News Category: Press Releases

Skender, a leading construction firm dedicated to serving communities through charitable giving and social action, donated over $400,000 and volunteered countless hours in 2024 to a variety of foundations, organizations and civic programs.

Philanthropic giving is nothing new to Skender, which over the last 15 years has donated nearly $10 million to hundreds of non-profit organizations. In 2024, Skender contributed to more than 70 charities, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, Art for Life Chicago, the American Heart Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Over the Rainbow, Camp Out for Kids, and Habitat for Humanity.

“Skender continues to build a legacy of integrity within the communities it serves,” said Lisa Latronico, Chief People Officer at Skender. “Fostering positive change and impact is a key pillar of our culture. As a builder, we understand our impact on the environment and our communities, and feel a responsibility to raise up our people and our business by forging relationships and making charitable contributions that drive progress.”

Skender’s 2024 philanthropic highlights include:

ACE Mentor Scholarship: In partnership with ACE Mentor Chicago, a non-profit focused on introducing high school students to the fields of architecture, engineering and construction, Skender awarded two scholarships to students in 2024.

Almost Home Kids: Every year, Skender employees work with Almost Home Kids to buy wish-list gifts and spread holiday joy to families and children facing medical complexities.

Chicago Veteran Winter Stand Down: In honor of Veterans Day, Skender’s DEI committee organized an employee volunteer day to help serve meals and distribute clothing to local veterans experiencing hardship and homelessness.

Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program: Skender believes in fostering relationships with non-profits and schools that provide apprenticeship opportunities to their students, especially in cases when this helps to lessen the financial burden for students who could not otherwise afford a college prep experience. In 2024, Skender was proud to offer two students from Cristo Rey High School in Pilsen employment.

Genesys Works: For the seventh consecutive year, Skender partnered with the non-profit Genesys Works to provide pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Currently, Skender has one student going through the program and is providing college tuition assistance and employment for two graduates of the program.

Habitat for Humanity: In service to Habitat for Humanity’s ‘Women Build’ program, Skender raised a record-breaking $75,000 in 2024 for the global non-profit housing organization. Additionally, Skender hosted a large Women Build fundraiser event and Skender team members joined the Habitat for Humanity build-day event to build homes for families in need of housing.

Knockout Cancer: Skender’s Tony Scott entered the boxing ring to support the Reaumond Foundation and help raise money for pancreatic cancer patients, families and research. Skender was also the presenting sponsor of the event.

Revolution Workshop: To raise awareness about job opportunities in commercial and multi-unit residential construction, Skender hosted a series of Revolution Workshops at several jobsites, which allowed participants to shadow workers and see how specific jobs function. Additionally, Skender regularly participates in interview days for Revolution Workshop cohorts to prepare them for real-life interviews upon graduation. As part of its DEI goals, Skender annually sponsors a graduate from Revolution Workship, a Chicago trade school or other non-profit organization for membership in the Carpenters, Laborers, or Painters union. This year, Skender is sponsoring a Revolution graduate who joined the Carpenters Union.

Superheat: Featuring Skender’s Dan Ulbricht on guitar and Courtney Boatwright on vocals, the charity band Superheat has a rich history of performing at fundraising events. The band has helped raise millions of dollars for charitable causes and organizations, including Music Will, Memory Rock for the Alzheimer’s Association, City of Hope, Gilda’s Club and Habitat for Humanity.

Women in Construction: Skender is dedicated to creating opportunities for employment, growth and advancement for women in the construction industry. Through the leadership of Chief People Officer Lisa Latronico, who was recently named a 2024 Globe St. Woman of Influence in the Diversity Champion category, Skender increased its share of women in the workforce to 18.33% in 2024.

Exploding demand in healthcare, education and municipal sectors—coupled with successful relationship building—has led to the builder’s rapid Indiana growth and office move.

Significant growth across key industry sectors and all project sizes is driving Skender’s presence in Indiana. Skender can now claim more than 5 million square feet of completed and active construction experience across the state. Project volume jumped by 400% from 2022 to 2024, with projects spanning the healthcare, municipal, office and education sectors.

Skender, a Chicago-based provider of full-service, turnkey construction solutions, combines homegrown Hoosier-state knowledge with the resources and capabilities of a national top-100 builder, allowing it to get more involved in supporting developers and owners with dynamic services.

“After committing to serving our clients with the utmost passion, commitment and value-driven offerings, we’re seeing how those values and decisions help build positive, long-lasting relationships,” said Brian Simons, senior vice president and head of location operations at Skender. About 90% of Skender’s awarded projects in Indiana have come from repeat clients or referrals, and office revenue has doubled every year since opening. “We’re proud to have earned the trust of so many clients, and look forward to being their valued partner long into the future.”

Skender first established an office in Indianapolis in 2020 when Indiana University Health (IU Health), one of the country’s largest healthcare institutions, brought Skender in to assist with significant expansion and upgrades to IU Health facilities around central Indiana.

“It has been an exciting journey since we established that first office back in 2020,” said Simons. “We opened our Indianapolis doors with a total of just four employees in the office and four years later we are excited to announce our expansion and relocation seven miles north to Westfield. This move will more than triple our leased space, better accommodate our now 16-person local team and allow for additional hiring over the next 12 months.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Skender to Westfield! Their decision to relocate here is a testament to our business climate and we are excited about the opportunities this will bring for our workforce as they continue to expand,” said City of Westfield Mayor Scott Willis.

Skender has completed corporate buildouts for office tenants including Baker Tilly, Nike and Kainos as well as healthcare buildouts for Jane Pauley Community Health and Midwest Eye Institute. Skender has also completed many high-profile medical projects on behalf of IU Health including the construction of IU Health Bloomington Regional Academic Health Center, IU Health Capitol View medical office building, IU Health North PEM Suite, and the renovation of IU Health West Hospital’s outpatient clinic and expansion of its infusion clinic. IU Health projects currently underway include:

\\ IU Health South Support Building New Construction. Skender, along with Garmong Construction, is underway on a 1,100,000-square-foot support building and parking garage, serving as the central hub of the new IU Health AHC campus. Project completion is slated for December 2025.

\\ IU Health North Renovations. Skender is underway on multiple equipment replacement and renovation projects within an active IU Health hospital.

\\ IU Health Riley Greyhound Renovations. Skender is renovating medical offices that will expand IU Health Riley services in Carmel and Westfield upon completion in November.

In addition to its work with IU Health, Skender has worked on several local municipal and education projects that have made noticeable differences in the community, including:

\\ Hamilton County Health Department Upgrades. In September, Skender completed significant mechanical infrastructure upgrades at the Health Department, which included a completed system upgrade with associated electrical and controls, all while maintaining County operations at the building.

\\ Hamilton County Jail Addition. A ground-up addition to the existing jail, which included the addition of new chillers, boilers, water systems, pumps and air handling units. All upgrades required multiple phases and intricate sequencing to allow municipal operations to continue without disruption.

\\ Hamilton County Courthouse and Judicial Center Renovation and Expansion. A four-floor interior renovation, modernization and expansion.

\\ Hamilton County Historic Courthouse Exterior Upgrades. A complete façade upgrade project.

\\ Indiana University School of Nursing Renovation. A 35,000-square-foot occupied renovation of an existing building was completed in July 2024.

In 2024, Skender was proud to be named a finalist for two Indiana General Contractor of the Year awards — one by REJournals and the other by the Indiana Subcontractors Association. Skender won the Indiana Subcontractors Association award for Project of the Year in the $10-million-and-under category.

Photos:

\\ IU Health Capitol View – Skender worked on the new IU Health Capitol View, a 250,000-square-foot  medical office building with a 310,000-square-foot parking structure.

\\ IU Health South Support Building – Skender, along with Garmong Construction, is underway on a 1,100,000-square-foot support building and parking garage, serving as the central hub of the new IU Health AHC campus. Project completion is slated for December 2025.

\\ Hamilton County Historic Courthouse – Skender recently completed a complete façade upgrade project.

\\ Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center – Skender recently completed a four-floor interior renovation, modernization and expansion.

Company recognized for exceptional workplace culture by Crain’s Chicago Business for the eighth time.

Skender, a leading general contractor and construction company, is proud to announce its 30th “Best Place to Work” award, this time from Crain’s Chicago Business. Of the 100 finalists in this year’s Crain’s competition, Skender ranked 9th among companies with more than 150 employees and 29th overall. This recognition marks Skender’s eighth workplace award from Crain’s, cementing its reputation as a top employer in the Chicagoland area.

Since 2008, Skender has been recognized by three distinguished organizations for its dedication to fostering a dynamic and supportive work culture. Each of these awards is based on comprehensive workplace evaluations and, most importantly, direct input from employees, reflecting Skender’s commitment to cultivating an environment where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered.

“Our 30th ‘Best Place to Work’ award is a testament to the incredible culture and values-driven team we’ve built over the years,” said Lisa Latronico, Chief People Officer at Skender. “The recognition from Crain’s, in particular, speaks volumes about our ability to continuously evolve, creating a place where people genuinely enjoy working, collaborating, and growing.”

The latest award from Crain’s Chicago Business celebrates Skender’s inclusive, forward-thinking approach to workplace culture. The company’s dedication to professional development, employee well-being, and collaborative team spirit have been central to its long-term success.

For more information on Skender’s award-winning workplace culture and career opportunities, please visit Skender Careers.

