As 2024 ended, we, at Market and Johnson, reflected on an incredible year marked by significant achievements, strong relationships, and continued growth. 2024 has been nothing short of exciting and I am proud to look back on all we have accomplished together. To start, we successfully completed some of our largest projects to date. A highlight was the ribbon-cutting and sneak peek walk-through of the Sonnentag Complex. Seeing the craftsmanship of our team on full display at such a monumental project was an absolute honor. This facility is not only a testament to our team’s hard work, but it will also serve the community for many years to come. Our team also took on numerous school projects this year and I’m continually amazed at the volume of work we can complete in the summer months. Onalaska, Prescott, Somerset, and Eau Claire Schools add to the list of the many we have done to date. The ability to execute these projects efficiently, and to such a high standard, speaks volumes about our team’s capabilities. Another major milestone for 2024 was surpassing $500,000 in donations from the IMPACT Fund. This achievement reflects the tremendous impact we’ve made in the communities where we live and work. The contributions of time, resources, and dedication from our team are truly inspiring and we should all be proud of the difference we’re making.
This year, we also continued pushing forward on the goals outlined in our strategic plan. Of particular pride is our focus on becoming the premier employee destination. This past year’s accomplishments included enhancing our benefits, restructuring our organizational chart, expanding MJ Night University, and creating new opportunities across the organization. These initiatives are laying the foundation for even greater success in the future. Looking ahead, we are entering 2025 with a robust backlog of projects. Despite the increasing competition, we are fortunate to have one of the strongest backlogs our company has seen in quite some time. A significant highlight for next year is landing the largest bid in our company’s history - the $150 million Woodbury PFAS plant. This project promises to bring significant opportunities and countless manhours to our team. The results we see from our strategic plan are clear and it is thanks to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of everyone at Market and Johnson. As my dad always used to say, “Son, can’t means you don’t want to.” I believe with all my heart there’s nothing we can’t accomplish together, and I am confident that 2025 will be another year of growth and success. Again, thank you all for your unwavering commitment. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and I look forward to another year of working alongside such a dedicated team. Best wishes for a successful and rewarding 2025!
APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
by Darren Hemauer
Market & Johnson has been, and will continue to be, committed to providing pathways for all our signatory apprentices. Please show your appreciation & help us recognize M&J’s apprentices for their commitment to learning a skilled trade. This will ensure that Market & Johnson’s workforce remains strong for years to come.
Dan Market, pictured with his two grandsons, Spencer Bullis and Finley Sullivan. Spencer (left) worked at the Somerset Elementary project as a carpenter pre-apprentice and Finley (right) worked in the Eau Claire shop.
FAMILIAR FACES
Andy Dahl
Andy started at M&J in January of 2016 and is a carpenter/superintendent working at the Antique Emporium in downtown Eau Claire. He lives in Osseo with his wife, Lacey. They have two daughters and one son. Andy plays soft tip darts competitively. He likes to grill and spend as much time at the lake as possible.
Craig Namyst
Craig has been with us for 9.5 years and is a senior project manager. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Winona State University. He last worked at TCI A/E/C. Craig is currently working on NOW School, Abbotsford School, and Sparta School. Craig lives in Holmen with his wife, Tanya. They have two daughters, six grandkids, and three dogs. Craig enjoys a lot of camping and kayaking, pheasant hunting, ice fishing, and renovation projects around the house. Craig said he is very proud to be part of the M&J team and couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with.
Curt Henderson
Curt has been with M&J for 21 years and is the masonry coordinator. He has a Degree in Construction Management from UW-Stout. Curt lives in Menomonie with his wife, Cally, and they have two sons. Curt enjoys archery elk hunting.
Lori DeMotts
Lori joined M&J 18 years ago and is our business development coordinator. She studied marketing at CVTC and previously worked at Silver Spring Foods. Lori lives in Eau Claire with her husband and two dogs, Buddy and Sully. They have a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren. Lori enjoys early morning lap swims, bike rides, a good merlot, reading, traveling, and spending time with family at their cabin.
