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Mark Irgens

BizTimes Staff
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Mark Irgens

CEO and manager
Irgens Partners | Milwaukee

Real estate developer and investor Mark Irgens founded the firm behind many of metro Milwaukee’s prominent building projects. Included among its noteworthy projects are the downtown BMO Tower, 833 East Michigan Street, ASQ Center and A.O. Smith’s corporate technology center. Irgens is a co-founder and past president of the NAIOP-Wisconsin Chapter and a member of the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin and Urban Land Institute. In addition to Irgens’ board of directors and investment committee, he serves on the board of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the U.S. Bank Advisory Board in Wisconsin and the Three Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The future of your industry: “Since COVID and for different but connected reasons, challenges and circumstances, commercial real estate is tough business. With lowering interest rates and prices stabilizing, I am hopeful for and anticipating a successful future.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Desire to succeed, honesty and intelligence.”

Thing to learn this year: “Pickleball.”

Definition of success: “Getting it done efficiently and effectively.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Real Estate
CEO and manager
Irgens Partners LLC | Milwaukee

Mark Irgens is a developer, investor and operator of office and medical office buildings. His company, Irgens Partners LLC, is among the largest office property management firms in the Milwaukee area. Recently, Irgens developed one of the newest additions to the city’s skyline, the 25-story BMO Tower in downtown Milwaukee. Irgens is also a co-founder and past president of the NAIOP-Wisconsin Chapter and a member of Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin and Urban Land Institute.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Toughest business challenge you’ve ever faced: “2008 recession and the fallout from it.”

Most significant recent accomplishment: “Acquisition and entitlement of Innovation Park in Wauwatosa.”

As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song: “‘Won’t Back Down’ by Tom Petty”

What’s at the top of your bucket list: “To take the month of August off and spend it at our lake home.”

Jon Hammes

BizTimes Staff
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Jon Hammes

Managing principal, Hammes Partners
Chairman and CEO, Hammes Healthcare
Hammes Co. | Milwaukee

Since founding Hammes Healthcare 31 years ago, Jon Hammes has led the Milwaukee-based firm to become a national leader in health care real estate. Hammes Healthcare specializes in consulting with health care providers on the planning and evaluation of their new facilities, which has led to numerous project management contracts for construction projects. In 2014, Hammes Co. launched a private equity fund to bolster its capital for health care real estate investment and development, a strategic move to remain competitive with larger real estate investment trusts.

Hammes Co. has also managed the construction of major sports facilities, including the Kohl Center at UW-Madison, Ford Field for the Detroit Lions, MetLife Stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets and U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings as well as the expansion of Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

A Racine native, Hammes recently gave $1 million to help fund a new athletic complex at Case High School in his hometown. He has also served on the boards of Teach for America, Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

If you could time travel: “I would time travel to July 4, 1776, to be present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Do they fit the culture? Do they have wattage? And do they have a solid work ethic?”

Favorite part of the workday: “The first two hours.”

Historical figure you look up to: “Abraham Lincoln. He exemplified servant-leadership. He cared and he served for all people.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Real Estate
Managing principal, Hammes Partners
Chairman and CEO, Hammes Healthcare
Hammes Co. | Milwaukee

Jon Hammes is the founder of the Hammes platform and launched Hammes Healthcare in 1993. Prior to that he was managing partner for Trammel Crow, serving as the firm’s regional partner in its Chicago office.

He grew Hammes into a national leader in health care real estate. He positioned the firm as a consultant to guide health care providers through the planning and evaluation process for building new facilities, which helped the company get awarded project management contracts for the construction projects. The company has been ranked as the nation’s top health care facility developer numerous times by Modern Healthcare’s Construction & Design Survey.

