The Daily Reporter – WI Construction News & Bids Wisconsin's Construction Authority
Michael Jahns – Hunzinger Construction (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)
Michael Jahns has few chances to be bored at work. A project manager at Hunzinger Construction, he takes satisfaction knowing that each of his days will be different and each of his new projects distinct.
“Every time I start a new project, it is like starting a new job,” Jahns said. “There’s a change in scenery, different contractors to work with and different clients. There’s not much chance to get bored.”
Jahns got his start in construction while still in college. Those days saw him working mainly on residential construction projects, which included the reconstruction of homes with Next Step Ministries after a tornado struck Joplin, Mo. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, he began working at Hunzinger on Progressive Community Healthcare’s new Lisbon Avenue Clinic in Milwaukee.
“It was great to see a $12 million clinic go up in that part of Milwaukee and to know the project would allow more people to get the healthcare they needed,” he said. “I really learned a lot on that project, such as how things work and met a lot of memorable people.”
Tim Van Dyn Hoven, vice president and project executive at Hunzinger, said Jahns’ high spirits rub off on those around him.
“Michael brings enthusiasm to his work that is really recognized by and appreciated by our customers and his team members,” he said.
After the Lisbon Street Clinic, Jahns worked on several other projects including an addition to a Patrick Cudahy food-processing plant before being named project manager for a project at the Priest of the Sacred Heart SCJ Residences in Franklin. That project featured a complete interior renovation of two floors, the construction of new spaces and the addition of several new systems including heating-and-cooling and fire-alarm systems.
Away from the construction site, Jahns takes part in Hunzinger’s charitable work, helping out with Big Brothers and Big Sisters Construction Day and its Troop Shipment program.
“Hunzinger makes it easy to get involved with the community and give back,” he said. “That’s one reason I decided to work here.”
Jahns is also a member of the Associated General Contractors’ Construction Leadership Council, which allows him to reach out to students who are thinking about a career in construction.
“I enjoy being able to go to Marquette (University) and MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering) and talk to students about what the industry is all about,” he said. “I tell them the things I wish I had known as a college student.”