Nelson Frech, Senior Project Manager at Skender, has been named to the 2024 class of “20 in their Twenties” by the Indianapolis Business Journal. The award recognizes young professionals who have demonstrated significant professional achievements, leadership, growth and positive community impact.

Born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Nelson’s educational journey led him to Purdue University, where he earned degrees in construction engineering and political science, followed by an MBA and JD from Indiana University.

Since joining Skender’s Indianapolis office in 2022, Nelson has played a pivotal role in leading project teams to maximize client value and deliver the premier construction experience.

Nelson’s professional background is rooted in building public projects for the education, municipal, and healthcare industries, including the construction of over 2 million square feet of educational facilities across Central Indiana. His professional career is distinguished by his dedication to creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses and fostering diversity within the construction industry. Nelson offers mentorship to minority-owned businesses in Central Indiana, is an active member of Skender’s DEI Committee, and participates in the Indy Chamber Peer Advisors Program.

Beyond his professional contributions, Nelson is enthusiastic about generating momentum across education initiatives. He serves on the board of directors and the governance committee for Adelante Schools, an innovation partner of Indianapolis Public Schools. Nelson has been a guest lecturer at Purdue University and a volunteer with the ACE Mentor Program, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of construction professionals.

Skender, a full-service construction firm, today announced the hiring of experienced business growth executive and strategic account leader Matthew Nemshick as Director of Data Center Accounts. In this new role, Nemshick will assist in expanding Skender’s footprint in mission-critical construction, which comprises essential, always-on facilities such as data centers and other high-tech infrastructure.

Nemshick joins Skender with 17 years of experience in the construction industry. He previously worked in business growth roles at Clune Construction Company, DW Hammer and Kelso-Burnett. He currently serves as Board Ambassador and Past President of the veteran support charity SALUTE, Inc.

“I am grateful to join the talented team at Skender, a firm I have long admired and respected for its integrity, innovation and sustainability,” Nemshick said. “Building a data center or mission-critical facility is a substantial investment and requires meticulous coordination, collaboration and execution. Few builders can provide such a premier, turnkey construction experience as Skender, and it’s exciting to be on board for the growth of this offering.”

Skender, one of the nation’s top building contractors, today announced five senior workforce promotions to support a culture of operational excellence, provide its team with opportunities to grow in their careers, and enable the firm to continue delivering the premier construction service to clients and partners in both Indiana and Illinois.

“It is a delight to work alongside such humble, hungry and smart people every day,” said Lisa Latronico, Chief People Officer at Skender. “No one at Skender is afraid to roll up their sleeves to get the job done, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see the results of their efforts in our completed projects, our long-standing client relationships, and our incredible company culture. Congrats all around!”

Senior promotions are as follows:

Jack Bauschelt, promoted to Senior Project Manager. Since joining Skender in 2017, Bauschelt has continually exemplified natural leadership qualities, delivering outstanding work and earning the respect of both clients and colleagues alike. Jack’s proactive approach to problem-solving and his relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous projects.

Jen Haub, promoted to Controller. Since joining the Skender team in 2022, Jen has made an indelible impact on Skender’s accounting operations. With more than two decades of accounting experience under her belt, Haub brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her remarkable proficiency has been instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of Skender’s financial statements, a responsibility she has shouldered with remarkable skill and precision.

Al McReynolds, promoted to Senior Superintendent, Team Leader. Al has been an integral member of the Skender team since 2015, showing exceptional dedication not only to his projects, but also to his teammates, providing them with guidance and support at every turn. Skender clients love working with Al, noting his professionalism and the genuine care he shows in every interaction. His ability to build strong, positive relationships is unmatched.

Tony Scott, promoted to Senior Project Manager, Team Leader. Tony joined the Skender team in 2015, and has been a cornerstone of strength, efficiency and enthusiasm on his team ever since. His remarkable organizational skills and ability to tackle challenges head-on have not only led to his personal success, but have also positively impacted his team’s performance. Tony has a natural talent for mentoring people, guiding them to excel in their roles, and helping them grow.

Caleb Streitmatter, promoted to Senior Superintendent. Caleb began his Skender career in 2016 and has consistently showcased his skills and leadership by overseeing all field operations for the firm’s Indianapolis office. Caleb has not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies of his role but has also displayed a genuine commitment to the growth and success of the Indianapolis team. His dedication to excellence and his unwavering work ethic have earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues.

Lisa Latronico, Chief People Officer at Skender, has been named a 2024 “Woman of Influence” by GlobeSt in the Diversity Champion category. The prestigious annual award competition recognizes women leaders for their remarkable achievements and personal impact on the broader professional community.

As the long-time head of Skender’s People & Culture team, Lisa spearheads the cultivation and presentation of an award-winning company culture characterized by a profound sense of community, respect and dedication to core values. With a team of eight, she leads initiatives that foster a vibrant, inclusive workplace for Skender’s 320-strong workforce, emphasizing continuous improvement and learning to support the company’s dynamic growth.

Lisa is a driven advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Under her watch, Skender has significantly diversified its representation in the company. Currently, women make up 50% of Skender’s C-suite, 30% of its leadership team and 17% of its total workforce. Lisa has built her passion for creating a positive and supportive work environment for underrepresented communities into Skender’s recruiting efforts, spearheading key partnerships with nonprofits to place individuals from diverse backgrounds into roles across the company.

Under Lisa’s leadership, Skender has earned 30 “best place to work” awards from three different awarding organizations. In 2020, she was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of Chicagoland’s “Notable Leaders in HR” for her impact on the local business community.

GlobeSt.com, an ALM publication, is a leading source of news, analysis and intelligence for the commercial real estate community.

REjournals has named Skender a finalist for its 2024 Indiana General Contractor of the Year. The honor, which recognizes outstanding construction operations and achievements in the Hoosier state, follows another recent award for Skender’s Indianapolis office.

In March 2024, Skender won the Indiana Subcontractors Association award for Project of the Year in the category of construction projects under $10 million. Skender was also a finalist for General Contractor of the Year at that ceremony.

Skender began working in Indiana in 2020 with a focus on building relationships and providing outstanding service and value. Project volume in the firm’s Indianapolis office jumped by 300% from 2022 to 2023, and 90% of its work last year came from repeat clients or referrals.

REjournals Indiana award winners will be announced on May 16.

Skender won the Indiana Subcontractors Association award for Project of the Year in the category of construction projects under $10 million at a ceremony in Indianapolis yesterday.

The award recognized Skender’s office buildout for the technology company Kainos in the Salesforce Tower in Indianapolis.

In addition to winning the Project of the Year award, Skender was also a finalist for General Contractor of the Year.

Skender began working in Indiana in 2020 with a focus on building relationships and providing outstanding service and value. Project volume in the firm’s Indianapolis office jumped by 300% from 2022 to 2023, and 90% of its work last year came from repeat clients or referrals.

The Great Lakes Construction Association (GLCA) awarded Skender the Safety Achievement Award for the second consecutive year, and the fourth time since 2016. The award recognizes outstanding safety achievements during 2023 in the category of 500,000+ worked.

Skender’s blended approach of safety, production and quality is part of its lean, human-centric project delivery. Our certified safety team develops comprehensive, job-specific safety plans, which consist of weekly project inspections, meticulous planning, predictive analysis, reporting systems and diligent coordination and communication with all stakeholders.

“Safety on our jobsites is paramount to our teams at Skender,” said Dan Torres, Safety Director for Skender. “From our trade partners to our field staff, we empower our people to focus on what matters: Producing quality work, keeping themselves and their teams safe, and getting home to their loved ones.”

With this honor, Skender has earned eight construction industry safety awards since 2013. Another measure of safety in the construction industry is the experience modification rate (EMR), which the National Council of Compensation Insurance uses to calculate the past cost of injuries and future chance of risk. Skender’s EMR is 43 percent better than the national industry average.

Skender, one of the nation’s top building contractors, today announced six promotions among its leadership team to support the firm’s strategic goals for growth, innovation and continued operational excellence in the new year.

The promotions are as follows:

Courtney Boatwright, promoted to Creative Director, from Senior Creative Manager. Since joining Skender in 2011, Courtney has steadily embodied Skender’s core values through her internal interactions and her external deliverables alike. Her branding and design talents have long influenced and guided Skender’s marketing initiatives, and her deep impact to the brand’s bottom line has been felt companywide. In her new role as Creative Director, she will be responsible for overseeing all creative production aspects of Skender’s brand, marketing campaigns and initiatives.

Kate Calenberg, promoted to Director of Learning & Development, from Talent Development Manager. Kate joined the Skender team in 2004 and, after a decade in project management, jumped into learning and development, carefully cultivating the new hire onboarding process. Always willing to go the extra mile to mentor employees and carve out time to help collaborate and resolve issues, Kate is extremely process-oriented and works diligently to help other employees embrace those fundamentals. In her new role, she will be responsible for the effective development, direction and presentation of training and development programs for all operational employees.

Patrick Sullivan, promoted to Director of Field Operations, from Senior Superintendent, Team Leader. Since joining Skender in 2015, Patrick has been an invaluable resource in managing field activities and operations for crucial client projects, including recent large-scale buildouts for Salesforce Chicago and Bank of America. His keen insights and communication skills make him an asset in ensuring the fast and safe completion of various projects, and he is adept at executing key construction and administrative activities to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. In his new role, he will help oversee field operations, guiding projects and teams to safe, timely, on-budget completions.

Brian Bukowski, promoted to Senior Vice President, from Vice President. Brian joined Skender in 2007 and has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Since 2021, Brian has co-led the Interiors group, focusing on driving financial success, efficient operations, and the team’s vision. Across a wide variety of client experiences in Illinois, and nationally, Brian’s focus is always client satisfaction and continuous improvement. As Senior Vice President, Brian will continue to provide strategic and operational leadership to Skender’s award-winning Interiors group.

Andy Halik, promoted to Senior Vice President, from Vice President. Andy joined Skender in 2011 and has over 18 years of experience in the construction industry. He has a knack for promoting collaboration and partnership among his colleagues, and his keen business sense and ability to nurture client relationships is truly unmatched. Alongside Brian Bukowski, Andy co-leads the Interiors group, focusing on market strategy, client service and motivating the team toward continued growth. As Senior Vice President, Andy will continue to co-lead the award-winning Interiors group with strategic vision and a commitment to growing relationships.

Brian Simons, promoted to Senior Vice President, from Vice President. Brian joined Skender in 2007 and has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He has steadily advanced his career in operations through his personalized approach to client service and his aptitude for fostering collaboration and cohesion among his teams and colleagues. Since 2020, Brian has led Skender’s Indianapolis office, which was recently expanded and has more than doubled its workforce to support a host of new projects in the Hoosier state. As Senior Vice President, Brian will continue to lead Skender’s Indianapolis construction operations with a focus on delivering the best value for clients.

“We are delighted to kick off the new year with the promotion of these six incredible Skender leaders,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO at Skender. “Each of these talented individuals embody Skender’s deep commitment to client service, community building, operational excellence and high performance and I am excited to see what 2024 brings as they settle into their new roles.”

Skender, a leading building contractor focused on crafting social change through positive impact, continued its legacy of giving in 2023 through a wide variety of charitable donations, volunteer work and civic participation.

Since 2010, Skender has donated more than $8 million to hundreds of charities. In 2023, the firm contributed more than $400,000 to 70+ non-profit organizations, including Northwestern Medicine, IU Health Foundation, American Heart Association, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Over the Rainbow, American Cancer Society, Lurie Children’s Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Steppenwolf Theatre, Easterseals, Epilepsy Foundation, Team Bright Side and Gilda’s Club Chicago.

“Skender has long been centered around four key pillars of social responsibility,” said Lisa Latronico, Chief People Officer at Skender. “Those values include taking responsibility for our employees, our communities, our business and clients, and the environment. Our history has been shaped by our dedication to progressive philanthropy, and it gives me great pride to see the impact of the volunteer work and charitable donations our organization has made in 2023.”

Skender’s 2023 philanthropic highlights include:

ACE Mentor Scholarship: In partnership with ACE Mentor Chicago, a non-profit focused on introducing high school students to the fields of architecture, engineering and construction, Skender awarded its annual $10,000 college scholarship to Ashton Mitchell, a senior at Penn State University who is studying architectural engineering. The scholarship supports the next generation of rising industry professionals, and all ACE Mentor Program alumni are eligible.

Almost Home Kids: Traditions are a meaningful part of the culture at Skender, and each year employees work with Almost Home Kids to buy wish-list gifts and spread holiday joy to families and children dealing with medical complexities.

ASPIRE Monument: In August 2023, Skender unveiled ASPIRE, a new community monument located at 6701 S Wentworth Avenue in Chicago’s historic Englewood neighborhood. This remarkable installation, standing 25 feet tall and crafted by local art activist Maxwell Emcays, commemorates the legacy of the site, formerly home to Kennedy-King College. The artwork celebrates those who foster the academic aspirations of local students and the promise of the area’s future generations to achieve their highest potential.

City of Hope: Skender’s own charity band, the Square Feets (featuring Dan Ulbricht and Courtney Boatwright from Skender, plus other industry friends), once again jammed out at the House of Blues for City of Hope’s 2023 Reach Social benefiting cancer care and research. The event attracted 800 people and raised $228,000.

Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT): Skender continues to provide support to CWIT by participating in their mock interview event for women who are seeking opportunities in the trades. Skender also donated personal protective equipment for the CWIT shop classes.

Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program: Skender believes in fostering relationships with non-profits and schools that provide apprenticeship opportunities to their students, especially in cases when this helps to lessen the financial burden for students who could not otherwise afford a college prep experience. In 2023, Skender was proud to offer two students from Cristo Rey High School in Pilsen apprenticeships in the Workplace Culture and Accounting departments.

Feed My Starving Children: Skender employees attended an event with Feed My Starving Children, which helped to pack 100,000 meals to be distributed around the world.

Genesys Works: For the sixth consecutive year, Skender partnered with the nonprofit Genesys Works to provide pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities.

Greater Chicago Food Depository: Skender hosted two events at the Greater Chicago Food Depository in 2023: An all-company volunteer event and a meal packing day where employees packed enough pasta to provide nearly 10,000 meals for people all across Chicagoland.

Habitat for Humanity: In service to Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, Skender raised nearly $50,000 in 2023 for the global nonprofit housing organization. Additionally, Skender hosted a large Women Build fundraiser event with a performance from the Square Feets and joined three Habitat for Humanity build day events in Chicago and Indianapolis, in which Skender team members volunteered to build homes for families in need of housing.

Joseph E. Gary Elementary School (PK-8) Career and College Days: Skender employees participated in separate College and Career Days at Gary Elementary School, providing insight about construction-related college programs, work experiences and career paths for junior high students. Skender helped students learn about all aspects of the construction business – project management, safety, technology, finance, culture, and marketing.

Memory Rock for Alzheimer’s Association: In another incredible performance, the Square Feets participated in the Memory Rock for Alzheimer’s Association event, helping to raise more than $100,000 for Alzheimer’s research.

Music Will: The Square Feets helped raise over $140,000 while performing at the Music Will Benefit Chicago to support music education in Chicago Public Schools.

Revolution Workshop: To raise awareness about job opportunities in commercial and multi-unit residential construction, Skender hosted a series of Revolution Workshops at multiple jobsites, which allowed participants to shadow workers and see how specific jobs function. As a result, Skender was able to hire a graduate from the Revolution Workshop program, who is currently in a pre-apprenticeship program with the Carpenter’s Union. Additionally, Skender regularly participates in interview days for Revolution Workshop cohorts to prepare them for real-life interviews upon graduation. As part of its DEI goals, Skender annually will sponsor a graduate from RW, a Chicago trade school or other non-profit organization for membership in the Carpenter’s, Laborer’s, or Painter’s union.

The Special Olympics: In February, Skender participated in an annual chair hockey tournament benefiting the Special Olympics.

Women in Construction: Skender is dedicated to providing opportunities for employment, growth and advancement to women in the construction industry. Through the efforts of Chief People Officer Lisa Latronico and Skender’s People & Culture team, women make up 50% of the company’s C-suite and 26% of its leadership team. In the Skender workforce at large, there are 17% female and 35% minority employees.

Skender has been named one of the “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business for the sixth consecutive year. Of the 100 finalists, Skender ranked No. 4 in the large companies category and No. 13 overall.

Each year Crain’s and an independent research firm determine the best places to work through a comprehensive evaluation and employee assessment of experiences and perspectives. Workplace policies, practices, demographics, benefits and culture are part of the evaluation.

With a focus on collaboration, high-performing teams and process efficiency, this is the seventh time in a decade that Skender has earned the prestigious Crain’s recognition; and makes 29 best-place-to-work awards (by three unique organizations) since 2008.

Collaboration is central to Skender’s character: from our commitment to building meaningful client relationships to our valued trade partnerships to our belief that every voice in our company has value. The result is a truly refreshing project experience for our clients, our partners and our employees.

Skender, alongside Chicago real estate development firm Sterling Bay, and design firm Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), today unveiled ASPIRE, a new community monument located in Chicago’s historic Englewood neighborhood at 6701 S Wentworth Avenue. This remarkable installation, standing 25 feet tall and crafted by local art activist Maxwell Emcays, commemorates the legacy of the site, formerly home to Kennedy-King College. The artwork celebrates those who foster the academic aspirations of local students, and the promise of its future generations to achieve their highest potential.

Commissioned by Sterling Bay with construction and architectural design support from Skender and LJC, ASPIRE stands as a symbol of hope, inspiration, and achievement, capturing the indomitable spirit of all Englewood students who dream big. Environmental Systems Design (ESD) provided electrical and structural engineering support.

“ASPIRE was curated to celebrate the virtuosity of Englewood’s scholars and to highlight the transformative impact that education has on shaping brilliant futures,” said Keiana Barrett, Chief Diversity & Engagement Officer at Sterling Bay and longtime Englewood resident.

“With this monument, and the community-forward development plans we will soon announce for this site, we hope to strengthen the legacy of enterprise and collective growth in Englewood, while providing inspiration and inclusion to its residents for years to come.”

For over 18 months, the three firms and Emcays conducted several in-person meetings with neighborhood stakeholders to solicit feedback on various themes to inspire the artwork. Over the course of these discussions, it was agreed that capturing the spirit of achievement and ambition to foster pride and unity amongst local youth would be a meaningful message to memorialize. “My passion and hope for Englewood inspired the creation of this piece,” said Emcays. “It is a visual reference for the limitless potential of the community.”