The company also became a major player in sports facility development, starting in the 1990s in managing construction of the Kohl Center for UW-Madison. After the completion of the Kohl Center, Hammes Co. became project manager for construction of several other major sports facility projects, including Ford Field for the Detroit Lions, the expansion of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, MetLife Stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets and U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Hammes Co. also launched a private equity fund in 2014 to raise capital for health care real estate investment and development. The fund was necessary to help it compete with large real estate investment trusts. The company initially raised $400 million for the fund and three years later raised another $700 million. The money mostly came from state pension funds. By leveraging it with debt, the company generated more than $3 billion for its health care real estate investments and developments.

Hammes taught at UW-Madison for a time. He has served on several education-related boards including Teach for America, Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; master’s, UW-Madison

Tim Gokhman

BizTimes Staff
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Tim Gokhman

Managing Director
New Land Enterprises | Milwaukee

Tim Gokhman oversees development, acquisition and management for New Land Enterprises, a Milwaukee-based real estate development firm specializing in mixed-use residential and commercial real estate. New Land has developed more than 2,200 units across 27 projects and currently owns and manages more than 2,000 apartments and 200,000 square feet of commercial space. The firm developed Rhythm, Milwaukee’s first “micro-unit” apartment building; Black Cat Alley, a defunct alley turned public arts space; the Crossroads Collective food hall; and Ascent MKE, the world’s tallest mass timber building. Gokhman also helped lead the effort to establish Milwaukee Film Festival permanently in the Oriental Theater.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Highlights from the past 12 months: “We refinanced Ascent despite a very difficult interest rate environment. That success speaks to the quality and viability of our developments and helped form the basis for the launch of Timber + Partners. We also completed Nova MKE, which laid the foundation for us to expand to Green Bay, the first expansion beyond the greater Milwaukee market.”

Your secret talent: “I’m good at keeping secrets.”

If you could time travel: “Go 10 years into the future to see how climate change, geopolitics and the stock market are doing.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Intelligence and passion.”

Kristin Dufek

BizTimes Staff
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Kristin Dufek

President
EUA | Milwaukee

Kristin Dufek is president of EUA (Eppstein Uhen Architects Inc.), one of the largest architecture firms in metro Milwaukee. With 280 employees and offices in Madison, Green Bay, Atlanta and Denver, EUA specializes in workplace, health care, learning, living and science/technology markets as well as community environments. The firm has designed prominent buildings in southeastern Wisconsin, including the Baird Center and 875 East Wisconsin in downtown Milwaukee, the Brewers’ American Family Field and Acuity’s Sheboygan campus expansion. Dufek joined EUA in 2002 as an architect, was named vice president in 2015 and appointed president in 2021.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Notre Dame; master’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

One decision to do over: “I was close to committing to volunteer for the Peace Corps when I graduated from my undergrad, with a placement in western Africa to teach science. My sensible side got the best of me, and I declined, instead attending graduate school in Milwaukee. I imagine that I would have experienced things and grown in ways far beyond any kind of formal education.”

Your secret talent: “I took nine years of classical piano lessons. It’s hardly a talent any longer, though, as I can’t remember the last time I sat down at a piano.”

Playlist for commute/run: “Podcasts (‘How I Built This,’ ‘Rich Roll’ or ‘Wiser Than Me’) or any awesome ‘80s hits.”

Favorite movie: “Probably ‘Hoosiers.’ It makes me cry every time.”

Jim Borris

BizTimes Staff
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Jim Borris

CEO
Zilber Ltd. | Milwaukee

Jim Borris is chief executive officer of Zilber Ltd., a Milwaukee-based developer of residential, commercial and light industrial properties across the U.S. In recent years, the firm has been active in Kenosha County, developing an industrial park on a 70-acre site. Zilber is currently partnering with the Forest County Potawatomi Community on a mixed-use development at the 240-acre former Dairyland Greyhound Park property in Kenosha. The project will include office, retail, industrial and multifamily residential units. As of March 2025, Borris will relinquish the role of CEO, but will remain as chairman of the board.