Joe Koller
Joe started with us in October of 2018 and is a business development manager. He has associate degrees in marketing and real estate from CVTC. Joe previously worked at Hi Crush. He lives in Eau Claire with his wife, Kim. They have four children and a Goldendoodle named Oakley. They enjoy spending time on the lake and at their cabin near Spooner. Joe also volunteers for the Eau Claire Youth Hockey and enjoys high school hockey.
Chad Ludescher
Chad has been with M&J for over 12 years and is a project superintendent working at the UW-River Falls Science and Technology building. He lives in Fall Creek with his wife, Jeni. They have four daughters. They enjoy any sport in a gym or on a field. He also enjoys hunting, grilling/smoking meat, and attending all sporting events. Chad also says that he used to have hair.
COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS
Market & Johnson, as always, continues to be numerous community activities. Listed below M&J EMPLOYEE IMPACT FUND UPDATE by Employee
• Pledges for 2024 $22,693.00
• Market & Johnson match of 50% for 2024
(Total match = $11,346.50)
RAFFLES/TRAP SHOOT by Sheri Harvey & Laurie
Raffles:
March Madness
Meat Raffle
Packer Raffle
La Crosse Christmas Field Party
Eau Claire Christmas Field Party
Stillwater Christmas Field Party
Superbowl
Trap Shoot
Total donated for 2024 is $75,000.00 21 non-profit organizations.
(Listing will be in the Spring/Summer
IDEA TREE BLANKET TIE by Lorrie Luepke
Just wanted to give a big THANK YOU and shout out to everyone for all their “blanketeer” work. Together we made a total of 42 blankets!! Very impressive for just two hours of work. Eau Claire, La Crosse and Stillwater will each get 14 blankets to be donated in their areas.
Eau Claire blankets will go to Sleep in Heavenly Gunderson Health. Stillwater blankets to Project
MARKET & JOHNSON FLOATS
M&J continues to be proud to carry Santa and and Chippewa Falls Christmas parades. Eau Claire’s Wonders and then the float had to be modified Chippewa Falls parade the following night. Great
2025
TRAP SHOOT
Mark your calendars - the 2025 M&J Trap Shoot 2025, at the Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club.
PROJECTS
PROJECTS
very proud to be involved in are some of these activities: Employee Impact Committee
to be very proud to be involved in below are some of these activities: by Employee Impact Committee for 2024 pledges
The following are all examples of the fine M&J craftsmanship that we are all so proud of:
The following are all examples of the fine M&J craftsmanship that we are all so proud of:
HUDSON SCHOOLS HUDSON, WI
HUDSON SCHOOLS HUDSON, WI
2024 pledges
Laurie Schuch
$440
$21,172.93
We have three renovation projects underway for the Hudson School District. EP Rock Elementary, North Hudson Elementary and Hudson Middle School. The value of the work is $44m and we are self-performing demolition, concrete, carpentry and framing/ gypsum. All three of the schools began in the fall of ’24 and will complete with a big summer push to open for the fall ’25 school year.
We have three renovation projects underway for the Hudson School District. EP Rock Elementary, North Hudson Elementary and Hudson Middle School. The value of the work is $44m and we are self-performing demolition, concrete, carpentry and framing/ gypsum. All three of the schools began in the fall of ’24 and will complete with a big summer push to open for the fall ’25 school year.
MILE BLUFF MEDICAL GATEWAY CENTER MAUSTON, WI
MILE BLUFF MEDICAL GATEWAY CENTER MAUSTON, WI
$75,000.00 which is going to organizations.
$75,000.00 which is going to organizations.
The Mile Bluff Medical Gateway Center is a 23,500-sf renovation of a former Shopko building in Mauston, WI. Once complete, the facility will house an urgent care unit, dialysis treatment, pharmacy, radiology, and administrative office spaces. The project will conclude at the beginning of February 2025.
The Mile Bluff Medical Gateway Center is a 23,500-sf renovation of a former Shopko building in Mauston, WI. Once complete, the facility will house an urgent care unit, dialysis treatment, pharmacy, radiology, and administrative office spaces. The project will conclude at the beginning of February 2025.