Emcays was introduced to Sterling Bay by Andre and Francis Guichard, owners of the renowned Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville. “The Englewood monument by Maxwell Emcays is a powerful symbol that unites the community and inspires individuals to embrace shared values, cultural diversity, and a sense of historical continuity,” said Andre and Francis Guichard. “It can serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering unity, understanding, and personal growth among community members and visitors alike.”

The base of the installation features an embedded time capsule, which houses artifacts chosen by Englewood community organizations, illustrating the character of the neighborhood. “The 6th Ward is the ward of innovation, equity, and advocacy,” said Alderman William E. Hall. “This statue is a reminder of where we came from, and a beacon of hope for the future.”

The collaboration between Sterling Bay, Skender, LJC, and Maxwell Emcays exemplifies the power of corporate-community partnerships in supporting local arts and culture. “Englewood’s schools and its dedicated teachers have educated incredibly talented students over many generations, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless young people born and raised in this neighborhood,” said Alex Panici, Vice President at Skender. “We hope that by memorializing the achievements of students of the past, future generations are reminded of what’s possible with the power of education.”

Lamar Johnson, Founder & Executive Chairman of LJC, adds, “This memorial expresses the vitality, energy, and aspirations of the Englewood community. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this creative team and see this memorial shine day and night.”

Skender recently awarded its annual $10,000 college scholarship to Ashton Mitchell, a senior at Penn State University, studying architectural engineering.

In 2022, Skender launched its scholarship program in partnership with ACE Mentor Chicago, a non-profit focused on introducing high school students to the fields of architecture, engineering and construction. The scholarship supports the next generation of rising industry professionals, and all ACE Mentor Program alumni are eligible.

Skender’s inaugural scholarship recipient was Alondra Santos, then a rising senior at the University of Illinois Chicago majoring in civil engineering. After graduating, Santos joined Skender’s healthcare construction team as a project engineer.

More information about the scholarship is available at https://acementorchicago.org/

Skender, one of the nation’s top building contractors, today announced multiple C-suite and senior workforce promotions. This evolution in the firm’s leadership was strategically planned to support Skender’s premier construction services, nurture its existing culture of operational excellence, and provide its team of top talent with a wide range of opportunities to advance in their careers.

Promotions are as follows:

Lisa Latronico, promoted to Chief People Officer, from VP of People and Culture. Lisa joined Skender in 2001 and has overseen the HR function since 2006. An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, under her watch Skender has boosted its representation of women in the company to 25%, well above the industry average of 11%. Under Lisa’s leadership, Skender has earned 29 “best place to work” awards from three different awarding organizations. In 2020, she was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of Chicagoland’s “Notable Leaders in HR,” an annual list that recognizes HR leaders who have made a significant impact within the local business community. In her new role as Chief People Officer, Lisa will be focused on maintaining the company’s award-winning culture, introducing learning programs that align with company growth, and finding and hiring the industry’s top talent.

Stacy Laughlin, promoted to Chief Financial Officer, from Controller. Stacy joined Skender in 2012. Over the last 11 years, she has built a cohesive finance and accounting team, helped to introduce and integrate forward-looking financial technology such as Procore and Power BI, enhanced the budgeting process and advanced the company’s financing capabilities. In her role as Chief Financial Officer, Stacy will be responsible for overseeing the financial and technology teams and providing strategic leadership to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies, while also managing the preparation of financial statements, audits and tax reports.

Jerry Ball, promoted to Chief Operating Officer, from Chief Financial Officer. Since joining Skender in 2003, Jerry has been a key member of the company’s executive leadership team, directing financial, risk management, administrative and operational initiatives. In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, Jerry will be focused on cultivating a people-first, “one-Skender” mindset, providing employees with training, mentorship and coaching, building client relationships, enabling cross-market synergies and providing everyone in the company with the tools and resources for optimal performance.

Clint Siebert, promoted to Director of Technology, from IT Manager. In his eight years at Skender, Clint has taken the company almost entirely into the cloud while at the same time growing and mentoring a team of IT professionals. His deep understanding of the needs of the business and how technology can help position Skender as a solutions-driven firm has enabled the company to stay in front of security matters, create a scalable infrastructure, and provide innovative connectivity and access to all Skender jobsites and offices. In his new role as Director of Technology, Clint will manage and direct the company’s IT and construction technology operations, ensuring the department continues to provide efficient and effective technical support service across all verticals and corporate teams.

Ryan Cotter, promoted to Preconstruction Executive, from Senior Preconstruction Manager. Since joining the firm in 2016, Ryan has proven himself to be a true collaborator with Skender’s developers, architects, engineers, consultants and trade partners, and has helped to create a comprehensive vision for the firm’s preconstruction services. In his new role as Preconstruction Executive, Ryan will be further expanding the preconstruction team and enhancing the firm’s estimating and preconstruction services, as well as leading client relations to strategize the estimating of projects company wide.

“Skender’s excellence as a company is due to the unparalleled talent and dedication of the people who work here,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO at Skender. “These strategic updates not only reward the hard work of these five individuals, but they also open up exciting new opportunities for the broader Skender team and enable our corporate departments to continue working in sync to deliver the premier construction experience our clients have come to expect. I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to them all!”

For the second consecutive year, Skender was named the General Contractor of the Year (Office) at the Illinois Commercial Real Estate Awards, hosted by REjournals. Skender’s workforce diversity, industry expertise, and achievements in new construction and interiors during the previous calendar year were recognized.

Skender’s 2022 accomplishments include:

>> Completing the substantial renovation of 3500 Lacey in Downers Grove, IL
>> Starting Phase II of Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Nourish Project
>> Giving back with volunteering and charitable contributions to education, health and affordable housing
>> Completing Torrence Place, a three-story, mixed-use affordable housing and health clinic development in Lansing, IL
>> Completing the award-winning 345 N Morgan, a new hospitality-infused office and retail development by Sterling Bay
>> Completing the 133,000-SF redevelopment of a 93-year-old historic property in Maywood
>> Breaking ground on 741 N Wells (The Leo), a 201,000-SF multifamily rental and retail tower in River North
>> Completing the award-winning lab and workspace for Hazel Technologies in Fulton Market
>> Breaking ground on a 250,000-SF medical office building in downtown Indianapolis
>> Completing Milwaukee Tool’s Chicago office in the historic Old Post Office
>> Completing Vista Property’s 609 W Randolph office building in West Loop
>> Completing the new workspaces for Equity LifeStyle, CCC Intelligent Solutions and Sloan
>> Completing Mustacchi Manor, a three-story, 16-unit supportive living apartment community in Matteson, IL

In addition to back-to-back General Contractor of the Year (Office) honors, Skender won Science Project of the Year for Hazel Technologies.

Skender recently won the Safety Achievement Award from the Great Lakes Construction Association (GLCA). The award recognizes outstanding safety achievements during 2022 in the category of 500,000+ hours worked. This is the third time Skender has earned GLCA’s top safety award since 2016 and totals seven construction safety awards won since 2013.

Skender’s blended approach of safety, production and quality is part of its Lean, human-centric project delivery. Our certified safety team develops comprehensive, job-specific safety plans, which consist of weekly project inspections, meticulous planning, predictive analysis, reporting systems and diligent coordination and communication with all stakeholders. Another measure of safety in the construction industry is the experience modification rate (EMR), which the National Council of Compensation Insurance uses to calculate the past cost of injuries and future chance of risk. Skender’s EMR is 43 percent better than the national industry average.

Skender today announced the appointment of four new shareholders along with five executive and project management promotions. Skender is a privately held, leadership-owned building construction firm dedicated to providing employees with ample opportunity for advancement and success in their careers.

The new Skender shareholders are as follows:

Brian Kane, also promoted to Vice President, from Project Executive. Brian Kane joined Skender in 2008 as a Project Engineer and has over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. As Vice President, Brian will continue to lead Skender’s specialized healthcare and life sciences construction teams on various hospital, outpatient and laboratory projects. He has completed numerous projects on behalf of Northwestern Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Loyola Medicine, NorthShore and others. Brian earned a degree in engineering from the University of Illinois.

Alex Panici, also promoted to Vice President, from Project Executive. Alex joined Skender in 2016 as Project Manager and has over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. As Vice President, Alex will continue to lead new construction office, hotel and high-rise residential project teams. He recently led ground-up construction projects in the Chicago CBD including 345 N. Morgan, an 11-story office building in Fulton Market and 609 W Randolph, a 15-story office project in the West Loop. His team is currently leading construction at 741 N Wells, a 21-story mixed-use residential building in River North. Alex earned a degree in construction management from Illinois State University.

Dan Stefka, Field Operations Manager. Dan Stefka has more than 35 years of construction-related experience. He joined Skender in 2013 as a job site foreman. As Field Operations Manager, Dan is responsible for scheduling workforce, equipment and logistics and ensuring overall safety of the site.

Dan Torres, CHST, STS-C, Safety Director. Dan Torres has 20 years of construction experience, including 14 years as a commercial union carpenter and 15 years as safety professional. Dan is a certified fall protection inspector, first-aid CPR trainer and OSHA outreach trainer and holds multiple certifications from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

The four new shareholders join existing shareholders Justin Brown, Jerry Ball, Dan Marijan, Afshan Barshan, Clay Edwards, Lisa Latronico, Brian Simons, Brian Bukowski, Joe Pecoraro, Tim Rogers, Andy Halik, Todd Andrlik, Dan Ulbricht, Ashlee Pforr, John Estes, Pete Conlin, Patrick Sullivan, Luke DeTolve, Brian Ribordy, Jeff Krause, and Stacy Laughlin. All shareholders were appointed based on their outstanding leadership, client service, work ethic, loyalty, ability to be team players and devotion to Skender’s core values.

Additional Skender promotions are as follows:

Lauren Bauer, promoted to Senior Project Manager, from Project Manager. Lauren joined Skender in 2019 as a Project Manager and has over a decade of experience in the construction industry. Lauren’s role as Senior Project Manager involves preconstruction, job-start planning and management of commercial ground-up projects in the City of Chicago. Her team recently completed construction of 609 W Randolph in the West Loop. She is currently managing construction at 741 N Wells, a 21-story mixed-use residential building in River North. Lauren earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Taylor Betthauser, promoted to Project Manager, from Project Engineer. Taylor joined Skender in 2018 and has five years of experience in the construction industry. In her new position as Project Manager, Taylor is responsible for managing the day-to-day details of construction projects including scheduling, change orders, invoicing and progress reports. She has helped deliver numerous healthcare construction projects for Northwestern Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital. She has also worked on tenant interiors projects such as LinkedIn and Brookfield Properties. Taylor earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Ben Miltzow, promoted to Director of Self-Perform, Carpentry, from Manager. Ben joined Skender in 2019 and has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry. In his role, Ben oversees Skender’s in-house carpentry capabilities, working with Skender project teams and clients to effectively schedule and estimate carpentry services while managing projects, coordinating trades and ensuring the highest levels of quality.

“I am grateful for the hard work each of these individuals have put in over this past year to meet the complex and evolving needs of our clients and our business, especially given the unprecedented nature of our current industry environment,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO, Skender. “Our team at Skender is truly top tier and it’s been incredibly gratifying to watch these smart and talented people develop into powerful and effective leaders.”

Skender, a building contractor with a long history of giving back to the community, continued its philanthropic legacy in 2022 by supporting dozens of non-profit organizations through volunteering, charitable giving and civic participation.

“Doing good and giving back matters deeply to our team,” said Justin Brown, President & CEO at Skender. “We are driven to make real change through our ongoing community-building and philanthropic initiatives, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see the positive impact that our contributions can have on those in need.”

Recognizing its responsibility to the world and striving to build a legacy of integrity, Skender focuses its philanthropic efforts on four pillars of social responsibility: People, communities, business and clients, and the environment. Skender concentrates much of its charitable giving on supporting education, health and affordable housing initiatives. Since 2010, Skender has donated nearly $8 million to 300-plus nonprofit organizations.

Skender’s 2022 philanthropic highlights include:

Habitat for Humanity: As part of Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s Women Build program, Skender raised more than $30,000 for the global nonprofit housing organization. Skender team members volunteered at multiple Habitat for Humanity build days throughout the Chicagoland area, helping to build homes for families in need of affordable housing. In 2022, Skender’s Ashlee Pforr was named to Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors.

ACE Mentor Chicago: In 2022, Skender launched a scholarship program in partnership with ACE Mentor Chicago, a non-profit focused on introducing high school students to the fields of architecture, engineering and construction. The $10,000 scholarship supports the next generation of rising industry professionals. Skender’s inaugural scholarship recipient was Alondra Santos, a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago who is majoring in civil engineering. In addition to the scholarship, Skender’s Brian Bukowski served on ACE’s Fundraising Host Committee.

City of Hope: Skender’s Dan Ulbricht and his band, the Square Feets, performed at the 25^th Anniversary REACH Social to raise money for the treatment of cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Dan, a guitarist and vocalist, started performing at charitable fundraisers 20 years ago, and since then has helped bring the industry together to raise millions for City of Hope, Alzheimer’s Association, Music Will, Federation of Women Contractors, and many more.

National Alliance on Mental Illinois (NAMI) Chicago: After five hours of competitive bracket play, Skender won Bisnow’s 3×3 charity basketball tournament, resulting in $35,000 in winnings going to the NAMI’s Chicago Office, one of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organizations dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Genesys Works: For the fifth consecutive year, Skender partnered with nonprofit Genesys Works to provide pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities.

Almost Home Kids: Traditions are a meaningful part of the culture at Skender and each year our employees—er, elves—work with Almost Home Kids to buy wish-list gifts and spread holiday joy to families and children dealing with medical complexities.

Skender is shaped by progressive philanthropy, a focus on people and vibrant community-building initiatives. Our history of compassion includes charitable contributions to these 300-plus organizations.

 

After five hours of competitive bracket play, Skender earned the top spot at Bisnow’s first annual Tournament of Champions 3-on-3 charity basketball competition. Skender’s team went undefeated with $35,000 in winnings going to the team’s chosen charity, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago. Ticket proceeds were donated to C.H.A.M.P.S. Male Mentoring Program. The tournament was played on the penthouse basketball court at 167 Green Street in Fulton Market.

Today, Skender announced management promotions for six rising leaders at the Chicago-based commercial construction firm. Skender would like to congratulate the following on their recent promotions:

Marty Barrett, Senior Project Manager. Marty joined Skender in 2017 and has 12 years of experience in the construction industry. Marty has worked on over 2.5 million square feet of projects throughout his career, including some of Chicago’s most notable healthcare and commercial projects. He earned a degree in civil engineering from Marquette University.

Tony Scott, Senior Project Manager. Tony joined Skender in 2015 and has nine years of experience managing day-to-day activity of interior construction projects throughout Chicagoland. Tony has been involved in more than 1 million square feet of projects. He earned a degree in building construction technology from Purdue University.

Kelly Allen, Project Manager. Kelly joined Skender in 2020 and has seven years of experience in the construction industry. An integral part of her project teams, Kelly is currently dedicated to a high-profile, 485,000-square-foot interior construction project in Chicago. She earned a degree in civil and environmental engineering from Villanova University.

Jack Bauschelt, Project Manager. Jack joined Skender in 2017 and has eight years of experience in the construction industry. Recently, Jack has been a key part of Skender’s Indianapolis team, working closely on projects for Indiana University Health, such as the new regional academic health center in Bloomington and the Capitol View medical office building in downtown Indianapolis. He earned a degree in business administration and management from Purdue University.

Zuli Cortes, Project Manager. Zuli joined Skender in 2019 and has 11 years of interior construction experience. Most recently, Zuli was part of the teams that delivered a 32,000-square-foot renovation for a Chicago-based law firm, and new amenity space at 225 W Wacker. He earned a degree in construction engineering and management from Marquette University.

Colleen O’Brien, People & Culture Manager. Colleen joined Skender in 2013 and has advanced through several project- and people-oriented roles. She is instrumental in many Skender programs such as internships, talent acquisition, process automation, Lean Coffee, and high-performing teams training. She earned degrees in communications and psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago.

“These are collaborative and hardworking leaders who guide our high-performing teams to deliver quality and value-driven projects for our clients,” said Lisa Latronico, Vice President of People & Culture, Skender. “We congratulate Marty, Tony, Kelly, Jack, Zuli and Colleen for their exceptional work as we strive to deliver the premier construction experience.”

We proudly introduce our first-ever ACE+Skender scholarship recipient, Alondra. She is a rising senior at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in civil engineering and helping pave the way for more women seeking careers in architecture, construction and engineering.

Skender partnered with ACE Mentor Chicago to offer an annual $10,000 scholarship to support the next generation of rising industry professionals and align with our ongoing efforts to attract more women to construction. Three cheers for Alondra!

Skender, one of the nation’s top building contractors, announced the hiring of three industry veterans to support its continued growth: Eric Fiket, Jen Haub and Andy Reinhard. Skender welcomes them in the following roles: 

Eric Fiket, Senior Project Manager. Eric brings 16 years of industry experience and joins Skender from Linn-Mathes, following roles at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Eckenhoff Saunders Architects and FitzGerald Associates Architects. As senior project manager, he is responsible for planning and delivering new construction projects with Skender’s commercial projects team. Eric earned a degree in architectural studies from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Jen Haub, Assistant Controller. Jen brings 20 years of accounting experience and joins Skender from Pepper Construction, following roles at Ragnar Benson Construction and RSM McGladrey. In this role, she works with Skender’s finance and accounting team to maintain records, prepare financial reports, and ensure accuracy across accounts and projects. Jen earned a master’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from North Central College.

Andy Reinhard, Senior Estimator. Andy brings 17 years of industry experience and previously held estimating roles at Shawmut Design and Construction, and Leopardo Companies. As senior estimator on the commercial team, he guides new construction projects through the planning, design and execution phases, supporting project budgeting, bidding, scheduling, constructability, logistics and value analysis. Andy earned a degree in civil engineering and construction management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“Our firm has been growing significantly over the past few months with exciting opportunities and projects across all markets,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO, Skender. “We’re excited to welcome Andy, Jen and Eric to team Skender as we remain laser-focused on providing an unrivaled building experience from preconstruction through construction and delivery.”

Today, Skender announced executive and senior management promotions for three rising leaders at the Chicago-based commercial construction firm. Skender would like to congratulate the following on their recent promotions:

Jeff Reist, Project Executive. Jeff joined Skender in 2015 and has 16 years of experience in the construction industry, including multifamily, adaptive reuse, historic restoration, hospitality and other commercial projects. Jeff has demonstrated a remarkable ability to foster a team-building environment, as he consistently coaches others to achieve their highest potential. He is a great adopter of Lean practices, a steadfast and tactical project manager, and he is continuously focused on team and overall company improvement.

Lauren Torres, Project Executive. Lauren joined Skender in 2013 and has 13 years in the construction industry, including some of Chicago’s most notable corporate interiors projects. Lauren has epitomized a strong and balanced work ethic as she has steadily built meaningful relationships both internally and externally. She has grown as a leader through mentorship and continues to pay it forward by mentoring her teammates and demonstrating an intrinsic drive to help others succeed.

Jacob Boyle, Senior Project Manager. Jacob joined Skender in 2016 and has 12 years of experience in the construction industry, including corporate interiors, healthcare, mission critical and life sciences projects. Jacob’s forward-thinking, out-of-the-box approach to project management has been a refreshing and vital addition to the Skender team. Jacob demonstrates his ability to persevere through adversity, eagerly and effortlessly taking on every opportunity.

“The leaders at Skender are ushering our teams forward into a new year of delivering high-quality, value-driven projects for our clients across the Midwest,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO, Skender. “We congratulate Jeff, Lauren and Jacob, who exemplify the kind of collaborative, hardworking leadership we strive for that provides clients a premier building experience.”

Skender is pleased to announce the expansion of its Indiana presence and the hiring of Jamie Nieves, a seasoned economic and business development professional and Indiana native. As vice president of business relationships, Nieves will work with Brian Simons, vice president, who heads Skender’s Indianapolis office and oversees construction teams. Skender began work in Indiana in early 2020 and has been involved in the construction of significant healthcare, retail and office projects totaling over 1 million square feet throughout the state.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jamie to team Skender. Her experience creating partnerships in both the private and public sector to benefit communities in the region, as well as her robust background in civil engineering and infrastructure, will be incredibly valuable as we expand our work in Indiana,” said Simons, who graduated from Purdue in 2003.

About Jamie Nieves

Nieves joins Skender from Indianapolis-based DBE/MBE engineering consulting firm Shrewsberry & Associates, where she was director of business development. Prior to moving back to her home state of Indiana, Nieves was business development manager at engineering firm ECS Southeast in North Carolina and held senior economic development roles at the Kentucky Association for Economic Development and Northern Kentucky Tri-ED. As a leader in business retention and expansion, she has secured more than $86M in capital investment for Midwest communities and hundreds of jobs throughout the communities she has served.

Nieves holds bachelor’s degrees in marketing and finance from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, and she began her career in the architecture, construction and engineering industry with Gibraltar Design in Indianapolis.

“I was drawn by Skender’s focus on long-term relationship-building and creative, collaborative problem-solving,” said Nieves. “I am looking forward to building on both my personal Indiana roots, as well as the high-quality work Skender has already completed with its partners here. Through our work, we can benefit communities throughout Indiana.”

Skender’s Work in Indiana

Skender is a leading national construction firm with strong Midwestern roots and award-winning new construction and renovation projects in healthcare, lab sciences, office, multifamily, mixed-use and other building types. In Indiana, Skender has completed or is in process on multiple projects including:

IU Health Bloomington Hospital
Bloomington, Indiana

Skender partnered with F.A. Wilhelm to build the new IU Health Bloomington Regional Academic Health Center on the campus of Indiana University. The state-of-the-art complex, which opened in December 2021, includes 620,000 square feet for in-patient and out-patient clinical services, and 115,000 square feet for academic instruction.

IU Health Capital Projects
Indianapolis, Indiana

Skender has been engaged in the planning and construction of capital and infrastructure projects with IU Health, and the team anticipates construction to commence in 2022.

Allen Crossings
Fort Wayne, Indiana

In partnership with Echo Development, Skender will begin construction on a multi-unit, 11-acre retail development near the Parkview Hospital campus in northwest Fort Wayne in spring 2022.

Aspire Indiana Health Clinic
Indianapolis, Indiana

Skender has commenced the demolition and renovation of an existing clinical space to create a new full-service clinic for the nonprofit healthcare provider to serve the northeast side of Indianapolis.

Skender and Sterling Bay hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at 345 N Morgan this morning with 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar and project architect Eckenhoff Saunders Architects. This groundbreaking marks the start of construction on the 200,000-square-foot boutique office and retail building located in Fulton Market.

“Sterling Bay began pre-development on 345 N Morgan many months before COVID-19 was on anyone’s radar. In fact, we were ready to begin digging at the site in early March 2020, just days before everything – including this particular project – came to a swift halt,” said Andy Gloor, CEO, Sterling Bay. “Today, after navigating over a year’s worth of pandemic-related challenges, we are proud to break ground on this state-of-the-art development that will build on Fulton Market’s reputation as a premier destination to collaborate and do business in Chicago.”

Acquired by Sterling Bay in 2014, 345 N Morgan is a speculative development that will offer future tenants open, customizable floor plates for maximum flexibility and collaboration in an unbeatable location. Designed by Eckenhoff Saunders Architects, the space features sleek, modern finishes, soaring ceilings, arched windows, and welded metal accents, drawing on the neighborhood’s industrial past. Amenities include private outdoor terraces, a 5K-square-foot roof deck with sweeping views, a conservatory bar & lounge with a double-sided fireplace, a full-service fitness center, a coworking library and several high-tech conference spaces to meet the needs of today’s virtual world.

In addition to offering tenants a completely customizable workplace experience, 345 N Morgan will also complete construction in just 13 months, significantly faster than comparable developments of a similar size, allowing future tenants to move into their new office space as early as September 2022.

“Skender is proud to be a part of the team that will bring 345 N Morgan to completion on an accelerated timeline. COVID-19 has caused countless development delays and disruptions across Chicago, but this project will deliver in just over a year – that’s a significant accomplishment even by pre-pandemic standards,” said Justin Brown, President & CEO, Skender. “We understand the high level of integration that this project demands and are committed to executing the seamless, collaborative and efficient process for which Skender is known.”

As part of its commitment to expand opportunities for minority-owned firms, Skender has formed a joint venture partnership and JLL Construction, a local certified minority-owned business, in the development of this project. JLL Construction is headquartered on the west side of Chicago and, like Skender, has an extensive portfolio of projects in the Fulton Market area. As development progresses, 345 N Morgan will meet the city’s standards for M/WBE engagement at the 26/6 participation level.

Skender would like to congratulate the following executives and senior managers on their recent promotions:

Alex Panici, Project Executive. Since joining Skender in 2016, Alex has built exceptional client relationships, displayed tremendous leadership in the commercial construction market and is extremely tuned in to his project teams and their needs. Alex continuously sees challenges given to him and the team as opportunities instead of obstacles. He graciously values feedback and views constructive criticism as a chance for continuous improvement, all components for high-quality Skender leaders.

Brian Kane, Project Executive. Since joining Skender in 2008, Brian has constantly sought ways to improve himself, his team, and Skender as a whole. He consistently promotes a culture of learning and continuous improvement so that his team is set up for success on project delivery. Brian plays a key role in business development, cultivating external relationships at every stage, which has led to steady growth in Skender’s healthcare, owner’s services, and travel-with-client construction.

Jason Utah, Senior Project Manager. Jason joined the Skender team in 2016 and has contributed exponentially to the stability and growth of the firm’s Healthcare team. He has been instrumental in the establishment and success of the new lab sciences construction market, while also providing outstanding preconstruction, budget development and owner services. As Senior Project Manager, Jason is responsible for delivering projects on schedule, maximizing productivity and efficiency, and controlling project costs for his healthcare and lab clients.

Kevin Chan, Senior Project Manager. Since joining Skender in 2015, Kevin has been an important player on the Healthcare team, developing relationships, educating new employees and serving as the go-to person for owners, facility staff and end-users alike. During the last year, Kevin managed several critical jobs, ensuring efficient schedules and optimizing value. He continues to go above and beyond the assigned work, delighting clients and making the process of building easier for all parties involved.

Ryan Cotter, Senior Preconstruction Manager. Ryan joined the Skender team in 2016 and has helped create a clear vision for the firm’s comprehensive preconstruction services. He is a true builder and collaborator with architects, engineers, consultants and trade partners. As Preconstruction Manager, Ryan aligns our internal teams with client goals to support project budgeting, bidding, scheduling, constructability, logistics and value analysis. He efficiently and reliably guides our commercial projects through the planning, design and construction phases.

“I’ve been so proud of our team that has continued to step up during this unpredictable year to anticipate our clients’ needs and deliver the most efficient and effective building solutions amidst a tough market,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO, Skender. “These rising stars at Skender are exemplary of the type of leadership that will keep us competitive as we work toward stronger building outcomes.”

Congratulations to Skender Project Executive Ashlee Pforr on being named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Women in Construction and Design. This is the second consecutive year that Ashlee has earned the editorial honor.

“The women featured here lead in all corners of the field,” according to the Crain’s Chicago Business feature, which recognized 65 professionals in its May 3 issue.

Ashlee was recognized for her leadership, mentorship and commitment to advancing the industry and her peers.

Click here to see the full feature at chicagobusiness.com.

Skender has been named one of the “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business for the fourth consecutive year. The award is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best companies to work for in Chicago.

Each year Crain’s and Best Companies Group, an independent research firm, set out to find the local businesses that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees. Determining the Best Places to Work in Chicago involves a comprehensive evaluation of each participating company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics, as well as a separate assessment of employee experiences and perspectives. The complete list of winners, in alphabetical order, is available here.

