Steve Allemeier August 1, 2017
Lean Construction, People

Some say change is the only constant. At Pepper, we believe that we only get better when we’re purposeful about it.

If we’re honest with ourselves, we experience waste within our own organizations (ideas, time, resources) that can diminish the quality of the process and the final outcomes. That’s why we recently asked Heather Siemers to assume the role of Operations Improvement Leader, to integrate lean thinking further into our internal company processes and daily habits. We want to go beyond applying lean principles to our projects, to improving the quality of how we work, from the inside, out. Under Heather’s leadership, our goal is to eliminate obstacles and help each other succeed.

In addition to transforming our own operations, Heather has made it her mission to advocate for lean thinking in our industry. When implemented in the right way, those who have experienced the benefits of lean construction wouldn’t manage a project any other way. Yet, we’re still struggling as an industry to fully adopt lean practices. At Pepper, we want to influence others to try lean so Heather will also help educate and equip our teams to take lean concepts further in every aspect of construction.

As the construction industry continues to prioritize collaboration, we have to adjust how we operate from traditional means and methods. Lean construction enables us to do the right thing for everyone. By being purposeful with ourselves and our work, we believe the outcome will be a better work environment for our team and a better product and experience for you.

Heather Siemers

For the past six years, Heather has been championing Pepper Indiana's integration of lean construction principles while leading our quality program.She holds a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Management from Purdue University and she is Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management (CQM) certified. To read more about her personal approach to lean and how it ties to quality, click here.

About the Author

Steve Allemeier

Steve Allemeier Chief Operating Officer, Indiana

Steve began his career in the construction industry in 1985, and he has been with Pepper for 18 years. As chief operating officer Steve is responsible for leading Pepper Indiana's operations, including staffing, pricing strategies and field strategies. Since joining Pepper he has provided oversight to some of our largest and most complex projects. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University. He serves on the Purdue University Building Construction Management Construction advisory council and the board of directors for Rein of Grace Therapeutic Riding Center. He is also a member of the AGC of Indiana, the Indiana Subcontractors Association, the Indiana Society of Healthcare Engineers and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering.