Daily Reporter honors its 2015 Newsmakers of the Year

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The Daily Reporter and a host of sponsors honored the 2015 Newsmakers of the Year on Thursday at the Hilton in Milwaukee.

More than 300 of the construction and development industries leaders turned out to honor this year’s Newsmakers.

Meet our 2015 honorees:

Amid changes, PRA keeps emphasis constant

The name has changed, but the mission remains the same.

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Findorff’s success tied to core values

While it serves many industries, the Madison-based company specializes in the arts, education, health care, government, science and technology sectors. The prominent Madison-area buildings it helped put up include the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, Ovation 309, UW Health at the American Center and Monona Terrace. Its Milwaukee-area projects include the recent completion of The Moderne, a 30-story high-rise, and The Brix, a historic mixed-use building in the Third Ward.

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Murphy finds in Packers example of well-run team

John Murphy has overseen two large Lambeau Field redevelopment projects since 2001 and says he has learned a lot from the Packers about coaching a well-run team.

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Gebhardt wasted no time getting into development

Otto Gebhardt began in real estate by working in the family business when he was 7, and he made his first offer on a property at age 13.

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Allen strives to convey importance of work ethic

Joel Allen began 30 years ago as an apprentice at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council No. 7. By the time he was a full-time glazier, he already was working to improve education for others.

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Project variety keeps Cain engaged

Doug Cain, project manager for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Southeast Region, often has several different projects on his desk.

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Resset gazes into crystal ball for industry

When Steve Resset started school to study architectural drafting, he didn’t even knowing estimating was a career.

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For Kent, volunteering is a family tradition worth passing on

Nicholas Kent learned the value of civic service from his father and hopes that his own children will do the same.

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LaRue engineers a career in construction

Mike LaRue is a man of ideas.

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For Sanchez, hard work paved way for thriving company

In going from a one-man start-up to a thriving business with 25 full-time employees, Sanchez Painting Contractors has embodied the American dream.

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Union alliance keeps work moving during negotiations

This past spring, the Plumbing Mechanical Sheet Metal Contractors Alliance achieved what some might consider impossible.

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Roadwork success comes with some Luck, and lots of skill

Ryan Luck didn’t invent freeway mega projects, but it’s his job to make sure they get done.

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Whaley-Smith refuses to let good opportunities for county pass

Teig Whaley-Smith has only worked for Milwaukee County for two years, but already he’s helping push through projects that will transform the area for generations.

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Anderson finds communication, teamwork key to success

When superintendents finish a project, especially one that has lasted a couple of years, there are usually a lot of emotions involved.

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Dedication to customer satisfaction sets Kwiatkowski apart

When David Kwiatkowski, a general superintendent at Gilbane Building Co., was assigned to work on the Schreiber Foods home office and global technology center in downtown Green Bay, he packed up his family and made the move to Titletown.

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H.J. Martin adds on projects’ finishing touches

H.J. Martin and Son Inc. has come a long way since 1931, when the company opened its doors and began selling floor coverings.

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Dedication to quality sets JCP apart

After working several years in the construction industry for others, James and Jalin Phelps decided in the middle of the recent economic downturn to go into the business for themselves.

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To Bush, proof of success is in the buildings

For Kevin Bush, success as a project superintendent begins with the team behind him.

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Pete keeps a brave face during tough times

You can practically hear the smile on Stacy Pete’s face.

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Booth’s love of cities drives efforts

From a young age, Ashley Booth knew he loved cities.

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Failure not an option for Lauret

Jeannie Lauret, owner of a Menomonee Falls-based subcontractor, said she doesn’t think twice about being a woman in construction.

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Platt’s path to the trades led through Vietnam, Marines

There are a lot of things Dick Platt could have done.

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