Kaelob Capel draws on his past experience as a project engineer and building inspector in fulfilling his responsibilities as a Senior Project Manager. “I enjoy being onsite and collaborating with the subcontractors to achieve the overall goal of exceeding a client’s expectations.” His ability to manage daily on-site project needs and communicate in a diplomatic manner with all parties allows him to guide each project to successful completion.
Austin Hogue rejoined the Broeren-Russo team in 2014 as an Estimator, and is now the Construction Services Manager. Austin notes, “The BR team rallies together to put our best foot forward when preparing estimates through the completion of a project.” As the Construction Services Manager, Austin’s responsibilities include reviewing plans and specs, preparing project schedules, communicating with subcontractors, and coordinating the construction team for each of his projects.
Nathan Steffen is excited to join the Broeren Russo team as a Project Manager. “Broeren Russo is a company with a great family environment where everyone works as a team to provide a successful project within budget and on-time,” he notes. Nathan uses his experience in the architecture and design/build industry to communicate clearly with architects, owners and subcontractors. Nathan’s ability to quickly identify concerns and propose timely solutions allows him to successfully lead his team on each project.
Jacob Scott, Project Manager, decided to join the Broeren Russo team because he wanted to partner with owners to successfully complete projects on time and within budget. Jacob is a 2011 graduate of the Civil Engineering program at the University of Illinois. Through his past experiences as a superintendent, field engineer, and quality control manager, Jacob has developed a strong ability to gather and communicate information that is vital to keeping projects moving forward.
Gokhul Ranganath, Project Manager, joined the Broeren Russo team after completing a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois. Gokhul appreciates working with highly skilled and motivated individuals each day. His responsibilities include document control, daily progress reports, and subcontractor relations. “Teamwork goes a long way for Broeren Russo and our clients,” Gokhul notes. “It enables us to meet schedule deadlines and handle projects with top quality.”
Neal Phelps, Senior Project Engineer, notes, “Broeren Russo has a truly great team and leadership that puts its relationship and reputation with clients and vendors above profits.” Neal joined the Broeren Russo team after several years of working on IDOT projects in Chicago and throughout Illinois . His daily responsibilities include communication and coordination to keep projects moving forward safely.
Tim Van Der Aa, Senior Project Engineer, joined the Broeren Russo team in 2022 after working for 7 years for a large construction management firm in Chicago. Tim states he is “excited to work with the Central Illinois construction community on building new spaces for our neighbors to live and work.” His daily responsibilities include coordinating the flow of critical information between all of the project partners, to resolve potential problems early.
Austin Barton, a 2016 graduate of SIUE, is a Senior Project Engineer with Broeren Russo. “The culture that the leadership team at Broeren Russo has built, as well as our positive reputation in the community, is incredible,” he notes. Austin’s responsibilities include procurement of key materials to allow for a continuous flow on the jobsite. In addition, he reviews specifications and project plans to organize efforts that align with each project’s budget and schedule goals.
Nick Schnepper, Project Engineer, brings a wide variety of work and life experiences to the Broeren Russo team. Nick spent several years gaining experience as a general contractor in Chicago. In addition, he brings a unique perspective through his previous labor experience in the construction industry. In his role as Project Engineer, Nick uses his communication and organizational skills to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
Shelley Chamberlain, Project Engineer, states, “Broeren Russo is known for their integrity and quality building throughout the Midwest. I jumped at the chance to join this amazing team and use my experiences to help construct buildings that improve the communities that surround them.” Shelley supports the project management team by facilitating information flow, reviewing submittals, and managing material procurement.
Byron Denhart is excited to join the Broeren Russo team as a Project Engineer. He describes Broeren Russo as a stable company that is entrepreneurial in nature with a family atmosphere. Byron’s daily responsibilities include monitoring site conditions, verifying that the products and materials used in the build are what’s specified by the Architect and Owner, and working with the subcontractors on site logistics, sequencing and schedule to address any issues as they come up.
Austin Baker brings hands-on knowledge of carpentry to his role as Project Engineer for Broeren Russo. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Austin notes “I joined Broeren-Russo because of the confidence they instilled in me. It is exciting to come in and work with like-minded people to achieve a common goal.” Austin ensures clear communication between the jobsite and the office through timely completion of submittals, payroll, and other necessary paperwork.
Katy Ochs, Project Engineer, notes, “I joined Broeren Russo because of the sense of family, and the knowledge that everyone here wants to help me succeed.” Katy’s daily tasks include managing structural steel erection jobs, conducting contract reviews on awarded jobs, evaluating and tracking change orders, and providing support to the field crews.
With over 40 years in the construction business, Gene Lenzi joined the Broeren Russo team in January of 2005, bringing this wealth of construction experience. His typical day includes obtaining plans and specs, working out details with subcontractors, participating in pre-bid meetings, meeting with owners, and ultimately preparing precise estimates. “The Broeren Russo management team’s diverse background and experience would probably surprise most people,” he adds. “We have earned our reputation for great buildings and great relationships.”
Dave Doty is an Assistant Estimator and Project Manager for Broeren Russo. After graduating from Lakeland Community College with an associates degree in architectural technologies, Dave spent the next 26 years performing estimating and project management duties for commercial construction projects. Dave notes, “working for a company with true family values, that supports its team members and mixes in some fun, makes doing what you love to do seem a lot less like work.”
Brandon Cooper is an Assistant Estimator for Broeren Russo. “Working with such an experienced team as Broeren Russo is both amazing and humbling,” he notes. After completing two years in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, Brandon spent fifteen years in the workforce in management roles. The skills that Brandon developed help him work alongside the project staff to complete tasks promptly and communicate clearly with all individuals on the jobsite.