Borris is a board member of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago and the United Performing Arts Fund.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Highlights from the past 12 months: “I would always point to the fabulous work our foundation ownership group, the Zilber Family Foundation, has accomplished. When Zilber Ltd. is successful, the beneficiary is our foundation, and that is success.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Appreciate and respect those that work with and for you. Two heads are better than one. Do your homework. Do not compromise your integrity. Do not procrastinate making decisions. Lead by example. Have faith. Give back.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Boyd’s Mason Lake Resort. Remote, no power boating and many good friends.”

Buzzword you never want to hear again: “Not hearing ‘game changer’ would be a game changer.”

Jim Barry III

BizTimes Staff
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Jim Barry III

President and CEO
The Barry Co. | Milwaukee

Jim Barry III represents the third generation of family leadership of commercial real estate brokerage and consulting company The Barry Co. He has been involved in some of the region’s most influential and complex real estate transactions, with high-profile clients including Harley-Davidson, MillerCoors, Roundy’s, U.S. Bank and Michels.

He is past chairman and a founding member of Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin, a founding member of the Center for Real Estate at Marquette University and a member of the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Milwaukee Riverwalk District. Barry also co-founded the Milwaukee Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society. He is also a former finance chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin and current chairman of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Education: Bachelor’s, Georgetown School of Foreign Service; J.D., University of Chicago Law School

The future of your industry: “Very positive, particularly in the industrial sector, which remains very strong due to low vacancy rates, higher prices and higher lease rates.”

Your secret talent: “Memorizing poetry, historical speeches, etc. It is a great mental discipline.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Your word is your bond.”

Playlist for commute/run: “Bach and other classical music; the Great American Songbook.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Real Estate
President and CEO
The Barry Co. | Milwaukee

Jim Barry III, the third-generation family leader of commercial real estate brokerage and consulting company The Barry Co., has been involved in some of the biggest and most complex transactions in the region. He’s brokered deals for southeastern Wisconsin’s largest corporations, including Harley-Davidson, MillerCoors, Roundy’s, U.S. Bank and Foley & Lardner. Recently, Barry helped assemble the land – including three adjacent properties with three different owners – for Milwaukee Public Museum’s future home in downtown Milwaukee. A lawyer by training, Barry co-founded the Milwaukee Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society, is former finance chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin and current chairman of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Education: Bachelor’s, Georgetown School of Foreign Service; JD, University of Chicago Law School; General Course Certificate, London School of Economics

Book recommendation: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.”

Favorite destinations: “Paris; Rome; London; Jerusalem; Grindelwald, Switzerland; the Adirondack region of New York.”

Fun fact: “I ran with the bulls in Pamplona during the Festival of St. Fermin in July of 2012, and I survived.”

How would you make Wisconsin better: “Reform Wisconsin tax code so that the income tax would be significantly reduced or eliminated. This could be done with a corresponding change in the sales tax. States that have done this have seen strong in-migration and economic growth. It would make Wisconsin far more competitive and a more attractive place to live.”

Rick Barrett

BizTimes Staff
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Rick Barrett

CEO
Barrett Lo Visionary Development | Milwaukee

Developer Rick Barrett is credited with helping to spearhead downtown Milwaukee’s revitalization through a number of residential and mixed-use projects. A crowning achievement in the past year, Barrett Lo completed work on The Couture, a 44-story apartment tower near downtown Milwaukee’s lakefront. Looking forward, the firm has plans to redevelop the former Boston Store at Southridge Mall into apartments and retail space and is working on a $400 million, multi-building apartment development near the former Boston Store at Mayfair Mall.

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University

Highlights from the past 12 months: “Getting The Couture done. We now have a community full of residents at the tallest residential building in Wisconsin. Pushing that rock up the hill on a daily basis over the last 12 months has been really challenging, but also fulfilling, because I think it’s a game changer for our city.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “It’s a dream I have that we would build high-speed rail to connect Wisconsin and the rest of the Midwest. Imagine routes from Milwaukee to Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Kansas City and Minneapolis, and from Milwaukee to the Northwoods.”

