Pepper: K-12 School Construction Examples

Starting before the referendum

At Pepper, our K-12 services start with pre-referendum planning, where we assist our clients in the budgeting and planning process before the referendum vote. As you consider your next capital project, we can help identify the right-sized project and associated costs.

During construction, our team of experienced K-12 builders are careful to protect both the learning environment of your students and the lifestyle of your neighbors from the disruption that can come with construction activities.

Related projects

Experts

Jake Pepper, LEED® AP President, Pepper Environmental Technologies, Executive Vice President, Illinois

Jake Pepper, LEED® AP President, Pepper Environmental Technologies, Executive Vice President, Illinois

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, 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 Masters 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.

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

With 28 years of industry experience, Bob oversees national retail accounts and provides supervision to more than $500 million in Pepper projects. Bob started with Pepper’s Chicago office in 1996 and joined Indiana 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.

Jay Ripsky Executive Vice President, Illinois

Jay Ripsky Executive Vice President, Illinois

As executive vice president, Jay has responsibility for Operations at our Barrington office. Most recently in his role as senior vice president, he oversaw the continued growth of our K-12 and manufacturing, distribution and warehouse markets while also playing key roles with our safety and quality teams. Jay’s career in construction began more than 25 years ago with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University. Since joining Pepper Construction, Jay has developed a broad level of experience in a wide variety of markets, including healthcare, retail, commercial and institutional work. In addition, he has managed our self-perform market, expanding the reach of these services beyond Pepper Construction projects and developing the infrastructure and team that support it.

Lance Tritsch Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Lance Tritsch Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Lance has specialized in educational, institutional and retail projects in the Chicagoland area since 1995. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Technical Studies and an Associate in Applied Science, Construction Technology, both from Southern Illinois University. He is a member of the Chicago chapter of the United States Green Building Council and the Chicago chapter of the K-12 Advocacy Committee of the United States Green Building Council. He is also a LEED AP BD+C.

Robert Martinelli Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Robert Martinelli Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

With 19 years of industry experience – including 13 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.

Bob Hart Project Executive, Ohio

Bob Hart Project Executive, Ohio

Bob is a seasoned Project Executive responsible for leading the company's project teams to deliver the highest level of service and quality for clients in all markets, specializing in K-12 construction. Bob has completed over $650 million in K-12 projects, including serving as Project Executive for numerous district improvement programs. Throughout his tenure, Bob has developed a strong understanding and appreciation for the challenges and complexities associated with K-12 project design and construction. His extensive experience working with school districts and designers enables him to explore options for construction and focus on maximizing dollars available while realizing key design goals.

Bob grew up in Worthington, Ohio and attended Worthington City Schools. For the last six years, Bob has volunteered for the Olentangy Facilities Development Committee. Bob became passionate about K-12 projects when he was involved with one of the first State of Ohio Emergency Response Repair School Projects. He saw firsthand the importance of educational facilities to provide a safe environment to learn and the lasting impact it has on the local community.

Scott Nemshick Director of Business Development, Illinois

Scott Nemshick Director of Business Development, Illinois

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.

K-12

Starting before the referendum

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Five keys to partnering through a K-12 referendum process

COVID-19 impact on K-12 construction in the Midwest and beyond

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Experts

Jake Pepper, LEED® AP President, Pepper Environmental Technologies, Executive Vice President, Illinois

Jake Pepper, LEED® AP President, Pepper Environmental Technologies, Executive Vice President, Illinois

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

Bob Eckl Senior Vice President, Indiana

Jay Ripsky Executive Vice President, Illinois

Jay Ripsky Executive Vice President, Illinois

Lance Tritsch Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Lance Tritsch Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Robert Martinelli Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Robert Martinelli Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Bob Hart Project Executive, Ohio

Bob Hart Project Executive, Ohio

Scott Nemshick Director of Business Development, Illinois

Scott Nemshick Director of Business Development, Illinois