Jeff Johnson is a seasoned industry leader with more than 30 years of construction knowledge in virtually every market sector – including 20 years specifically focused on projects in Wisconsin. As an accomplished Lean practitioner, he became a founding member of the state's first Lean Construction Institute Community of Practice (LCI CoP). Major recent projects in the region under Jeff's leadership include completion of the BMO Tower, BMO corporate office and retail bank along with several other tenant and retail spaces, the multi-family space at Titletown and St. Rita Square senior-living residences. Jeff is also a recognized thought leader in Integrated Project Delivery and has worked with all contracting methods, including tri-party agreements.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Montana State University. He is a member of ASHE and AGC of Wisconsin and gives back to the local communities through support of the American Heart Association, City of Hope and Habitat for Humanity.
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.
Jim began his career with Pepper Construction in 1988. Since then, he has worked in nearly every market we serve and on some of our largest projects. Jim provides team leadership to our Barrington office, particularly for senior living, higher education and institutional projects. He has played a leadership role in developing strong teams and enduring client relationships. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University and is a LEED AP BD+C. He is also an AIC-Certified Professional Constructor.
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.
Scott Haddock has more than four decades of experience in construction and business leadership roles. His diverse background spans every area of construction, including project and field leadership, customer relations, talent development, sales and operational oversight. As Senior Vice President, Scott leads project teams to deliver the highest levels of service and quality for our clients. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management, with a minor in international trade, from Antioch University and is a LEED AP BD+C. In his free time, Scott serves as a volunteer firefighter and is an area football coach.
Brian serves as one of Pepper Construction's higher education leaders, having completed more than one million square feet of college and university projects throughout the Midwest. His clients range from some of the most recognizable institutions in the region, like the University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, to smaller liberal arts and community colleges like Dominican University and North Central College. Brian's strength is in leading teams through the preconstruction planning process, and in 2014, he served on a panel at MAPPA, where they discussed the pros and cons of capital project trends. Brian holds a MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Marquette University. He has served as a member of the National Alumni Association Board of Directors for Marquette University, currently serves on the Marquette University Civil Engineering Academic Advisory Board, the Associated College of Illinois Board of Trustees and is a member of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP).
After gaining 12 years of industry experience, Chris Rayner joined Pepper in 2001. Since that time, Chris has continued to expand his project management and leadership expertise. With more than $400 million in university construction experience, Chris leads Pepper Indiana’s higher education team. In addition, he has also worked on more than $1 billion in healthcare projects and completed over 750,000 square feet in K-12 spaces.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University, and he is a LEED AP. He was a featured speaker at The State of Indiana Division of Supplier Diversity and is committed to enhancing Pepper's efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.
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