project development manager, Mortenson Construction
Company: Mortenson Construction
Title: Project development manager
Education: Master of science in architecture from UW-Milwaukee, bachelor of science in architectural design from UWM.
Family: "Wife, Jayme, no children just quite yet, and a dog named Blu."
City of Residence: "We live in the Washington Heights neighborhood on the west side of Milwaukee and love it. The historic houses around that area are gorgeous and the people in the neighborhood are proud."
Hobbies and Interests: "Jayme and I started getting into triathlons last summer and really enjoy them. We’re training for some more this year. When there is time we enjoy traveling, and I enjoy reading non-fiction and history."
What are you working on? "Mortenson enjoyed a great 2007. We’ve been involved with the Froedtert and Medical College Clinical Cancer Center, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harley-Davidson Museum, and other health care projects around the state. In addition, I’ve been very involved with the preconstruction efforts on a $191 million hospital project in Virginia. I’ve also stayed busy through my involvement with several non-profit organizations such as the United Way, the YMCA, the American Institute of Architects, and St Coletta’s Day School."
How does the market look to you? "I think the Milwaukee market is well positioned to withstand any holistic economic downturn in ’08. Cyclical markets are inherent in our industry, but by working in diverse markets, most A-E-C companies will continue to flourish."
What was the best deal you’ve ever been involved in? "The construction industry, especially in southeastern Wisconsin, has been moving away from deals/transactions and toward teams who are committed to proactive solutions. The teams of exceptional people are why I enjoy this business so much. Work doesn’t feel like work if you’re not focused on the next deal and are focused on the people."
What was the funniest moment of your career? "A few years ago I came back from a week-long vacation to find everything on my desk (my computer, a small fan, and my clock radio) not working. After inspecting the cords I found someone had flipped the power strip’s on/off button under the desk. So I’m alone, on my hands and knees, with my head under the desk, and I flip the electricity on. You would’ve thought it was New Year’s Eve. The clock radio screamed as someone had turned the volume all the way up, and the little fan I had on my desk was spraying so many paper 3-hole punch dots that it looked like it was snowing. I flipped the button back off as soon as I realized what was going on. All I could hear was my friend/co-worker in the office next to me, having fits of laughter."
