Pepper: Retail Construction Services & Examples

Experiencing a different level of service

As retailers offer their customers experiences that transcend bricks and mortar, from our award-winning experience with international brands, national retail developers and regional stores, we know how to adapt and deliver a new experience.

With Marshall Field’s and the Merchandise Mart among our earliest clients, we have long risen to the challenge. Whether helping stores return to operation after a flood, working the night shift or pulling back the schedule to provide a smooth turnover, our goal is to put the customer first.

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Experts

Jeff Johnson President, Pepper Construction, Wisconsin

Jeff Johnson President, Pepper Construction, Wisconsin

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.

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

As senior vice president Mike leads our teams on hospitality, cultural, civic and retail projects. He is responsible for the overall profitability and growth of the markets he supports, as well as supporting and developing the teams in his group. Over his lengthy career at Pepper, Mike has been instrumental in expanding our geographic reach, developing new clients, and taking existing relationships to a new level. Through his leadership, Mike and his team have significantly grown our institutional and higher education markets. Mike earned his construction engineering degree from Iowa State University and his MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

With seven years of prior industry experience, Bob joined the Pepper team in 1996. Currently, he oversees national retail accounts and provides supervision to more than $500 million in Pepper projects. Bob started with Pepper’s Chicago office and joined the Indiana team in 2005. As senior vice president, he co-leads Pepper Indiana’s operations, which includes staffing and pricing strategies, as well as the preconstruction, quality and virtual construction departments. Bob holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Administration from the University of Wisconsin. He is an ACE Mentor board member and mentor committee chairman, and he serves on the General Contractor Council of the Indiana Subcontractors Association. Bob is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, where he earned the Certified Development, Design & Construction Professionals (CDP) credential.

Russ Pande Vice President, Project Director, Wisconsin

Russ Pande Vice President, Project Director, Wisconsin

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.

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Greg began his career in construction in 1995 and joined the Pepper team in 2000. He has championed our work at museums and zoos. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management & Technology from Bradley University and is a LEED AP BD+C.

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois

Ben serves Peppers civic, cultural and retail clients with a unique perspective. Drawing on his experience at Homan Square and with historic museums and other high-end retail projects, Ben recently led our team to complete the RH Gallery at Three Arts, which has been recognized nationally for its design and historic preservation.

Ben began his career with Pepper in 1998, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University. In 2007, Ben was recognized as a Friends of Downtown award recipient.

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Experiencing a different level of service

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Experts

Jeff Johnson President, Pepper Construction, Wisconsin

Jeff Johnson President, Pepper Construction, Wisconsin

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

Russ Pande Vice President, Project Director, Wisconsin

Russ Pande Vice President, Project Director, Wisconsin

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois