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

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.

Charles Smith Project Director, Indiana

Charles Smith Project Director, Indiana

With more than 40 years of industry experience, Charlie specializes in design-build and complex projects that require extensive coordination and collaboration with the design team. This allows him to integrate a creative approach with the project's architect to meet project goals. Charlie’s experience includes advanced technologies, data and telecom, logistics and distribution, processing facilities, chemical, manufacturing and infrastructure-related projects, as well as hospitality and interior renovations. He has completed many projects involving strict adherence to government regulations and oversight.

Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Technology from Oklahoma State University, is a member of the Indiana Manufacturer’s Association and served as past president of Rebuilding Together Indianapolis.

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.