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.
As senior vice president Mike leads our teams on hospitality, cultural, civic and retail projects. He is responsible for the overall profitability and growth of the markets he supports, as well as supporting and developing the teams in his group. Over his lengthy career at Pepper, Mike has been instrumental in expanding our geographic reach, developing new clients, and taking existing relationships to a new level. Through his leadership, Mike and his team have significantly grown our institutional and higher education markets. Mike earned his construction engineering degree from Iowa State University and his MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Greg began his career in construction in 1995 and joined the Pepper team in 2000. He has championed our work at museums and zoos. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management & Technology from Bradley University and is a LEED AP BD+C.
Ben serves Peppers civic, cultural and retail clients with a unique perspective. Drawing on his experience at Homan Square and with historic museums and other high-end retail projects, Ben recently led our team to complete the RH Gallery at Three Arts, which has been recognized nationally for its design and historic preservation.
Ben began his career with Pepper in 1998, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University. In 2007, Ben was recognized as a Friends of Downtown award recipient.