Since Pepper’s inception, we have prided ourselves on being a company of builders. It’s been a cornerstone of our culture for more than 98 years. In Ohio, this pride is particularly elevated through the work of our Strategic Projects Group (SPG), which includes Pepper team members who work alongside our trade partners to make clients’ visions a reality. In Columbus, this team has been growing and evolving with Steve Klein, Project Executive, and Theron France, Group Superintendent of SPG, at the helm. Their focus has been to diversify the services we provide while also delivering specialized projects that are often difficult to execute.

Growth Through Strategic Leadership

Columbus SPG’s growth has been a key part of this diversification of the trades we can offer in-house. These new specialties, including steel welding, concrete and carpentry work, often focus on unique or technically complex small projects. In addition, the growth has led to an expansion of our recruitment efforts that are focused on attracting diverse and uniquely skilled individuals. We further encourage the development of our current and future team members by partnering with local trade schools and offering our own in-house apprenticeship program. Pepper is excited to invest in the continued growth and development of this team.

Putting our talent to work

The variety of trades we employ and skillsets we possess in Columbus allows for flexibility and adaptability. While quickly implementing innovative solutions, we can further collaborate with our clients and partners in unique ways that increase the value we provide. The challenging, diverse and intricate work done by this team is a testament to both the SPG leadership as well as the individual craftspeople in the field. As new growth opportunities continue to develop, we know that this is just the beginning for SPG in Ohio.

Project Highlights

Guest and Giraffe enhancements at the columbus zoo's heart of africa region

The guest and giraffe enhancements at the Columbus Zoo's Heart of Africa region involved the installation of large wooden poles and shaded structures for giraffes, along with the addition of glass panels to enhance the guest viewing experience. A notable creative solution was the repurposing of a “giraffe feed” sign from an old ticket kiosk, demonstrating SPG’s commitment to preserving the Zoo’s heritage, material reuse and sustainability. This project not only met but exceeded the Zoo team’s expectations.

From left to right: Glass panel to enhance guest viewing experience, Another satisfied customer – A Columbus Pepper SPG team member interacts with an “end user” at the Columbus Zoo, Preserving history: The team incorporated a repurposed sign from an old ticket kiosk which aligns with the Zoo’s sustainability goals, Large wooden shaded structure for the giraffes made by Columbus SPG.

Locations: Powell, OH | Owner: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Architect: The Columbus Architectural Studio | General Contractor: Pepper Construction

Columbus Zoo's North America Trek Region

Other significant projects at the Zoo included projects at the North America Trek region such as temporary holding areas for bald eagles, as well as the concrete and woodwork for the North America Train experience. Despite challenges of accommodating high guest traffic during construction, especially during the summer season, Pepper’s SPG successfully adapted to evolving requirements, such as adding a ramp for improved accessibility shortly before opening. The use of glass panels from the recent remodel of a Pepper conference room further highlights SPG’s resourcefulness and dedication to keeping material out of local landfills.

From left to right: Temporary holding area for bald eagles, The Columbus SPG team were quick problem solvers and installed this accessible ramp for the train station, Glass panels repurposed from an office remodel allow visitors to view construction progress in real time.

Woody Hayes Athletic Center Tub Installation

The Woody Hayes Athletic Center project at The Ohio State University is another example of SPG’s expertise at work. Ohio State Athletics wanted to install cold and hot plunge pools to help enhance the physical recovery process by reducing inflammation and muscle soreness or increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles. As one of the contractors involved, Pepper addressed logistical challenges, including working collaboratively with multiple contractors in the same space, at the same time. This included moving heavy tubs through limited access points by creatively flipping them to fit inside the building. Responsiveness and creative scheduling minimized disruptions, allowing for an early project completion.

From left to right: SPG Columbus carefully flipped the tubs to get them through the building and to their final destination. The hot and cold tubs awaiting end users in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

SPG’s role in transforming tomorrow

With the continued success of these and other projects providing opportunities for continued growth, we are also proud to diversify both our team and our market segments. Theron France highlights this progress, noting that our SPG department in Columbus has recently welcomed several women to our team, a change that we are proud to be contributing to across the construction industry.

Elevating Construction Through Versatility