If you could time travel: “I would want to go back to the Green Bay Packers of the 1960s and just listen to Vince Lombardi speak and hear how this man could inspire people to be so extraordinary.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “There is no better place on Earth than Minocqua, Wisconsin. You have the chance to be one with nature, and it’s just a very special place. I’ve been all over the world, and it’s still my favorite place to go.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Real Estate
Chief executive officer
Barrett Lo Visionary Development | Milwaukee

Rick Barrett is the man behind a number of high-profile developments in the Milwaukee area, including The Moderne, a 30-story apartment tower in downtown Milwaukee, and Emerald Row, an apartment development at Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek. Drawing more attention and anticipation than the rest is The Couture, a 44-story luxury apartment tower that is now under construction near the downtown Milwaukee lakefront. After many setbacks, Barrett Lo secured the needed financing and broke ground on The Couture last year.

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University

Fun fact: “I used to play professional baseball and was a minor league pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles organization.”

Toughest business challenge you’ve ever faced: “Getting (The Moderne) into the ground during the height of a recession, on the west side of the (Milwaukee) river, with no other development surrounding the project, was truly a herculean effort but also one of the most rewarding.”

Why you’re excited for the future: “I have five children. Watching them grow up, coming into adulthood and seeing the impact the younger generation is going to have on the world has me excited about the future and what it holds.”

What would make Wisconsin better: “High-speed rail. Finding a way to bring people to and from Wisconsin quickly and safely. Connecting up with our neighbors in Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan would be a boom to our economy and tourism and help show everyone what Wisconsin has to offer.”

Joseph Alexander

BizTimes Staff
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Joseph Alexander

President
The Alexander Co. | Madison

Joe Alexander leads The Alexander Co., a Madison-based real estate company specializing in urban in-fill development, historic preservation, affordable housing and property management. Some of Alexander’s prominent projects have included Capitol West, a $110 mixed-use urban in-fill development just off the Capitol Square in Madison; the $120 million, 62-acre Novation Campus, also in Madison; and the $45 million restoration of Milwaukee Soldiers Home and Milwaukee Fortress in the Brewers Hill neighborhood. Alexander has overseen developments spanning from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., to Fort Worth. He previously served as special assistant to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School

The future of your industry: “The nation is undoubtedly facing a housing crisis, and Madison is no exception. I envision the future of the real estate industry pivoting significantly towards creating more affordable housing to address this widespread shortage. Continued collaboration between public municipalities and private developers will be crucial in achieving this goal.”

First and most recent concert: “My first concert was the Rolling Stones, and my most recent was Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Commitment, expertise and cultural fit.”

Definition of success: “For me, success is defined by having happy team members, doing work we can be proud of and turning a profit simultaneously.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Real Estate
President
The Alexander Co. | Madison

Joseph Alexander became president of The Alexander Co. in 2009, assuming leadership of the Madison-based real estate development company his father, Randy Alexander, founded. The company specializes in real estate projects involving historic preservation, urban revitalization and adaptive reuse. Some of the company’s high-profile recent projects in the Milwaukee area include the Milwaukee Soldiers Home restoration and Milwaukee Fortress in the Brewers Hill neighborhood. In Madison, the firm was behind the Novation Campus, a $120 million, mixed-use development; the $35 million redevelopment of the Rail Corridor in downtown Madison; and the $110 million Capitol West condo project in downtown Madison. Joseph has personally overseen developments spanning from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., to Fort Worth.

Previously, Alexander worked as a special assistant in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the leadership of then secretary Tommy Thompson. In that role, his duties included consultation and implementation in the areas of general management, budgeting and facilities development oversight.

He’s served on the boards of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Downtown Madison Inc., Salvation Army of Dane County, Wisconsin

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School

Jim Yehle

BizTimes Staff
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Jim Yehle

President and CEO
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. | Madison

Jim Yehle has led Madison-based general contracting firm J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. as it’s completed several significant projects in Milwaukee, including The Couture tower, The Trade hotel and Marquette University’s business school building. Earlier in his career at Findorff, Yehle led teams in the construction of the Overture Center for the Arts and American Family Children’s Hospital, both in Madison. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2016 before becoming president and CEO in 2020. He serves on the board of directors for the Madison Region Economic Partnership and Madison Symphony Orchestra, chairs the board of directors for the Overture Center for the Arts, and chairs the advisory board for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Your secret talent: “Not sure if it’s a secret talent, but I have a photographic memory, so once I see things, I rarely forget the details. Tell me something and I may forget, but if I see it, it sticks.”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “Educator. I really enjoy and get energy talking to college kids about careers.”