Spring/Summer 2025 Crew Review)
Spring/Summer 2025 Crew Review)
NORWALK/ONTARIO/WILTON SCHOOL ONTARIO, WI
NORWALK/ONTARIO/WILTON SCHOOL ONTARIO, WI
in the Eau Claire Claire’s theme was Cosmic modified to become Candyland for the Great job everyone!
and Mrs. Claus in the Eau Claire Eau Claire’s theme was Cosmic modified to become Candyland for the night. Great job everyone!
The Norwalk/Ontario/Wilton School project consists of a 38,000-sf gym/multipurpose room/locker room addition. This addition houses a FEMA shelter taking up the lower level and has a new concession area and walking track around the perimeter of the gym. The renovation portion of the project is turning the old 1960 gymnasium into a new theater/auditorium which includes all new stage lighting, seating, control booth, and lighting loft. The tech ed areas, along with the science labs, are also being renovated to support an updated curriculum. We also completed a new athletic facility for the school district during the summer of 2024 to include a new football field, track, and grandstand.
The Norwalk/Ontario/Wilton School project consists of a 38,000-sf gym/multipurpose room/locker room addition. This addition houses a FEMA shelter taking up the lower level and has a new concession area and walking track around the perimeter of the gym. The renovation portion of the project is turning the old 1960 gymnasium into a new theater/auditorium which includes all new stage lighting, seating, control booth, and lighting loft. The tech ed areas, along with the science labs, are also being renovated to support an updated curriculum. We also completed a new athletic facility for the school district during the summer of 2024 to include a new football field, track, and grandstand.
ST. PAUL FIRE STATION #7
ST. PAUL FIRE STATION #7
ST. PAUL, MN
ST. PAUL, MN
Shoot is scheduled for May 8,
Shoot is scheduled for May 8,
In March of 2024, M&J began construction on a new fire station for the City of St. Paul, Minnesota. The project consists of constructing a new, 15,000-sf, 2-story precast building which will include new living areas, training rooms, and a workout facility for the full-time staff. In addition, the apparatus bay (garage) and associated tool and equipment areas are significantly larger than the existing Station #7. The project will be turned over to the City in March of 2025.
In March of 2024, M&J began construction on a new fire station for the City of St. Paul, Minnesota. The project consists of constructing a new, 15,000-sf, 2-story precast building which will include new living areas, training rooms, and a workout facility for the full-time staff. In addition, the apparatus bay (garage) and associated tool and equipment areas are significantly larger than the existing Station #7. The project will be turned over to the City in March of 2025.
Mrs. Claus
Heavenly Peace. La Crosse blankets to Project Linus.
Heavenly Peace. La Crosse blankets to Project Linus.
NEW FACES NEW FACES
MEET JOSI
Project Administrator
Stillwater Office
Organized & Detailed
Josi Sundt brings four years of experience at a title company in Edina, where she hones skills we are excited to have her apply, such as strong organization, detail and follow through, and client communication. She graduated from Century College in May 2021. Josi looks forward to bringing her skills to the project management teams and the office management work within Stillwater. We are excited to welcome Josi and add her value to our M&J team!
Josi and her family (mom, dad, and brother) charter fishing in Duluth. “I always laugh at this picture because my dad looks so proud however we did most of the work!”
We asked...
Q: Tell us a little about your A: I grew up in the small town of Osceola, WI and currently reside in River Falls with my furry feline roommate, Ellie. My brother graduated with a degree in stage and screen arts, and I love to brag about all the cool things he does with stage managing and theatre. I am a very proud big sister!
Q: If I’m not at work you can find me... A: In the summer you can find me fishing, camping, hiking or exploring outside. One of my goals is to visit every state park in Wisconsin and Minnesota! In the winter you’ll probably find me hiding away indoors, playing video games or board games with my friends and family. I will admit, I’m a bit of a nerd and play D&D with my family and just started learning how to play Magic the Gathering!
