Pepper Construction

Chris provides overall leadership of operational and financial functions across the company. He joined Pepper in 2015 after working domestically and internationally in a Controller role that allowed him to focus on business operations as well as accounting. Eventually Chris moved into a CFO role with a company that was struggling to survive, which gave him even greater insights on how to balance both appropriate risk and fiscal responsibility.

In addition, Chris gained a different point of view on business management while working for a private equity firm where he had the opportunity to participate in many deals with different types of businesses. The perspectives gained from viewing companies both from the inside and the outside helped to inform Chris' management approach. It centers around empowering people and helping them to remove the real or perceived roadblocks that can deter companies from acting on good ideas.

Chris is an active member of the FMI CFO Forum, which contributes to developing insights that benefit the construction industry and fosters collaboration among its financial leaders.

Howie has been with Pepper for 33 years. He started when the company had only two personal computers and now directs information technology (IT) plans, schedules, policies and programs for the Pepper organization’s infrastructure, network communications and IT support. 

Utilizing his management and technical skills as well as his years of experience, Howie is committed to the continuous improvement of IT innovation, initiatives and employee productivity.

Each year, Howie lectures at Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering to the Master of Project Management students. His expertise makes him a sought-after expert for industry conferences and events, primarily focusing on technology adoption related to project and document management collaboration. Howie has served on the steering committee for the Associated General Contractors’ IT forum for the past four years and is the current chairman, and he is a member of the Technology Executive Network (TEN).

As chief strategy officer and CMO for Pepper Construction Company, Jacqueline helps establish the company’s business plan and growth strategy, where she focuses on relational approaches that drive metrics-based results. Jacqueline has also provided strategic expertise on projects through kick-off and team-building strategies, which particularly benefits teams with shared agreements.

Jacqueline has 28 years of experience in the industry, including extensive experience in business and market planning and analytics. Before joining Pepper, she served as chief marketing officer for NELSON and as group vice president and marketing principal for global architecture firm HOK. She holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University, and she is a LEED AP.

Jacqueline is dedicated to the Ride Janie Ride Foundation, which assists individuals facing financial hardship resulting from ongoing medial treatment of various types of cancer. She is also a member of the City Club of Chicago. In 2015, Jacqueline co-authored the Changing Role of the CMO, featured in SMPS Marketer.

As president of Pepper Environmental Technologies, Jim leads our remediation team in safeguarding our clients from the consequences and liabilities associated with hazardous environmental issues. This group operates as a standalone company, providing a single source for answers and solutions to our clients' environmental waste management needs. In addition, Jim serves as executive vice president of Pepper Construction Company in Illinois.

Since joining Pepper in 1981, Jim has built his entire career here, leading several of the most significant projects in the company's history, managing all field operations since 1993 and playing a primary role in many of the company's milestones and high-profile projects. For example, Jim was responsible for starting Pepper's self-performing group in 1993 and continues to support that part of the company to this day. Other "firsts" that have benefited from Jim's leadership include our first federal contract, our first high-rise building, our first trade subcontract working for other construction managers or general contractors and our first professional sports stadium work with the 1060 Project at Wrigley Field.

Jim is a LEED AP, a Certified Professional Contractor and a member of the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), serving as a National Elected Director and Chair of its Membership Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from Northern Illinois University.

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.

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 vice president of human resources, Julie leads all aspects of personnel management, including career development, recruiting and hiring, learning management and HR information systems. She brings more than 20 years of global experience managing all facets of human resources and is passionate about translating business strategy into actionable initiatives. While at Pepper, Julie was instrumental in establishing Pepper’s Human Capital Management information system and enhancing Pepper’s benefits program. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in Literature, Science and the Arts from the University of Iowa, and she earned her MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Julie is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) as well as a Certified Compensation Professional. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, WorldatWork and the International Association of Business Communicators.

As president of Pepper Indiana, Mike McCann is responsible for establishing the company's vision and strategy and empowering teams to incorporate our guiding principals into day-to-day processes. With a background in operations, he is passionate about safety and works closely with the senior management team to ensure Pepper Indiana maintains and grows its position as a leader in Indiana. Mike joined Pepper as a project manager in Chicago before moving to Indiana to oversee its operations in 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Bradley University. 

Mike is a leader in the community, where he serves as president of the Indiana Construction Association board of directors, board member of the Indiana Construction Roundtable and member of the University of Indianapolis Real Estate Development & Construction advisory board, United Way of Central Indiana capital project funds committee and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Construction Engineering Management Technology advisory board. He serves as a mentor for both the Indiana Construction Roundtable diversity initiative and the Starfish Initiative program. Mike is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Lean Construction Institute. He previously served as a board member for the Coalition for Construction Safety (CCS) and as an adjunct professor at IUPUI.

Paul is responsible for overseeing the financial and operational success of Pepper Ohio. He began his career with Pepper serving in project management, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University. He gained a broad range of project experience, from healthcare to industrial projects, and with specializations in commercial interior and institutional projects, where he worked with some of Pepper's most established clients. He also demonstrated a keen understanding of business acumen and company leadership that made him a natural fit to assume the role of president in 2006.

Paul is active in industry organizations, currently serving as a board member and the chair of the facilities committee for Junior Achievement of Central Ohio and as an Industry Advisory Council board member at Iowa State University. A strong advocate for community involvement, Paul also invests his time with several central Ohio charities and educational programs, such as the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement and the Little Miami River Clean-Up.