Your sport if you could be an Olympian: “Table tennis. I love ping-pong.”

First and most recent concert: “First: Willy Porter. Most recent: Taylor Swift Eras Tour.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Construction
President and CEO
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. | Madison

Jim Yehle was promoted to president and CEO of J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. in early 2020, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic’s arrival. He started at the Madison-based general contracting firm in 1999 as a project manager, leading teams in the construction of the Overture Center for the Arts and American Family Children’s Hospital, both in Madison. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2016. Now at the helm, Yehle is overseeing the company as it executes on several high-profile projects, including The Couture tower in downtown Milwaukee, The Trade in Milwaukee’s Deer District, and Marquette University’s new business school building.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you: “The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. The mission of the center is to create a place where the Black community and its allies can fill up on inspiration, opportunities, and hope.”

Fun fact: “Back in high school, I was the La Crosse city golf champion my senior year.”

Career advice: “Be a servant leader, give praise to others, delegate, trust and promote those around you. No one person ever built a building, it is a team, we should think and act that way. Be collaborative and communicative and there is nothing you can’t achieve together.”

Biggest risk you’ve ever taken: “Well, in our business we take risks every day, so we are used to those uncomfortable feelings. When in those situations, I find it’s best to trust your gut and instincts.”

David G. Voss Jr.

BizTimes Staff
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David G. Voss Jr.

President and CEO
Miron Construction | Neenah

David G. Voss Jr. is president and chief executive officer of Neenah-based Miron Construction, one of the state’s largest construction firms. He has led the company since 1977.

Voss is involved in the daily operations of the company, provides corporate management and is involved in the conceptual and hard bid estimating process.

The company has 1,700 employees across its Wisconsin offices in Neenah, Chippewa Falls, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Wausau, as well as its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Marquette, Michigan locations.

Recording $1.76 billion in revenue in 2022, the firm was recognized as the 11th fastest-growing company in the New North region by Insight Publications. It ranked No. 26 on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 list of the state’s largest private companies this year.

Miron’s high-profile projects in recent years have included the Resch Expo, a $93 million exhibition center located across the street from Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packaging’s $500 million manufacturing facility, and Howard Commons, a community gathering space in the village of Howard. The firm is also managing construction of FPC Live’s $70 million concert venue being built near Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee.

This year Miron expanded its presence in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with a new office, and it opened a new $7.5 million office in Chippewa Falls, replacing its former Eau Claire office.

Recognized for his volunteerism in the Fox Cities, Voss is a supporter of the United Way Fox Cities, Rawhide Youth Services, St. Mary Parish in Menasha and St. Mary Central High School in Neenah. He is also past president of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Stout

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Construction
President and CEO
Miron Construction Co., Inc. | Neenah

David G. Voss Jr. has led Neenah-based Miron Construction since 1979. One of the state’s largest construction firms, Miron has about 1,500 employees and reported $1.3 billion in revenue in 2021. It ranked No. 28 on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 list of the state’s largest private companies this year. Miron’s recent high-profile projects include the new Resch Expo, a $93 million exhibition center located across the street from Lambeau Field, and Green Bay Packaging’s new $500 million manufacturing facility. In Milwaukee, Miron was recently named construction manager for the $50 million concert venue complex planned in the Deer District.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Career advice: “One piece of advice that I live my life by is from the Bible (Luke 12:48): ‘Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.’”

What would you change about Wisconsin to make it better: “The construction delivery method used by the State of Wisconsin. I think fairly negotiating projects in the best interest of the people of Wisconsin, rather than basing the selection of a contractor simply on price, would propel our state forward.”