This is the fifth time in eight years that Skender has earned the Crain’s recognition. In the last 15 years, Skender has won nearly 30 best-place-to-work awards by three different awarding bodies. If you’re interested in joining our team, please click here to see our open opportunities.

Today, Skender announced executive and senior management promotions, as well as new shareholders at the leadership-owned construction firm.

Skender would like to congratulate the following executives and senior managers on their recent promotions and appointments:

Andy Halik, Vice President. Andy joined Skender in 2011 and has 15 years of experience in the construction industry. In his expanded leadership role, Andy will co-lead the Interiors group, focusing on market strategy, client service and motivating the team toward continued growth. Andy’s ability to nurture client relationships, his keen business intelligence, and the ability to work in partnership with his peers are all reasons for this recognition.

Brian Bukowski, Vice President. Brian joined Skender in 2007 and has over 17 years of experience in the construction industry. Brian will co-lead the Interiors group in his expanded leadership role, focusing on driving financial success, efficient operations and the team’s vision. Across a wide variety of client experiences in Illinois, Nevada and California, Brian’s focus is always client satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Brian Simons, Vice President. Brian joined Skender in 2007 and has over 16 years of experience in the construction industry. In his expanded leadership role, Brian will oversee Skender’s satellite Indianapolis office, which was awarded a significant IU Health project in 2020, while continuing executive oversight of healthcare teams in Chicago. Brian has steadily advanced his career in operations because of his devotion to clients, personalized customer service and ability to foster team cohesion.

Clay Edwards, Senior Vice President. Clay joined Skender in 2006 and has 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He has been appointed the new leader of Self-Perform and Construction Technology. This group optimizes value, safety, production and quality for Skender clients through offerings such as general labor, demolition, rough carpentry, BIM, 3D laser scanning and high-definition surveying, intelligent project tracking, drone mapping and immersive reality. With extensive interior construction expertise, Clay will also continue to provide executive-level counsel and client services for tenants and end-users.

Joy Perryman, Director of Risk Management. Joy started with Skender in 2015 and was soon promoted to manage the risk management department, working closely with operations to identify ways to mitigate risks in daily procedures. Joy is known for her detail-oriented work evaluating and administering insurance programs for all Skender’s business lines, working closely with the executive team to negotiate contracts and promote Enterprise Risk Management throughout the organization. She is a certified Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and member of the Risk and Insurance Management Society.

Mike Muehring, Senior Project Manager. Mike joined Skender in 2016 and has over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. As a Senior Project Manager, Mike is responsible for delivering projects on schedule, maximizing productivity and efficiency, and controlling project costs for his interiors clients throughout Chicago.

Todd Andrlik, Senior Vice President. Todd joined Skender in 2017 and has 21 years of marketing experience, including 16 in the construction industry. He quickly reinvigorated the marketing team, created effective strategies, generated bold brand awareness, and shaped external communication efforts. He plays an influential role on the leadership team by using his insight and creativity to maximize strategy.

“Our leadership team is energized and poised to continue delivering the proactive, collaborative and value-driven construction that our clients and the marketplace expect from Skender,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO, Skender. “Together, we are laser-focused on creating the premier building experience and helping our clients achieve groundbreaking results.”

Concurrently with these promotions, Skender is pleased to recognize new shareholders. Skender is a leadership-owned business aimed at sustainable, long-term success and ample advancement and succession opportunities. Shareholder appointment is a merit-based recognition of hard work, loyalty, collaboration with colleagues, outstanding service and embodying Skender’s core values.

New shareholders are: Andy Halik, Dan Ulbricht, Ashlee Pforr, John Estes, Pete Conlin, Patrick Sullivan, Luke DeTolve, Brian Ribordy, Jeff Krause, Stacy Laughlin and Todd Andrlik. They join existing shareholders: Justin Brown, Jerry Ball, Dan Marijan, Afshan Barshan, Clay Edwards, Lisa Latronico, Jeff Janicek, Brian Simons, Brian Bukowski, Joe Pecoraro and Tim Rogers.

About Skender

Skender is a full-service building contractor and one of the nation’s top 100 construction firms, according to Building Design & Construction. We combine Lean process with high-performing teams to deliver unmatched results and maximum value. Headquartered in Chicago with a satellite office in Indianapolis, Skender serves its clients in the Midwest and across the country. For more information on Skender, visit www.skender.com.

Skender, one of the nation’s largest building contractors, is participating in the seventh annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction campaign during the week of September 14-18.

Coinciding with Construction Safety Week, the national campaign raises awareness about fall protection. According to the Center for Construction Research and Training, falls from heights are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in construction. The goal of this campaign is to prevent falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolds by encouraging the proper planning, equipment and training.

To support the national campaign, Skender is taking extra time on its projects to discuss lessons learned, site-specific hazards, and preventative measures for avoiding fall-related injuries. “We have a strong culture of safety and regularly come together to support continued training and education,” said Skender Safety Director Dan Torres. “Every day, we walk our construction sites and carefully evaluate all potential hazards. During this campaign, we give special attention to fall protection and our site-specific safety plans, as well as our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Skender was recognized today as a best place to work on the Crain’s Chicago Business 2020 Best Places to Work list. Of the 100 finalists, Skender ranked No. 8 in the large companies category and No. 29 overall. With a focus on collaboration, high-performing teams and efficiency, this is the fifth time in eight years that Skender has earned the prestigious Crain’s recognition; and makes 27 best-place-to-work awards (by multiple awarding bodies) since 2008.

Crain’s sets out to find the local businesses rated highest by their employees for creating quality workplaces. Its survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the 100 best companies to work for in the Chicago area. In a wide-ranging questionnaire, Crain’s asked about everything from workplace comforts to benefits and culture. A record 14,522 employees participated in the publication’s survey this year.

Collaboration is central to Skender’s character: from our commitment to building meaningful client relationships to our valued trade partnerships to our belief that every voice in our company has value. The result is a truly refreshing project experience for our clients, our partners and our employees.

 

The national construction industry publication Engineering News-Record (ENR) recently published its 2020 Top Midwest Contractors edition. Based on 2019 revenues, ENR ranks Skender #28 in the Midwest and #9 in Illinois. In the commercial construction and renovation sub-rankings, Skender earned the #4 and #9 spots, respectively.

Some of Skender’s prominent projects in 2019 included the 14-story, 167,000-SF Hyatt House hotel (photo above), the 90,000-SF headquarters build-out for Mondelēz International, the six-story supportive housing facility for Sarah’s Circle, LinkedIn’s 46,000-SF Chicago office expansion, and multiple projects for Northwestern Medicine.

Chicago-based Skender is a full-service building contractor specializing in the new construction and renovations of commercial, healthcare and multifamily facilities. Infused with the principles of Lean project delivery, Skender works closely with clients and partners to create value, increase quality, reduce waste and deliver tangible benefits throughout the entire construction experience. With a thoughtful and thorough approach refined over six decades, Skender takes the time to listen to and understand its clients, partners, their needs and their intentions, striving to deliver the premier building experience at the greatest value.

 

To fully support its construction and modular manufacturing businesses during the next phase of the economic recovery, Skender today announced that Mark Skender has chosen to step away from his role as CEO of Skender Construction and is formally assuming the role of CEO of Skender Manufacturing. Justin Brown will assume the role of CEO and continue his role as president of Skender Construction, which remains focused on general contracting services for all property types.

This move solidifies Mark Skender’s current leadership role in the manufacturing business and allows him and the other Skender Manufacturing leaders to concentrate on attracting investment and securing modular manufacturing projects.

“I have long been passionate about the transformative possibilities of modular construction for our industry and society. I am excited to embrace a leadership role fully dedicated to realizing the potential of modular building,” said Mark Skender. “This leadership realignment represents a natural evolution for our company and positions each of our unique businesses to be as strong as possible moving into the future.”

Mark Skender will direct the Skender Manufacturing leadership team of Pete Murray, president; Tim Swanson, chief design officer; and Stacy Scopano, chief technology officer. The leadership team will maintain a strong alliance with Skender Construction while operating as separate organizations for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Skender has been named one of Crain’s 2020 Best Places to Work in Chicago. The complete list of winners, in alphabetical order, is available here.

In partnership with Best Companies Group, Crain’s surveyed thousands of employees on the types of working conditions, benefits and corporate culture that make a company a great place to work. The awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the 100 best companies to work for in Chicago.

Winners were determined by the results of a weighted survey of employees and employers, conducted by Crain’s in partnership with Best Companies Group.

To be considered for participation, companies had to:

• Be a publicly or privately held business
• Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business, or government entity
• Have a facility in the Chicago area (including the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake in Illinois, Lake in Indiana, McHenry or Will)
• Have a minimum of 25 full-time or part-time employees working in Chicago
• Have been in business a minimum of one year

Determining the Best Places to Work in Chicago involved a two-step process. The first step consisted of evaluating each participating company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the best companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and analyzed the data and used its expertise to determine the final ranking.

This is the fourth time in seven years that Skender has earned the Crain’s recognition; and makes nearly 30 best place to work awards (by multiple awarding bodies) in total over the last dozen years. Skender will be honored at the 2020 Best Places to Work in Chicago awards event on Friday, April 17 at the Hilton Chicago. The ranking of the 100 top employers will appear in the April 20 issue of Crain’s Chicago Business.

