President and CEO
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. | Madison
Jim Yehle has led Madison-based general contracting firm J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. as it’s completed several significant projects in Milwaukee, including The Couture tower, The Trade hotel and Marquette University’s business school building. Earlier in his career at Findorff, Yehle led teams in the construction of the Overture Center for the Arts and American Family Children’s Hospital, both in Madison. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2016 before becoming president and CEO in 2020. He serves on the board of directors for the Madison Region Economic Partnership and Madison Symphony Orchestra, chairs the board of directors for the Overture Center for the Arts, and chairs the advisory board for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Your secret talent: “Not sure if it’s a secret talent, but I have a photographic memory, so once I see things, I rarely forget the details. Tell me something and I may forget, but if I see it, it sticks.”
What would you do if you could choose another career: “Educator. I really enjoy and get energy talking to college kids about careers.”
Your sport if you could be an Olympian: “Table tennis. I love ping-pong.”
First and most recent concert: “First: Willy Porter. Most recent: Taylor Swift Eras Tour.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Real Estate and Development | Construction
President and CEO
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. | Madison
Jim Yehle was promoted to president and CEO of J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. in early 2020, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic’s arrival. He started at the Madison-based general contracting firm in 1999 as a project manager, leading teams in the construction of the Overture Center for the Arts and American Family Children’s Hospital, both in Madison. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2016. Now at the helm, Yehle is overseeing the company as it executes on several high-profile projects, including The Couture tower in downtown Milwaukee, The Trade in Milwaukee’s Deer District, and Marquette University’s new business school building.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you: “The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. The mission of the center is to create a place where the Black community and its allies can fill up on inspiration, opportunities, and hope.”
Fun fact: “Back in high school, I was the La Crosse city golf champion my senior year.”
Career advice: “Be a servant leader, give praise to others, delegate, trust and promote those around you. No one person ever built a building, it is a team, we should think and act that way. Be collaborative and communicative and there is nothing you can’t achieve together.”
Biggest risk you’ve ever taken: “Well, in our business we take risks every day, so we are used to those uncomfortable feelings. When in those situations, I find it’s best to trust your gut and instincts.”
