Company address: 17975 West Sarah Lane, Brookfield, WI 53045
Company Web site: www.mortenson.com
Industry: Construction
Number of employees: Nationwide, over 2,200; locally, 200.
Company’s annual sales: $1.4 billion in 2006
Education: Bachelor of science in journalism and history, the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Family: Husband, Pat; daughters, Addison, Quinn and Piper.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“Two things really exciting happened in 2006. First, we opened an office in Shanghai, China. The office acts as a critical bridge between our North American customers’ critical facility needs and what it takes to deliver a successful facility in China. Secondly, we established a new market-focused group (Biofuels), which utilizes Mortenson’s expertise to construct production facilities that generate domestically-created fuels. Based on success with our Energy Group – which has resulted in Mortenson constructing more than 40% of the United States’ wind power – we were strongly encouraged by our energy customers and financial partners to pursue the growing opportunities in the biofuel industry.”
What’s new at your company?
“In the middle of 2006, we opened a Madison office. A few months later, we were awarded, in a joint venture with J.H. Findorff & Son, a $120 million project – the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery/Morgridge Institute for Research – in the heart of the UW-Madison campus. As a UW alum, it’s exciting to be a part of such a groundbreaking project. The facility will foster collaboration involving an array of disciplines and will spur new knowledge, new inventions, new treatments and cures for disease, and economic development for the region. Even more new is the May 1 launch of our new brand platform and new symbol for our company. After extensive focus groups, market research, testing, etc., our new platform represents three pillars: ingenuity, expertise, and exceptional people. The new brand and look better represents the characteristics that continually set Mortenson apart in the industry.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Since January 2006, Mortenson’s Milwaukee office has made the investment in 43 new team members; before the end of the year, we plan to hire an additional six to eight team members for various positions.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Integrating the growth that our company will experience. Having grown in terms of both revenue and employees over the last two years, maintaining our relaxed culture and environment is a key focus. We want to make sure that everyone feels like they are part of our culture and team as quickly as possible.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Integrated delivery, the rapid advancement of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the increased sophistication of owners, architects and construction professionals are all hot trends. As those in our industry know, there is significant buzz about BIM and Virtual Design and Construction, as well as Integrated Delivery wherein BIM/VDC are utilized to maximize the value of these new tools and processes.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“Do what you say you’re going to do. There are too many people who rely on us to deliver what we promise. If you’re not going to do it, then don’t say you will. And, if you know you can’t commit to what you’ve committed to, let others know so they can plan accordingly. It’s so simple.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“Kim Marotta, director of corporate social responsibility at Miller Brewing. Her work-life juggling skills, coupled with her corporate know-how, continually amaze me. She makes it all seem so effortless. She excels in her job and has done a wonderful job of raising well-balanced, kind, and involved kids. She’s also inspiring to work with. She came from a legal background and has successfully translated skills from that arena into a very broad role which has positively impacted our community. In nearly every meeting I’m at with her, she always pushes people to think outside the box. Miller is lucky to have her, and I feel fortunate to have her as a friend and mentor.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Only you can determine the right decision for you. It shouldn’t matter what someone else would do.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“Spend time with my family, spend time with friends, travel and spend time on the lake.”