Lisa Latronico, partner and vice president of people and culture at Skender, has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the area’s “Notable Leaders in HR” for 2020. Editors at Crain’s selected and honored executive human resources leaders who have made a significant impact within the Chicago business community.

Latronico, who joined Skender in 2001 and has overseen the HR function since 2006, advocates for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as strong mentorship and talent management. According to the editorial feature in the February 3 issue of Crain’s Chicago Business, “Lisa Latronico has boosted the representation of women [at Skender] to 21 percent. That compares to 9.1 percent in the U.S. construction workforce, according to the National Association of Women in Construction.”

Under Latronico’s leadership, Skender has earned more than two dozen “best place to work” awards from three different awarding organizations.

“Lisa and her team are a driving force behind our culture and embody our core values of true partnership, refreshing and proactive,” said Mark Skender, CEO, Skender. “They inspire us all to go above and beyond and achieve excellence not just in our work, but in our relationships with one another.”

Underscoring its commitment to an award-winning employee culture that fosters talent and innovation, Skender is pleased to announce five key leaders have been promoted:

Clay Edwards to Executive Vice President and Partner. Since joining Skender in 2006, Edwards has managed millions of square feet of interior tenant improvement (TI) projects throughout Chicago. A client-centric and results-oriented leader, Clay is the head of Skender’s Tenant Improvement market and founder of the firm’s Construction Technology and Self Perform Groups. Clay’s expertise is integral to Skender’s business development efforts as he cultivates new and existing relationships, and his interior tenant improvement teams are consistently at the forefront of many of Chicago’s top tech, legal and corporate HQ projects. As an industry thought leader, Clay is frequently cited in commercial real estate news media outlets regarding tenant improvement interior construction topics and is often a featured speaker and writer on related trends. He holds a Bachelor of Science in construction engineering from Purdue University.

Andy Halik to Project Executive. Since joining the firm in 2011, Halik has led numerous interior construction teams on transformational buildouts in Fulton Market, Merchandise Mart and the Old Post Office. These include Google, Conagra Brands, Walgreens and others. Halik is recognized for fostering long-term client relationships in multiple market sectors. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Ashlee Pforr to Project Executive. Since joining the firm in 2010, Pforr has overseen numerous interior construction teams on award-winning buildouts, including HERE Technologies, Bank of America, SRAM, Echo Global Logistics, Cars.com, Hinshaw & Culbertson and others. Pforr is recognized for her mentorship and talent development. She earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Iowa State University.

Rob Shilney to Senior Project Manager. Since joining the firm in 2014, Shilney has been an instrumental leader on numerous buildouts for global clients in the technology sector, including Facebook, Glassdoor, Dentons, Morgan Stanley and others. He earned a Bachelor of Science in technical resource management and construction management from Southern Illinois University.

Al McReynolds to Senior Superintendent. McReynolds joined Skender in 2015 and has more than 20 years of industry experience. He has been an asset in ensuring the success of Skender’s field operations at Northwestern Medicine. He has served as superintendent for numerous high-profile buildouts at Northwestern Medicine and will continue to help lead Skender’s healthcare field operations teams.

“Each of these individuals embodies Skender’s core values of building proactive and positive partnerships with all clients,” said Mark Skender, CEO. “As we begin 2020 with bright prospects, Clay, Andy, Ashlee, Rob and Al will certainly contribute to our continued success.”

Skender Director of Residential Design Angela Spadoni, AIA was recently named to Bisnow’s Chicago Power Women & Rising Stars list as an honoree. With more than 10 years of international and domestic experience, Spadoni has an impressive background in multifamily, condominium, retail and mixed-use high-rise design. At Skender, Spadoni oversees multifamily design projects, including the design of housing modules produced in Skender’s new Chicago manufacturing facility.

Sponsored by Bisnow, this annual initiative aims to shine a light on women making a big impact on the commercial real estate industry. This year, Bisnow is honoring both leading power women and ‘rising stars’ in the community. Rising stars are women who are early on (under 20 years) into their careers who have been identified as the next generation of leaders in Chicago commercial real estate.

A celebratory event will be held this Wednesday, December 4 at 325 W. Huron Street. For more information, visit https://www.bisnow.com/events/chicago/chicago-power-women-rising-stars-2672.

Comprised of philanthropic-minded professionals, Builders’ Board of Skender Foundation hosted its annual Harvesting Hope fundraiser on October 17 at Venue West. This year’s charity partner and beneficiary was Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH). More than 300 people attended the event and raised $43,000 for CCH.

Founded in 1980, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is the only nonprofit in Illinois dedicated to advocating for public policies that curb and can ultimately end homelessness. CCH leads strategic campaigns, community outreach and public policy initiatives that target the lack of affordable housing in metropolitan Chicago and across Illinois. In addition, CCH presses for access to jobs, training and public schools.

“Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is honored to have been chosen as the beneficiary for this year’s Harvesting Hope fundraiser. We are so grateful for the incredible partnership of the Builders’ Board and all the work they did to make the event such a success. Funds raised will support our Youth Futures mobile legal aid clinic, which reaches more than 4,000 homeless youth and students each year. Thanks to you, CCH will be able to help even more homeless young people access shelter, healthcare, education and legal ID records,” said Beth Malik, Lead Youth Futures Attorney at Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

“We are beyond thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Harvesting Hope event,” said Skender Foundation Executive Director, Belinda Moore. “It is an honor to support Chicago Coalition for the Homeless in such an impactful way and bring recognition and awareness to the important work that they do in our city. Many thanks to attendees, sponsors and silent auction donors for their generous contributions. Without their help, we couldn’t help local charities that promote health, wellness and education.”

In previous years, Harvesting Hope highlighted Purple Asparagus, Snow City Arts, Embarc Chicago, Foundations of Music, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Emergency Needs Fund, Common Threads and Urban Initiatives.

Skender Foundation hosted its annual fundraiser, Summer Eclipse, on Thursday, July 18 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. A total of $411,000 was raised in one night by sponsors and more than 500 event attendees. Of that, $30,000 will be donated to Little Wish Foundation while the balance will be dispersed to other charities dedicated to education and wellness throughout the year. In 2018, Summer Eclipse donations went to more than 100 different charity organizations.

This year, Skender Foundation highlighted Little Wish Foundation at Summer Eclipse. Founded in Indianapolis in 2010, Little Wish Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that grants wishes of pediatric oncology patients. The wishes may be small (most cost between $500 and $1,000), but their impact on children’s lives is immeasurable. The organization services fourteen children’s hospitals in seven states, including Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Rush University Children’s Hospital. To date, Little Wish has granted 1,950 little wishes to children with cancer during their treatment period.

“Each year, Skender Foundation hosts Summer Eclipse with the goal of providing opportunities, tools and resources to those in need. We chose to highlight Little Wish Foundation to help brighten the lives of children suffering from cancer, and feel honored to be able to make a positive impact on their journeys,” Skender Foundation Executive Director Belinda Moore said regarding the motivation behind Summer Eclipse.

Since its 2012 inception, Skender Foundation has raised over $5,600,000 for more than 300 charitable organizations. To learn more about Little Wish Foundation, visit littlewishfoundation.org.

Nearly 100 Skender employees, friends and family volunteered on Saturday, June 22 at Skender’s annual volunteer day to build the bed frames for 50 bunk beds. Through a partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), the day will benefit 100 children across the Chicago metropolitan area in need of beds.

“We were honored to partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and utilize our volunteers’ talents in the building trades for an amazing cause,” explains Belinda Moore, Executive Director of Skender Foundation. “The work of our mix of friends, family, Builders’ Board members and professionals will help push forward Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s mission of ensuring that no children have to sleep on the floor.”

During the Build Day, volunteers came together under the guidance of Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build 50 bunk bed frames. Those beds will then be packed, delivered and assembled at the homes of families on the waiting list with SHP to provide accessible, stable and safe beds for 50 families and 100 children in need.

Founded in 2012, SHP is a nationwide nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that builds and delivers beds to children who don’t have beds to sleep in. As of 2019, the organization has 150 chapters around the United States and has built over 4,000 beds.

“Skender has always impressed me from the very first day that I worked on one of your job sites and still to this day everyone at Skender impresses me both on the construction side of things and now the willingness to help others in need giving up your own time to do so!” said Jason Jansma, SHP Chapter Co-President IL-Chicagoland.

Recognized today at the reception of BuiltWorlds’ Machines Conference, Skender was voted the winner of the DISRUPTOR award for the Modular Builders category among those featured on the 2019 Machines 50 List. Skender’s Director of Residential Architecture Angela Spadoni attended the event to accept the award following her presentation on modular construction and evolving project delivery.

The year’s Machines 50 List features innovative solutions advancing equipment, machinery and tools at the frontier of the built environment. With emerging technology transforming construction in the shop and in the field, BuiltWorlds aims to showcase companies that are pushing the boundaries of both product and process.

BuiltWorlds’ panel of expert judges selected one LEADER and one DISRUPTOR from each of the seven categories on the list: (1) 3D printing, (2) equipment tracking & fleet management, (3) field robotics, (4) equipment marketplaces, (5) modular builders, (6) prefabrication solutions and (7) vehicles.

With a focus on innovation, teamwork and efficiency, Skender has earned more than 26 best place to work awards (by multiple awarding bodies) in total over the last dozen years.