Q: Why you are excited to join M&J A: I am coming with a real estate title insurance background, so I am new to construction but am super excited to learn in this field! I am passionate about learning, growing and helping others which is why I am so excited to join M&J. I am really looking forward to working with everyone and being a part of this great team.
Take a moment to welcome Josi to our M&J team!
Her first day will be Aug. 13th. You will find her in the front office in Stillwater. Send her an email, give a call or stop by to say hello!
MEET SAM
Field Engineer
Eau Claire Office
Sam is a 2023 UW-Stout construction management graduate from the Menomonie area. Sam was an intern for us in 2022 and he decided after graduation to get some experience outside of the region. He worked for GE Johnson which is a subsidiary of DPR Construction in Colorado Springs. He reached out ready to come back home and excited to join the team as a Field Engineer. We are equally excited to welcome Sam back, and add communication, and passion for construction to
Q: If I’m not at work you can find me... A: weightlifting, biking, and running. I am also eager woodworking and real estate.
Q: Favorite quote? A: One of my favorite quotes talk slow, and don’t say too much.” This quote serves as a reminder to stay calm and professional in my everyday life.
Q: Why you are excited to join M&J A: I am extremely excited to join the M&J team and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the communities where I grew up. I’m eager to meet you all and work together.
Take a moment to welcome Sam His first day will be Aug. 26th. You will find the preconstruction offices in Eau Claire Send him an email, give a call or
Fun fact:
Josi is a huge Yoshi fan it’s her Mario Kart character go to!
Meet Ellie!
older brothers who all live in the surrounding area, to five nephews and one niece.
his experience, strong to our M&J team!
We asked...
Q: Tell us a little about your family... recently relocated from Colorado Springs to Cedar Falls (Menomonie area). I’m excited to share that I am recently engaged to my high school sweetheart, Maya. Family is important to me; I have three area, and I am proud to be an uncle
A: Outside of work, I enjoy hunting, eager to further explore my interests in
quotes is from John Wayne: “Talk low,
WELCOME ZACH NICHOLS!
MEET ZACH
Industrial Project Manager Eau Claire Office
Experienced
Zach is a 2014 UW-Stout graduate. He grew up in Eau Claire, but is now relocang from Stevens Point and returning home to join the team! Zach brings 11 years of construcon experience, with a focus in industrial work. We are excited to welcome Zach back to the area and add his experience, and passion for construcon to our M&J team!
his girlfriend,
and their three children!
We asked...
Q: Tell us a little about your family...
A: I met Magan a lile over two years ago. She has two boys, Leo (7) and Oliver (5). We just welcomed “our” first child into the family a year ago. His name is Ellwood (12 months). We also have two dogs, Knox (Akita, Age 9) and Louis (Mut, Age 6). I’m looking forward to moving back to Eau Claire and having more me with my family and watching our children grow up.
Q: If you want to get me talking...
A: Talk to me about woodworking! I’m hoping to get back into this hobby soon. Let me know If you have any vacaon desnaon suggesons and ask me about the Barndominiums I plan to build in spring of ‘25.
Q: Favorite quote?
A: “If you can build it, you can afford the tools.” - Grandpa “If you’re going to do something, do it right the first me.” - Grandpa
Q: Lessons learned from prior work experience…
A: Number 1: Communicaon, communicaon, communicaon.
Number 2: Ask quesons.
Q: Why you are excited to join M&J…
Fun Fact: Back in high school, I rollerbladed 3 marathons!
A: I’m looking forward to adding value to projects within our community and building strong relaonships with clients and subcontractors.
Q: When I’m not at work, you can find me…
A: With my family, hunng, fishing or going to the races.
Take a moment to welcome Zach to our M&J team! His first day will be Monday, September 30th. You will find him in the Industrial office wing in Eau Claire. Send him an email, give a call or stop by to say hello!
Sam and his fiancé Maya!
Zach,
Magan
Oliver (5), Leo (7) , and Ellwood (12 months)
NEW FACES NEW FACES
WELCOME
JAREN HILL!
