sales/project director, MSI General Corp.
Title: Sales/project director
Company: MSI General Corp.
Education: Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) – bachelor of science degree in structural engineering and bachelor of science degree in construction management.
Family: Husband, Brian Loth.
City of Residence: Milwaukee, Bay View neighborhood
Hobbies and Interests: "Photography – which I do on the side for weddings, commercial events, and families. I also enjoy dance, which I am currently taking a hip hop class and really enjoying!"
What are you working on? "A new Pick ‘n Save grocery store and retail development in the Village of Oconomowoc Lake, six grocery store remodels for Roundy’s, a library expansion project, a dental office building, and a retail and grocery store development on the northwest side of Milwaukee. I recently completed a major buildout for the offices of Waunakee Utilities in Waunakee, and a retail addition for Hawks Nursery in Wauwatosa."
How does the market look to you? "The market continues to look strong for our retail and industrial markets. We saw a slowdown this past summer, however things have picked back up heading into the fall and winter months. Typically this time of year is slower for construction just due to the winter weather, however, we have one of the strongest backlogs we have seen, which is a good sign that things are picking back up. We are also seeing a lot in our architectural design department for retail, commercial and industrial projects, which means people are looking ahead to 2008 as another strong year for their businesses. We are also seeing a little increase in our religious sector."
What was the best deal you’ve ever been involved in? "The design and construction of the St. John’s School in Wauwatosa. We were given 12 months to complete the construction of an approximately 42,000-square-foot, three-story school. We accomplished that schedule, despite one of the rainiest springs in 2002 and the coldest winter (which is when a majority of our masonry was being set) in 2002/2003. What made this project one of the best was the amount of fun we were able to have with the interaction between our team and the St. John’s school and church team. It was really neat to see the project come together and also to be a part of a building that will ultimately shape the lives of each student that attends it!"
What was the funniest moment of your career? "I enjoy public speaking and do a lot of it with my current position at MSI General for plan commission meetings and review boards. Each municipality is different in how projects are presented and when you are allowed to speak. Even though I enjoy public speaking, I will admit I still get a little nervous and sometimes ‘get in my zone’ where I really am not paying close attention to what the commissioners are talking about. I was to present at one plan commission meeting and thought they had said to me, ‘Do you have any further comments?’ Thinking they were addressing me, I stood up, presented some points on my project and asked them if they had any further questions or comments for me. The president of the commission, with a smile on his face, said, ‘Yes, once we get to the public comment part of the agenda, we will be excited to hear what you have to say and look forward to commenting then.’ I then realized I had pretty much skipped over a portion of the agenda and was speaking in the non-public portion of the meeting. The commission and myself shared a good laugh about it and still joke about when I present at that municipality."
