Jeff Johnson is a seasoned industry leader with more than 30 years of construction knowledge in virtually every market sector – including 20 years specifically focused on projects in Wisconsin. As an accomplished Lean practitioner, he became a founding member of the state's first Lean Construction Institute Community of Practice (LCI CoP). Major recent projects in the region under Jeff's leadership include completion of the BMO Tower, BMO corporate office and retail bank along with several other tenant and retail spaces, the multi-family space at Titletown and St. Rita Square senior-living residences. Jeff is also a recognized thought leader in Integrated Project Delivery and has worked with all contracting methods, including tri-party agreements.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Montana State University. He is a member of ASHE and AGC of Wisconsin and gives back to the local communities through support of the American Heart Association, City of Hope and Habitat for Humanity.
Jake Pepper is a creative problem solver with a focus on Pepper's continued growth in the evolving construction industry. While taking the company into new markets and relationships, Jake remains responsible for Pepper Environmental Technologies, Pepper Energy, our Quality team and Integrated Construction Services (ICS). The ICS group is comprised of people who represent some of the most advanced thought leadership in our industry—investigating new technologies, evaluating new methodologies exploring high performance and solar advancements and creating innovative solutions in the field to help our clients realize their vision. In addition, Jake oversees Pepper's Field Supervision leaders and partners with them to drive continuous improvement by using technology in the field. His experience in project management benefits operations by providing integrated platforms designed to bring efficiencies at both the business and project levels.
Starting in 2002, Jake worked at Pepper in various summer internships. But after graduating from college, Jake decided to explore different opportunities in the fields of engineering and finance. By the Spring of 2013, he felt ready to bring his new perspectives on the business world back to Pepper and joined the company as a project manager. In 2015, he began working with the IT department to provide strategic direction on business-critical initiatives. Jake also provides support and insight to our virtual construction and high-performance groups, and is leading initiatives related to our long-term facilities plans.
Jake completed his MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Business. In addition to serving as a guest speaker for the Master of Project Management program at Northwestern, he is an active member of CMUG, CMiC’s user community, as well as the Urban Land Institute. Outside of work, Jake volunteers as a math mentor for students involved with the POSSE Foundation and has a passion for environmental issues, including clean water and sustainable urban farming.
Brian serves as one of Pepper Construction's higher education leaders, having completed more than one million square feet of college and university projects throughout the Midwest. His clients range from some of the most recognizable institutions in the region, like the University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, to smaller liberal arts and community colleges like Dominican University and North Central College. Brian's strength is in leading teams through the preconstruction planning process, and in 2014, he served on a panel at MAPPA, where they discussed the pros and cons of capital project trends. Brian holds a MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Marquette University. He has served as a member of the National Alumni Association Board of Directors for Marquette University, currently serves on the Marquette University Civil Engineering Academic Advisory Board, the Associated College of Illinois Board of Trustees and is a member of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP).
With 23 years of industry experience – including 18 years with Pepper – Rob has developed an impressive record of successfully delivering a range of K-12 and higher education projects, as well as commercial office buildings and corporate headquarters. Working throughout the Chicagoland area, the energy and enthusiasm that Rob brings to his projects is contagious and benefits design teams, trade partners and clients alike. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Eastern Illinois University and is a LEED AP.
As vice president and project director, Russ oversees project teams 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.
Eric specializes in hotel and casino construction, most recently working on some of the trendiest hotels in Chicago, like Hotel EMC2 and the Moxy. With more than $400 million in casino construction, his resume includes work at Harrah’s, the Grand Victoria, Rivers Casino (the world’s first LEED Gold casino) and Horseshoe Hammond, which was the largest floating facility in the U.S. when it was constructed.
Eric has been with Pepper Construction since 1999, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of Wisconsin.
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