Pepper: Mission Critical Data Center Construction Projects

Building a new operational infrastructure

Whether adding a data closet to your corporate offices or looking for a site on which to build your co-location space, we understand the unique needs of mission critical clients. Just as your customers expect reliability, speed and security, we'll deliver your project with predictable outcomes.

Having built the world's first LEED v4 data center, we also appreciate the importance of sustainability and efficiency to an industry perceived as a resource consumer. We will work with you to optimize the performance of your facility for your own business and for your customers.

Related projects

Confidential data center Pepper Construction

Experts

Paul Francois President, Pepper Construction, Ohio; President, Pepper Mission Critical

Paul Francois President, Pepper Construction, Ohio; President, Pepper Mission Critical

With over three decades of experience in the construction industry, Paul Francois is a seasoned leader known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence. As President of Pepper Construction of Ohio, Paul oversees all aspects of the company's operations, driving growth, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality projects on time and within budget.

Paul's journey in construction began with a strong foundation, earning his bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from Iowa State University. Paul has cultivated a reputation for his hands-on approach and collaborative leadership style. He believes in fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, empowering his team to explore new technologies and methodologies to enhance project efficiency and quality all while creating a strong team culture.

In addition, Paul leads Pepper Mission Critical, a specialized company that serves the construction needs of hyperscale and co-location data centers. He ensures the company is leveraging Pepper's extensive experience in the mission critical sector over the past four decades

Paul is a passionate supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Network (PanCan) and PurpleStride Columbus and has established the Teachers Helping Teachers Foundation – all in loving memory of his wife, Teresa Francois. Several other community organizations benefit from Paul’s volunteering efforts, including his deep engagement as a board member of Junior Achievement of Central Ohio and his active involvement with the Construction Engineering Industry Advisory Council and Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Paul is a firm believer in giving back and strives to make a positive impact wherever he goes.

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

Jake Pepper, LEED® AP President, Pepper Environmental Technologies; President, Pepper Energy; Executive Vice President, Pepper Construction, 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, 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.

James "Bull" Galliera Senior Vice President, Pepper Mission Critical

James "Bull" Galliera Senior Vice President, Pepper Mission Critical

James “Bull” Galliera leads Pepper Mission Critical’s day-to-day activities, driving successful project execution, cultivating new client relationships and providing specialized knowledge that contributes to sustainable growth. His diverse career spans multiple industries, with a decade in mission-critical operations and construction management, a decade in nuclear power generation maintenance and a decade building schools and healthcare facilities. This mix gives Bull a deep understanding of Certificate of Need processes and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

His capabilities in problem-solving, value engineering, budget management and stakeholder coordination support effective working relationships with government officials, municipalities and regulatory bodies that support compliance with local permitting processes and requirements. A Journeyman Electrician, Bull also holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Ken Russell, LEED® AP ID+C Project Director, Illinois

Ken Russell, LEED® AP ID+C Project Director, Illinois

Over the past 28 years, Ken has specialized in data center and data-heavy interiors projects, working on many of Pepper’s confidential projects. His most recognizable project was the WW Grainger data center, the first LEED v4 data center in the United States. His knowledge of how data centers function has allowed him to suggest alternative materials and methods for improving cost and facility performance. Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Administration from University of Wisconsin at Madison, and he is a LEED AP ID+C.

Tony Smaniotto, MCR, MBA Director of Business Development, Illinois

Tony Smaniotto, MCR, MBA Director of Business Development, Illinois

Tony Smaniotto is a commercial real estate veteran with 30 years of experience in corporate real estate, capital markets, city planning and real estate development. A business developer and strong team player, Tony works closely with the executive leadership team at Pepper, where our client's projects represent the future. As business development director, he responsible for strategic account development with a focus on identifying new opportunities in the corporate workplace, retail and healthcare interiors markets.

Tony earned his MBA in Finance and Real Estate, with Academic Distinction, from the DePaul University Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Tony is chairman of the CoreNet Chicago chapter, past president and honorary board member of The Dads Association at the University of Illinois and treasurer and board member of the Chicago Illini Club.