project and the revitalization of such a landmark site in the Downtown-West area of St. Louis City,” said KAI President Michael Kennedy, Jr.

St. Louis-based Equis Hotels is the developer on the $20 million hotel and parking garage project, with Chiodini Architects of St. Louis providing its design and Peak Construction Group serving as the construction manager. KAI Design & Build/HBD Construction is the general contractor.

“HBD is very excited to be starting its third project for Equis and its second project with joint venture partner KAI and team. The project will be an important amenity to the downtown St. Louis area, which continues positive growth,” said Michael Perry, President of HBD Construction.

The new hotel will feature 136 rooms and suites, 2,000 square feet of meeting rooms, a lobby lounge and bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, free breakfast, fitness center, outdoor patio, business center and shuttle service within a 2-mile radius of the property. With easy access to downtown St. Louis businesses and attractions, the modern Marriott-branded hotel will be suitable for business and leisure travelers and is expected to open in early 2020.

The Fairfield by Marriott hotel will revitalize a highly-visible lot in the western portion of downtown St. Louis and create an important addition to the region’s hospitality offerings.

“Equis’ new Fairfield by Marriott hotel is unique as it truly is the first, ground up Marriott select service hotel to be built in the City of St. Louis’ downtown market in decades,” said Equis Hotels Chief Executive Officer and Founder Michael Mullenix. “This hotel will now capture the traditional Marriott hotel customer seeking a true, ground-up Marriott select service hotel brand downtown. It will provide a quality offering so that guests do not have to travel outside of downtown to satisfy their lodging needs. Our new Fairfield by Marriott hotel will not only serve the existing hotel demand generators in the city, but it will definitely accommodate the exciting growth now taking place in the City of St. Louis, including the new $600 million Saint Louis University hospital project and the new $1.6 billion National Geo-Spatial Intelligence or NGA headquarters campus currently under construction just a mile north of our site.”

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.

HBD Construction, Inc. is a diverse, full-service general contracting and construction management firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information about HBD Construction, Inc., visit www.hbdgc.com or call 314-781-8000.

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Pinnacle Contracting, Inc. Selected as Construction Manager for $9 Million Historic Renovation

Published on in Companies/Homepage Primary/News

Pinnacle Contracting, Inc. has been tapped by St. Louis-based developer Pier Property Group to execute the historic renovation of the Steelcote Manufacturing Company Paint Factory complex at 801 Edwin Street in mid-town St. Louis, Mo.

Pinnacle is targeting a spring 2019 completion for the 42,000-square-foot, $9 million conversion that will create 31 units in the landmark five-story building.  A second adjoining structure will house the leasing office and bike storage while a third building will host two additional units bringing total residence count to 33.   Fifteen indoor tempered parking spaces and exterior gated parking for guests and residents will also be constructed.

In addition to traditional loft floor plans with 10- to 12-foot ceiling heights, two-story units with rooftop terraces and panoramic views of St. Louis will also be available.  Loft finishes include oversized window bays, sealed concrete floors, quartz countertops and back-painted glass backsplashes in kitchens.

Founded in St. Louis, Steelcote pioneered rubber enamel coatings for a variety of products and was once a world leader in the field.  It opened the building on Edwin Street in 1922 and finished building out upper levels in 1929.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located within St. Louis University’s Midtown Redevelopment Area, the complex has been vacant since 2006.

“We have been fortunate to meet with family members of the original owners of the building who have shared their memories of milestones and significant events with the re-development team,” said Pinnacle Vice President of Operations, Tim McLaughlin, “Their stories and collector’s items are evident throughout the design, which aims to bring elements of the past back to life.”

Led by Michael Hamburg, Pier Property Group focuses on the acquisition, renovation and management of historic buildings.  It specializes in development opportunities that utilize public/private partnerships and creative financing.

Members of its St. Louis-based project team are architect Trivers Associates and the local office of structural engineer KPFF Consulting Engineers.

“The assignment poses multiple technical challenges ranging from the unique mat slab foundation in the basement to the detailed layout coordination required to respond to the specific structural requirements within each floor slab,” added McLaughlin. “Thorough preconstruction planning is key.”

Founded in 1998 in St. Louis by Tom McLaughlin and Nelson Grumney, Jr., Pinnacle Contracting provides general contracting, construction management and design-build services.  In its 20th year of business, Pinnacle works in many different markets including historic renovation, office, educational, industrial, healthcare, hospitality, retail and multi-family.

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Bangert, Inc. Announces Acquisition of New Flagship Office in Olathe, KS

Published on in Companies/News

Bangert, Inc. today announced the acquisition of their new flagship office in Olathe, KS. The building, which is located just north of Garmin, is a crucial addition and marks the company’s move from downtown Kansas City. “We see it as a huge benefit to our employees and our culture” says Kent Galley, COO, Bangert, Inc. “The modern, open space will promote our digital-first initiatives and give us some much-needed square footage for growth.”

Some key facts about Bangert, Inc include:

  • Founded in 1983, the company has been present in the Kansas City Metro since 1999
  • Bangert, Inc. is a family-owned business, now in its 3rd generation
  • Richard Bangert, founder, developed communications systems for the Apollo missions before

launching Bangert, Inc. with his son Kurt, Bangert, Inc. has grown substantially over the last 6 months, with plans of hiring 45 people throughout it’s 5 national locations over the next 18 months – the bulk being added in Olathe. The hunt for a perfect location has taken nearly a year to complete, but company leadership is excited about joining the Olathe community. “Olathe is a great place for us to be,” says Director of Marketing Reid Bangert, “We’re looking forward to being active with our neighbors as well as contributing to the local community.”

Bangert, Inc. is a leading technology solutions provider to the construction industry. Bangert has continually cultivated strong resources by investing in people and processes that are dedicated to helping their clients save time and money. There has never been a more exciting time to be in construction technology. If you’re looking to join a vibrant and dedicated team visit bangertinc.com/construction-tech-jobs/

 

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Etegra, inc. Awarded $9M U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville Master Planning A-E IDIQ

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The MCFA-Etegra Joint Venture is proud to announce the official contract award to provide Architect/Engineer Services & Master Planning Services for Military and Civil Works Projects within the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Mission Boundaries under a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District.

The MCFA-Etegra JV (M|E JV) is a small business Joint Venture between Etegra, Inc. (Etegra) a SBA Certified 8(a) and DBE/MBE Small Business and MC Fuhrman Associates, LLC, a Small Business. The firms partnered together to offer the USACE Louisville District and its customers an optimum blend of master planning and conceptual design services ranging from big picture military installation master planning, infrastructure planning and civil works project development to individual project facilities planning and programming expertise.

Established in 1886, the Louisville District employs approximately 1,300 people in the five-state area of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio out of 60 field offices. The civilian workforce is made up of professional engineers, architects, planners, economists, biologists and other specialists and support staff. The mission of the Louisville District is to deliver solutions and manage resources supporting regional and national requirements through an expert team of multidisciplinary professionals utilizing best engineering practices and strategic partnerships to reduce disaster risk, strengthen the economy and support national security.

“We are honored to be a part of this effort. It is our duty to offer Etegra’s services in a manner that will improve the readiness and sustainability of the USACE facilities,” said Andrew Kishna, Chief Executive Officer.

“Our team is thrilled to be of service to the USACE Louisville District and their key customers.” says Brian Pieplow, Program Manager of the M|E JV. “We look forward to providing the District high quality innovative and effective strategy and planning services to support the key military and civil works missions of the District’s customers.”

The contract term is for one base year plus four option years and work is forecasted to commence later this year.

Etegra is an 8(a) DBE/MBE architect-engineer (A-E) firm. Our primary services are facility and civil design, and asset management for the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Air Force, Independent School Districts, and Power Companies. Our firm through an excellent delivery model is committed to a high level of service, technical expertise and execution to ensure we meet our customer’s needs.

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Jerry Grimaud of Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc., Awarded Honored Life Membership in IFAI

Published on in News/People

Jerry Grimaud of Lawrence Fabric and Metal Structures, Inc., has been awarded an Honored Life Membership in IFAI.  This distinction is bestowed by special request, solely at the discretion of the IFAI board of directors.

Grimaud started working at Lawrence in 1979.  Throughout his time in the industry, he has served on numerous trade association boards, including the Lightweight Structures Association (LSA), the Fabric Graphics Association (FGA) and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). He has presented several IFAI/division-hosted educational seminars and was instrumental in creating many elements of today’s AIA-accredited CES presentations for both the FGA and PAMA.

Photo Above: Jerry Grimaund and Mary Hennessy, President of IFAI

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