Fun fact: “I’ve only ever dated one woman in my entire life, and I married her. Jane and I met in kindergarten, and she lived just four doors down. Although we didn’t start dating until late high school, she’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

Favorite restaurant: “If you are looking for an incredible steak, go no further than the Union Hotel in De Pere; their food is absolutely fantastic.”

Justin Smith

BizTimes Staff
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Justin Smith

CEO
C.D. Smith | Fond du Lac

Justin Smith represents the fourth generation of family leadership at C.D. Smith, a Fond du Lac-based construction firm. He succeeded his father, the late Gary Smith, as president and chief executive officer in 2014. Under Justin’s leadership, C.D. Smith opened a Milwaukee branch in 2015, a new corporate office in Fond du Lac and a second branch in Madison in 2019, and a fourth office, in La Crosse, in 2020. The firm has more than 600 employees and in recent years has reported annual revenues of over $500 million.

C.D. Smith is seen as a leader in mass timber construction in Wisconsin, having worked on five mass timber projects in the state, including Ascent, the world’s tallest mass timber hybrid tower. The firm served as the construction manager, alongside Gilbane Building Co., of the $465 million Baird Center expansion, which doubled the downtown Milwaukee convention center’s size to 1.3 million feet. It also provided construction management and general contracting services for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to convert the Warner Grand Theatre into its performance center.

Other ongoing projects include the Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus and the nine-block Kenosha Harbor District redevelopment project.

Education: Bachelor’s, West Virginia University

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Real Estate and Development | Construction
CEO
C.D. Smith | Fond du Lac

Justin Smith was appointed president and CEO of C.D. Smith Construction in 2014, following the death of his father, Gary. He now represents the fourth generation of family leadership for the Fond du Lac-based general contractor. C.D. Smith has over 600 employees and annual revenues exceeding $500 million. Some if its high-profile projects have included the 7seventy7 apartment tower development in downtown Milwaukee and the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison. C.D. Smith, along with Gilbane Building Co., are construction managers for the current $456 million Wisconsin Center expansion project in downtown Milwaukee.

Favorite restaurant, order: “Kaminski’s Chop house at Chula Vista Resort. The Garbage Salad followed by the best beef fillet ever.”

Career advice: “Sometimes we must take things seriously, although doing so all the time gets boring.”

Toughest challenge you’ve ever faced: “My father passed away before his time and left me with some growing up to do. Transitioning C.D. Smith Construction from ‘my dad’s company’ to one with my stamp was challenging. I didn’t get it all right. I managed to do many things wrong and learned from my mistakes. Along the way, I managed to surround myself with a great team, and we are getting it right together. I take great pride in all of our people and fully intend to continue to build a company that would make my father proud.”

Advice you’d give to a young professional: “Surround yourself with good people who are smarter than you, and be a sponge. Success will find you faster.”

Eric Schmidt

BizTimes Staff
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Eric Schmidt

President
CG Schmidt | Milwaukee

Eric Schmidt is president of CG Schmidt Inc., a Milwaukee-based, family-owned construction management firm. Schmidt has helped lead some of the company’s most notable projects, including the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Calatrava-designed addition and, more recently, the Journal Square Lofts and the Milwaukee Athletic Club’s redevelopment. Schmidt joined his family business in 1991 as a field engineer and worked his way up to senior vice president in 2019 and then president in 2022.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The future of your industry: “I foresee the future of construction and construction services centering on leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence to solve the current manpower shortages.”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “Ferrari test driver. I have a passion for motorized recreation, and Ferrari is the pinnacle within their respective market.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “People have a multiplier effect, which is good and bad. Great people raise the performance of everyone around them, making it critical for a leader to surround themselves with people superior to themselves, while embodying the same core values that you and the organization are built upon.”

Thing to learn this year: “I need to learn another language. I had years of German in school, but I never kept it up. I have friends who travel around the world and challenge themselves to learn the language well enough to get by, and I would like to follow their lead.”

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