Developing communities that provide continuum of care
Jeff Johnson is a seasoned leader who has been working in the construction industry since 1988. He has experience in virtually every market sector – including more than 25 years specifically focused on projects and business growth in Wisconsin. Jeff provides executive guidance and operational direction for Pepper's offices in Milwaukee and Madison. Notable recent projects in the region under Jeff’s leadership include, Pritzker Military Archives Museum, King Center in Racine, Woman’s Leadership Center in Williams Bay, Titletown Flats in Green Bay and St. Rita’s Square senior living facility.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Montana State University. He is a member of the MMAC Executive Leadership Team and gives back to the communities through support of ACTS Housing, Bernie’s Book Bank, Kids Build of Wisconsin and the Carbone Cancer Center. Jeff also serves on the Board of Directors for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
Russ oversees project teams working in Wisconsin and is instrumental in building client relationships. With more than 20 years of experience in construction, he has worked on a broad spectrum of projects, from mixed use commercial developments and corporate offices to university dormitories and senior living facilities. Recent projects include The Corners of Brookfield and the Silverspot Cinema, St. Rita’s Square in Milwaukee, Meijer in Grand Chute and the Seda office renovation in Mount Pleasant. Russ also serves our industry on the ICSC Next Generation committee and the Illinois State University Construction Management advisory board. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management & Manufacturing Management from Illinois State University.
Jim began his career with Pepper Construction in 1988 and has worked in nearly every market we serve and on some of our largest projects. As an Executive Vice President on the Pepper Construction Company leadership team, Jim oversees our Barrington and field operations. He also provides thought leadership and market insights for areas including senior living, higher education and institutional projects. Beyond his project work, Jim has always played a leadership role in developing strong teams and enduring client relationships. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University, a LEED AP BD+C certification and is also an AIC-Certified Professional Constructor.
Since joining Pepper in 1998, Mick has managed more than $2 billion of construction projects in almost every market the company serves. Today, he focuses on Healthcare and Senior Living environments by providing strategic insights and group leadership in the Chicagoland area. His experience spans exterior envelopes, complex MEP systems and highly specialized interior buildouts, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the technical, regulatory and operational demands unique to care‑driven facilities. Mick is particularly driven by collaborative, design‑assist delivery models that encourage innovation and consistently produce cost‑effective, high‑performing spaces. He uses this approach to translate lessons learned across markets into smarter solutions for healthcare providers and senior living operators, ultimately supporting environments that elevate patient care, enhance resident experience and improve long‑term efficiency.
Mick holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Construction Management from Purdue University and an ASHE Healthcare Construction certificate.
As business development director, Scott supports Pepper Illinois' Barrington operations with deep regional expertise in design, engineering and trade relationship building, particularly in the K-12 sector. A former educator turned business developer, Scott joined Pepper after leading K-12 business development efforts for an architecture firm. His ability to empathize with end users helps Pepper more fully understand our clients’ needs and how we can help them achieve their goals.
With 23 years of experience in the construction industry, Steve has contributed to a broad range of projects. His expertise with Pepper has focused primarily on senior living, hospitals and related healthcare projects. Highlights include Oak Trace and Plymouth Place senior living communities, as well as multiple projects with Palos Community Hospital, Swedish Covenant Hospital and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Steve has also worked with the Chicago Fire on their new performance center and renovations at Seat Geek Stadium. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Steve has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.