Bob leads our interiors group as well as our teams working in retail and mission critical/data center markets. He brings more than 27 years of construction expertise to every project, leveraging insights from his years spent in healthcare, commercial office and interiors to improve the both the end product and the customer's experience during construction. Bob has played a crucial role in developing Pepper's interiors market through strong client and team relationships. He holds a bachelor of science in economics from Indiana University and serves as a member of the board of directors for the Science and Math Excellence Network and is on the board of trustees for the Contractors Rallied about Servicing and Helping (CRASH).

As president, Scot is responsible for setting Pepper Construction Company's mission and vision and allocating the resources required to achieve its goals. Scot provides strategic oversight and support for every area of the company, making sure Pepper Illinois’ teams have the right opportunities and tools in place to excel. Since  joining the company in 1989, Scot has served in a variety of roles including overseeing Illinois operations, safety, marketing and Integrated Construction Services. 

Scot serves the community on the boards of the Metropolitan Planning Council and Harper College Educational Foundation.

Shannan is a leading voice in brand and corporate communications. With more than 20 years of experience, Shannan ensures that Pepper's communications with the public and our employees align with the company's values in support of both our business and our clients' interests.

Her efforts include reputation management, media and stakeholder relations, digital and social communications and brand development and positioning.

Shannan is a member of PRSA, IABC, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and actively supports the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago.

As chairman and chief executive officer of The Pepper Companies, Stan is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overall resource management. Stan began working at the company in the field at the age of 15, and quickly rose through the ranks while working in many areas across the organization such as carpentry, marketing and project management along the way. At age 32, Stan became president of Pepper Construction Company.

Stan also worked in private equity, consulting, software development and sustainable products, gaining a broader perspective and additional leadership experience in the industry. In 2015, Stan returned to The Pepper Companies with a management philosophy that has been greatly influenced by his diverse industry experiences as well as by his father, Richard, and his grandfathers, Pepper founder Stanley F. Pepper and Dr. Roscoe Miller, former president of Northwestern University. Stan’s leadership style is routed in serving those he leads, with particular emphasis on capitalizing on new technologies and creating an environment that encourages a multi-generational team approach.

Steve began his career in the construction industry in 1985, and he has been with Pepper for 18 years. As chief operating officer Steve is responsible for leading Pepper Indiana's operations, including staffing, pricing strategies and field strategies. Since joining Pepper he has provided oversight to some of our largest and most complex projects. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University. He serves on the Purdue University Building Construction Management Construction advisory council and the board of directors for Rein of Grace Therapeutic Riding Center. He is also a member of the AGC of Indiana, the Indiana Subcontractors Association, the Indiana Society of Healthcare Engineers and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering.

Tim began his career with Pepper in 1995 as a project manager, where he served our healthcare, secondary education and corporate headquarters clients in both private and public sectors. He has developed strong teams who have managed several of Pepper's most long-standing client partnerships. Over the years, Tim has grown into various leadership positions and today serves as executive vice president of our Chicago and Milwaukee operations. He also has played a key role in the company's strategic planning initiatives with an emphasis on improving operations and continuing to enhance Pepper's approach to Lean construction. Tim holds an MBA from Indiana University, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Purdue University. He is a LEED AP BD+C and is ASHE Healthcare Construction certified.

With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, including work in project design, construction management and post-construction dispute resolution, Tim brings a unique perspective to his role as advisor, policy maker and corporate secretary.

Before pursuing his law degree, Tim earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from West Point. It was during this time that his appreciation for respectful leadership was developed. He carried it into his first private sector engineering job where he also learned the value of employee empowerment for shared success. His work representing project owners in dispute resolutions eventually triggered a desire for a career in the legal profession. Upon graduation from law school, he received a job offer from a construction practice group, which enabled him to capitalize on all aspects of his professional training.

Tim serves the industry as a labor management representative for the Builder's Association and the Mid-America Regional Bargaining Association (MARBA). In this capacity, he collaborates with labor leadership in the Chicago area to craft and manage ongoing relationships. Tim is a member of the Illinois bar and also remains a licensed professional engineer in several states.

With more than 30 years of construction experience that spans industrial, manufacturing, commercial office, high rise, higher education and retail markets, Phil Allemeier is a Project Director dedicated to fostering relationships and ensuring efficiency, innovation and value for clients. Over the past decade, Phil has completed approximately 15 million square feet within the industrial, manufacturing and distribution markets. He's established himself as an effective leader who leverages his vast design-build knowledge and insight to improve communication and owners' experiences.  

Kevin Connolly serves as Director of Business Development for our Illinois office. He specializes in identifying and developing opportunities in solar construction and encouraging our clients and partners to prioritize High Performance and Sustainable building. Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Northern Michigan University.

Stephanie brings more than 20 years of experience to the leadership of Pepper's accounting teams. As vice president of accounting, she leads all corporate accounting and finance functions including accounting services, financial reporting and analysis, planning and forecasting, audit, tax and treasury. Stephanie's focus is on ensuring the integrity of the company's financial data while streamlining the systems and financial reporting to provide the most meaningful financial information in support of the Pepper's strategic and operational goals. Stephanie is a member of the AICPA, the Illinois CPA Society and Construction Financial Management Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.