Miron Construction | Newsroom

Miron Construction Co., Inc. hires industrial project manager

Miron Construction — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:38:35 +0000

by Miron Construction

Neenah, Wis. – James Lawson was recently hired to serve as an industrial project manager for Miron Construction Co., Inc. He has worked in the construction industry for four years, most recently serving as a heavy equipment operator for an oil and gas construction company located in Detroit, Michigan. James is a graduate of Michigan Technological University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In his new position, James will manage all aspects of industrial projects, including, but not limited to, preliminary estimates, budgets, financial control, scheduling, coordination of construction activity, project closeout and owner occupancy. Head shot available below - click to download. [caption id="attachment_1775" align="alignnone" width="160" caption="James Lawson"][/caption]

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Miron Construction Co., Inc., recently named Builder of the Year by The Daily Reporter, as part of the publication’s 2011 Newsmakers of the Year awards program, is a forward-thinking, fast-growing private company completing work throughout the nation. Miron is currently listed 94th among all general contractors in the United States and among the top 10 (the largest Wisconsin-based) construction companies serving the Midwest by Engineering News Record (based on revenue figures for 2010). Miron provides innovative pre-construction, construction management, design-build and general construction services and is headquartered in Neenah, Wis., with regional offices in Madison, Wausau and Milwaukee, Wis., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Negaunee, Mich., and Virginia, Minn. For more information, please visit www.miron-construction.com.

Miron Holiday Health Challenge – By the Numbers

Brenda Schanhofer — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:55:05 +0000

by Brenda Schanhofer

A weight-loss challenge over the holidays??? It doesn’t make any sense. It won’t work. We’ll just be setting people up for failure… Not quite. Members of the Miron Construction team lost a combined weight of more than 500 pounds during a holiday health challenge this past holiday season, beginning the week of Thanksgiving and finishing up shortly after the 1st of the year. So, was the challenge a success? To a great extent I think it was, but I suppose that all depends on how we measure success. Do the impressive statistics tell the whole story? Let’s have a look:

67% Percentage of Miron Construction office/yard employees (133 total) who participated in the 8-week holiday health challenge
576 Total number of pounds lost
2.28% Average percentage of weight loss per individual
8-10 pounds Average weight gain for Americans over the holidays
1,916 Total number of pounds Miron Construction employees have lost since the first holiday fitness challenge in 2009

Well, looking at the numbers, it looks as though we were successful indeed! So now what? What about the long-term effect on participants’ health? What about self-accountability and enhancing employee health beyond the competition-driven challenge? Did we create lifestyle intervention strategies for high risk employees? Will we see an increase in overall health, work productivity and better scores on our health risk assessments? We may have to wait a little longer to evaluate those results, but the impact they make is arguably more important in the long run, both on employee health and the companies’ bottom line. A competition-driven health challenge is a great way to foster workplace engagement and team spirit, especially when it parallels the existing culture of that particular workplace (just say the word "competition" around here and the start line is jam packed with people ready to heed the call). The competition unites co-workers with a common goal, provides team members to cheer on coworkers and provides accountability that goes beyond oneself. Bragging rights for members of the winning team is simply the icing on the cake. Throw in a celebration dinner and two extra vacation days for the winning team and you’ve created one highly competitive environment! But the greater goal, of course, is moving beyond the health challenge with the momentum and success, not away from it. To say that such a challenge impacts workplace wellness is only as accurate as the success of the next one. It’s more about using the challenge as part of a multi-component wellness program than a stage for showcasing weight loss and impressive stats. While those things matter, employees at Miron have a lot more to feel proud about. Imagine how good it must feel to start the New Year off with weight loss (aka health advantage!), rather than with the dreaded 8-10 pound gain most Americans experience over the holidays. A fitness challenge provides accountability and support to maintain our health at a time when it's so easy to succumb to the temptations of the holiday season. The success of our challenge puts us a step ahead of the national pace starting the New Year, but the greater goal is continuing those steps toward improving our individual and company-wide health. After all, when we cease to move forward, we don’t just stop moving…we get caught by our past and all that we have worked so hard to leave behind. So, congratulations to Miron's holiday health challenge participants. Keep up the great work! Image courtesy of Google Images

Miron Construction Co., Inc. hires vice president of southern operations

Miron Construction — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:04:20 +0000

by Miron Construction

Madison, Wis. – Miron Construction Co., Inc. recently named John Schnell as Vice President of Southern Operations. John will be located in Miron’s Madison office and will utilize his 30+ years of experience in management to help lead Miron’s efforts across all markets and throughout Southern Wisconsin. This addition to Miron’s Madison office further illustrates Miron’s commitment to the Madison area, where John will be involved in all aspects of client and partner relations and the delivery of large projects for the organization. John’s experience, which involves the creation and maintenance of subcontractor relationships and an overall and in-depth knowledge of construction, will assist in further differentiating Miron’s management team. Prior to joining the Miron team, John spent the majority of his career working for Spancrete, a provider of precast products, service and machines, headquartered in Waukesha, Wis., most recently serving as its VP of Precast Operations. In that role, John had overall responsibility for production, delivery, installation and customer service issues. Head shot available below - click to download. [caption id="attachment_1779" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="John Schnell"][/caption]

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2012 Construction Trends at a Glance

Corey Brumbaugh — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:55:48 +0000

by Corey Brumbaugh

2012 is well underway, and we’re looking forward to another year filled with innovation. Below are some trends that are beginning to emerge within the construction industry:

Green Building & Construction – We’ve already had our fair share of “green” projects this year, but with the White House administration continuing to push for Better Building Initiative Investments, this type of construction is here to stay.

Stimulus Projects/Government Funded Infrastructure – this piggy backs off of the Better Building Initiative Investments mentioned above. The government has allotted billion dollar budgets to projects such as government buildings, highways, educational facilities, hospitals and transportation.

Multi-Family Rental Housing Construction Boom – There has been a recent addition to the amount of renters in the market, due to the large number of foreclosures that have occurred in the past few years. Young adults, who might not see the value in purchasing a home, as a result of the decrease in housing prices, may also be a part of the increasing volume of renters. According to the 2012 Dodge Construction Outlook, multifamily housing will rise 18% in dollars and 17% in units.

Residential/Non-residential Construction - Reed Construction Data’s chief economist, Jim Haughey, predicts a 24% jump in residential construction and a 14% increase in non-residential construction.

Manufacturing Industry – According to the 2012 Dodge Construction Outlook, manufacturing construction will increase by 4%, following the 35% gain in 2011.

While there are other sectors in the construction industry that are still experiencing a decline, we continue to stay hopeful for what lies ahead in 2012. For more information on the 2012 construction outlook, check out these videos: 2012 Dodge Construction Outlook Highlights from the 2012 Construction Outlook Executive Conference

Miron Construction hires vice president of leadership & organizational development

Miron Construction — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:17 +0000

by Miron Construction

Neenah, Wis. – Miron Construction Co., Inc. recently hired David J. Walsh to serve as Vice President of Leadership & Organizational Development. David will be located at Miron’s corporate headquarters in Neenah, Wis., and will utilize his 20 years of experience in law enforcement and leadership development to lead Miron’s workforce education and training initiative throughout the 1,000+ employee organization. This addition to Miron’s team further illustrates Miron’s commitment to growing leaders within their organization. David’s duties will include, but are not limited to, human resources, leadership development, and accountability. David previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Appleton. In that role, David was responsible for leadership/management, hiring/career development and budgeting/accountability. David has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice (Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois) and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice (University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio). David lives in Appleton, Wis. with his wife and three daughters. Media Note: Head shot below; click to download. [caption id="attachment_1761" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="Dave Walsh"][/caption]

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Miron Construction Co., Inc. promotes Mitch Kleingartner to position of project manager

Miron Construction — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:37 +0000

by Miron Construction

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Miron Construction Co., Inc. recently promoted Mitch Kleingartner to the position of project manager. Mitch works in Miron’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa office and previously served as a project superintendent for the organization for 11 years. In his new position, Mitch will manage all aspects of construction projects, including, but not limited to, preliminary estimates, budgets, financial control, scheduling, coordination of construction activity, project closeout and owner occupancy. Mitch has been in the construction industry for 35 years and currently lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. [caption id="attachment_1757" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="Mitch Kleingartner headshot"][/caption]

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Miron Construction Co., Inc., recently named Builder of the Year by The Daily Reporter, as part of the publication’s 2011 Newsmakers of the Year awards program, is a forward-thinking, fast-growing private company completing work throughout the nation. Miron is currently listed 94^th among all general contractors in the United States and among the top 10 (the largest Wisconsin-based) construction companies serving the Midwest by Engineering News Record (based on revenue figures for 2010). Miron provides innovative pre-construction, construction management, design-build and general construction services and is headquartered in Neenah, Wis., with regional offices in Madison, Wausau and Milwaukee, Wis., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Negaunee, Mich., and Virginia, Minn. For more information, please visit www.miron-construction.com.

Miron Construction Co., Inc. adds personnel at corporate headquarters

Miron Construction — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:34 +0000

by Miron Construction

Neenah, Wis. – Miron Construction Co., Inc. recently hired six new employees for its corporate headquarters in Neenah, Wis. Tony Creten was hired to serve as a project manager. He has worked in the construction industry for 13 years, most recently serving as a project manager for a general contractor headquartered in Titusville, Fla. Tony is a graduate of Michigan Technological University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In his new position, Tony will manage all aspects of construction projects, including, but not limited to, preliminary estimates, budgets, financial control, scheduling, coordination of construction activity, project close-out and owner occupancy. Tony and his family reside in Appleton, Wis. [caption id="attachment_1746" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="Tony Creten headshot"][/caption] Kyle Coenen was also hired as a project manager and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management with a minor in Safety/Risk Control and has worked in the construction industry for four years, most recently serving as a field engineer for a Wisconsin-based planning, design and construction firm. In his new position, Kyle will manage all aspects of construction projects, including, but not limited to, preliminary estimates, budgets, financial control, scheduling, coordination of construction activity, project close-out and owner occupancy. Kyle lives in Neenah, Wis. [caption id="attachment_1747" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="Kyle Coenen headshot"][/caption] Jen Mason has been hired as a project estimator. Jen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering & Management from Purdue University and a Master of Science degree in Construction Engineering & Management from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Jen has worked in the construction industry for ten years, most recently serving as a field superintendent for commercial real estate firm providing design-build construction, real estate development and real estate management services. In her new position, Jen will prepare and submit bids on a wide range of projects in numerous markets. Jen resides in Oshkosh, Wis. [caption id="attachment_1748" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="Jen Mason headshot"][/caption] Kimberly Van Handel has been hired to serve as a project coordinator for Miron Construction. She is a graduate of Fox Valley Technical College and holds two Associate Degrees in Applied Science – Criminal Justice and Administrative Assistance. As project coordinator, Kim will be responsible for assisting project managers with all aspects of project coordination, including project record keeping, submittals, budget tracking, financial controls, scheduling, coordination of construction activity, project close-out and owner occupancy. Kim resides in Little Chute, Wis. [caption id="attachment_1750" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="Kimberly VanHandel headshot"][/caption] Robyn Locke has been hired to serve as a receptionist/administrative assistant. Robyn was previously employed at Agea Spa and Salon as a receptionist/customer relations consultant and has completed some coursework in the Marketing program at Fox Valley Technical College. As receptionist, Robyn will not only greet/welcome customers, consultants, partners and special guests, she will also handle/screen/respond to incoming calls, and assist with record keeping, filing and reporting. In addition, Robyn will assist various departments (such as project coordination, marketing, and the industrial division) throughout the organization with miscellaneous projects. Robyn and her family live in Menasha, Wis. [caption id="attachment_1751" align="alignnone" width="147" caption="Robyn Locke headshot"][/caption] Gary Evenson has been hired to serve as special projects support for Miron. Gary most recently spent 15 years as the vice president of sales and marketing for Spancrete, but has worked in the construction industry for 35 years. Gary has served as a coordinator for the drafting and engineering department, an estimator and as a project manager. In his new role, Gary will work with multiple departments, including estimating and project management. [caption id="attachment_1752" align="alignnone" width="165" caption="Gary Evenson headshot"][/caption]

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Miron Construction Co., Inc., recently named Builder of the Year by The Daily Reporter, as part of the publication’s 2011 Newsmakers of the Year awards program, is a forward-thinking, fast-growing private company completing work throughout the nation. Miron is currently listed 94^th among all general contractors in the United States and among the top 10 (the largest Wisconsin-based) construction companies serving the Midwest by Engineering News Record (based on revenue figures for 2010). Miron provides innovative pre-construction, construction management, design-build and general construction services and is headquartered in Neenah, Wis., with regional offices in Madison, Wausau and Milwaukee, Wis., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Negaunee, Mich., and Virginia, Minn. For more information, please visit www.miron-construction.com.

Miron Construction Co., Inc. adds personnel to warehouse operations

Miron Construction — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:19 +0000

by Miron Construction

Neenah, Wis. – Miron Construction Co., Inc. recently hired three individuals for its warehouse operations. Sam Stevens will serve as a heavy equipment mechanic for Miron Construction. He will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the company’s logistics fleet along with the heavy equipment inventory of the company. Sam previously served as a mechanical technician for Truck Country. Sam currently resides in Appleton, Wis. and has been in the industry for two years. Richard Stouff will also serve as a heavy equipment mechanic. He will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the company’s logistics fleet along with the heavy equipment inventory of the company. Richard has been in the construction industry for 12 years, previously serving as a mechanic for Wisconsin Kenworth. Richard lives in Oshkosh, Wis. Daniel Nys will serve as a team member in the returns department. He will be responsible for unloading, and keeping inventory control of, materials, tools and equipment returned to Miron’s warehouse operations. Daniel previously served as a material handler for Plexus and is a resident of Neenah, Wis.

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Miron Construction Co., Inc., recently named Builder of the Year by The Daily Reporter, as part of the publication’s 2011 Newsmakers of the Year awards program, is a forward-thinking, fast-growing private company completing work throughout the nation. Miron is currently listed 94^th among all general contractors in the United States and among the top 10 (the largest Wisconsin-based) construction companies serving the Midwest by Engineering News Record (based on revenue figures for 2010). Miron provides innovative pre-construction, construction management, design-build and general construction services and is headquartered in Neenah, Wis., with regional offices in Madison, Wausau and Milwaukee, Wis., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Negaunee, Mich., and Virginia, Minn. For more information, please visit www.miron-construction.com.

Social Media + Construction Firms

Jen Bauer — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:55:40 +0000

by Jen Bauer

A recent report in Engineering News-Record (ENR) talked about the risks and rewards of social media in construction. Here at Miron Construction, we’ve been utilizing various social media channels to connect with our community, customers, sub-contractors and potential clients. Although we embraced the concept, we understand the hesitancy that other AEC firms have with social media. Before you dive in, we suggest that you address the following: Have a plan. Determine what results your business seeks to achieve by utilizing social media. To avoid wasting valuable time and money, have a plan in place before focusing on implementation. Like the ENR article said: It’s not as simple as throwing up a blog or having a Facebook page. You have to be prepared. Find out where your audience is. There are countless social media channels out there. Research which platforms best fit your goals. It’s better to choose a few and utilize them really well as opposed to trying to conquer them all halfway. Find out where your target audience is located and start there. Start with something you know. Many people use Facebook in their personal lives. Utilizing a channel you’re comfortable with, by creating a company page, will help as you begin to dive into platforms you may have less experience with, such as Twitter or YouTube. Content is king. Promoting your business without listening or engaging is the quickest way to turn off your followers. Start conversations or jump into them when appropriate. People choose to follow you or like your company page for a reason; make sure you’re not giving them a reason to leave. Be the expert. Beyond sharing the great things your company is doing, share what others in your industry are doing. Not only is sharing construction-related news beneficial to your followers, you’re also opening the dialogue to discuss your company’s take on the article or news. Devote time. Building a social media presence takes time. This means following and sharing industry trends and interacting online with your followers. If you don’t have the time, consider waiting until you do. Claim existing profiles. Even if your business isn’t active on social media channels, you should claim all profiles that mention the company name and update any information that may already be out there. If there isn’t a profile already created (Google+, perhaps), consider creating one for the purpose of populating it in the future. Beyond this blog, Miron Construction can be found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Image courtesy of Google Images.

Miron Construction project added to prestigious Best of Green Schools 2011 list

Miron Construction — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:16:30 +0000

by Miron Construction

Neenah, Wis. - Miron Construction Co., Inc.'s project, Lake Mills Middle School, was recently named to the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) Center for Green Schools' Best of Green Schools 2011 list. In March 2011, Lake Mills became the first public school in the nation to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. The schools on this list range from K-12 to higher education and have been chosen for excellence in 10 categories. Criteria for this list includes various sustainability initiatives including energy conservation, green policies and more. According to the USGBC, green schools can save, on average, $100,000 per year on operating costs, use 33 percent less energy and 32 percent less water than conventionally-constructed, code-compliant schools. “This honor represents exactly what we set out to do for the Lake Mills Area School District,” said Greg Douglas, vice president of design-build services for Miron Construction. “The District’s mission is to provide an outstanding education that inspires students to be responsible citizens and life-long learners in an ever-changing world, and that’s exactly what Miron gave them.” Miron Construction teamed up with the district and architect Bray Associates to design an addition and renovate the existing building, creating a true example of a green school. In the Top 10 LEED for Schools projects worldwide, Lake Mills Middle School ranks number 58. In the Top 10 LEED for Schools projects in Wisconsin, Lake Mills Middle School ranks number one.

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Miron Construction Co., Inc. Miron Construction Co., Inc., recently named Builder of the Year by The Daily Reporter, as part of the publication’s 2011 Newsmakers of the Year awards program, is a forward-thinking, fast-growing private company completing work throughout the nation. Miron is currently listed 94^th among all general contractors in the United States and among the top 10 (the largest Wisconsin-based) construction companies serving the Midwest by Engineering News Record (based on revenue figures for 2010). Miron provides innovative pre-construction, construction management, design-build and general construction services and is headquartered in Neenah, Wis., with regional offices in Madison, Wausau and Milwaukee, Wis., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Negaunee, Mich., and Virginia, Minn. For more information, please visit www.miron-construction.com.