MEET
JAREN HILL
Field Engineer
Norwalk Ontario Wilton School
WE ASKED...
Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
ENTHUSIASTIC
Jaren Hill is a December 2024 UWPlatteville Construction Management graduate. Throughout college, Jaren has worked as a laborer, delivery coordinator, and field engineer intern with La Crosse area companies such as Robinson Brothers Environmental, Menards, and Fowler & Hammer. Jaren’s enthusiasm, drive, and passion for construction will add value to our team and to the Norwalk Ontario Wilton school project, where he will serve as a Field Engineer.
I am originally from Richland Center, Wisconsin, where all of my family still lives. I have lived in the La Crosse area for 5 years now. My girlfriend, Kenidi, and I have a house on the south side of La Crosse where we have lived for a couple of years. We do not have any pets here in La Crosse, but sometimes, we get to watch my family’s dog, Archie.
Q. When I’m not at work you can find me?
If I am not at work I am usually with family/friends up north in Hayward at our family cabin, at our hunting land in Viroqua, or just hanging out in the garage. If you want to get me excited, start talking about hunting, fishing, anything outdoors, or vehicles.
Q. Lessons learned from prior work experience. I have learned that communication is important in any workplace setting, and do everything to the best of your ability.
Q. If we’re going to work with you, we better know this about you. If you’re going to work with me, you better know I am a very positive and energetic person.
Q. What are you looking forward to/why you are excited to join M&J? I look forward to joining M&J because of the professionals I will be working with, and the opportunity to expand my knowledge within the construction industry.
and
JAREN’S FAVORITES
Quote: We have to define success for ourselves and then we have to put in the work to maintain it.”Mathew McConaughey.
Movie: A River Runs Through It.
TAKE A MOMENT TO WELCOME JAREN TO THE TEAM!
His first day is January 20, 2025. You will find him on the Norwalk Ontario Wilton School jobsite. Send him an email, give him a call, or stop by to say hello!
WELCOME JOHN
MEET JOHN O’HEARN
Senior Project Manager Stillwater Office
WE ASKED...
Q. Te ll us a little about yourself. I’m originally from Madison, Wisconsin, and now live in Hudson, Wisconsin, with my wife, Kelley, and my two boys, Ryan (7), Jake (5), and our 3 year old yellow lab, Gus.
Q. When I’m not at work you can find me?
Keeping busy with all of my kids’ activities, cabin trips, hunting and fishing, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.
Q. Lessons learned from prior work experience.
Problem solving, asking the right questions, and pushing extra hard during certain phases of the project are key.
Q. What are you looking forward to/why you are excited I look forward to joining a local and experienced contractor/CM, serving both the Wisconsin and markets, and a growing Stillwater office that serves around our community!
FUN FACTS!
John proudly shares that he is a loyal sports of all Wisconsin teams (Sorry, Viking fans!). also active in Hudson youth sports associations baseball and football.
TAKE A MOMENT TO WELCOME
His first day is January 20, 2025. You will Send him an email, give him a call,
Jaren and his family – mom, dad, two sisters Hanna and Peyton (one older, one younger),
younger brother Shawn
Jaren and his girlfriend Kenidi
Jaren’s family dog, Archie!
John Safety brings to Construction for client through
EXPERIENCED
John O’Hearn is a UW-Stout Construction Safety Risk Management graduate who brings 15 years of construction experience our team. He has worked with RJM Construction (GC in Golden Valley, MN) the majority of his career and added client development and consulting skills through his recent experience with Tremco. We look forward to the value John will add the M&J team and the Stillwater office!
excited to join M&J? experienced general and Minnesota clients in and
sports fan fans!). He is associations for
John and son, Ryan.
WELCOME JOHN TO THE TEAM! will find him in the Stillwater office. call, or stop by to say hello!
WELCOME CADE KLEFSTAD!
MEET CADE
Field Engineer Woodbury Water Treatment Plant
Hard working.
Cade Klefstad is a December 2024 UWPlatteville Construction Management graduate. Cade has been an intern with Market & Johnson for the last two summers. His first summer he was a pre-apprentice on several jobsites and last summer he was a Field Engineer Intern on Somerset schools. Cade’s superintendents and PM’s over the past two summers praised his work ethic, communication and positive attitude. We are very excited to have Cade on our team full time, and making an impact at the Woodbury Water Treatment Plant!
’
Fun fact:
We asked...
Q: Tell us a little about you. A: I grew up in Boyceville with my family (left picture), and attended UWPlatteville. I have a dog named Snowshoe and a cat named Bow.
Q: If I’m not at work you can find me... A: Doing some of my hobbies, which include fishing, bow fishing, hunting, scuba diving, kayaking, camping, and giving back to the community.
Q: Advice for his fellow grads: A: Success is yours to take; through respect, experience, hard work, making
Cade was a student leader in 8+ orgs: Construction Management Association, Society of Automotive Engineers, volunteer for the M community project, SAE Clean Snow, NSLS, Bass Fishing Team, Reclamation Club, and Sportsmen Club.
Cade volunteering for the community service project on the “M”.
Take a moment to welcome Cade to our M&J team! His first day is Jan. 6th. You will find him in the precon shared office until the Woodbury Water Treatment Plant jobsite is up and running. Send him an email, give a call or stop by to say hello!
Cade and his family: brother John, mom Molly, & dad Brent
Cade
s fish caught with a bow!
2024 JUEL MARKET SCHOLARSHIPS
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the $2,000.00 Juel Market Scholarships.
RIANE HAYDEN, daughter of Eric & Jennifer Hayden of Mondovi, WI, is studying medical/biology at UW Eau Claire. After graduation, she would like to find a job in the nursing field.
KASSIDY KOXLIEN , daughter of Pete and Codi Koxlien of Strum, WI, is attending UW La Crosse with a future goal of becoming a chiropractor and eventually owning her own business.
2024 M&J GRADS ANNOUNCEMENT
We are happy to wish the following M&J Grads many happy years to come. Don’t be a stranger; stop in and say hi every now and then. Brian Smith Todd Roberts Curt Williams Greg Wittig
IMPACT AWARDS by Mike Shea
At our 2024 M&J Impact Night we announced our annual IMPACT Award Recipients.
Congratulations to the 2024 award recipients!
Intentional: Jordan Lieffring, Project Manager
Motivated: Beckie Schulz, Lead Project Administrator
Passionate: Denny Kelly, Superintendent
Accountable: Jake Caspersen, IT
Caring: Kathy Ritsch, HR Coordinator
Trustworthy: Mike Brantner, Superintendent
Special Team IMPACT award to the mechanics: Brian Williamson, Jared Eder, and Justin Cahoon
ALANA LEIS , daughter of Mike & Carissa Leis of Holmen, WI, is attending Viterbo University, majoring in biology and minoring in psychology. She hopes to be a genetic counselor or work in a field that involves genetics and biology.
HAPPENINGS IN LA CROSSE
Recently, some of our M&J team members volunteered their time at the Rotary Lights of La Crosse. We are thankful for the opportunity to participate in events like these within our community and are already looking forward to participating in this great tradition for the La Crosse area again this year!
JENNA STUMPH, daughter of of Chad & Kati Stumph of Springbrook, WI. She is attending UW River Falls and is majoring in biology/pre-med with a goal of becoming a primary care physician.
STILLWATER OFFICE NEWS by Randy LaFaive
January 26, 2025, marked the end to yet another cold but wildly successful year for the World Snow Sculpting Celebration in Stillwater, MN. This year’s event featured twelve teams from all over the world including Canada, Denmark, Taiwan, Mexico, India, Spain, Finland, Peru, Malta, Great Britain, USA (North Dakota), and this year’s champion, Mongolia.
As in years past, our Market & Johnson team of Mark Verdegan, Dan Thorgerson, Kevin Foltz and Garrett Larson braved the cold temps and constructed the formwork for the twelve snow blocks. Another that was instrumental to making this happen was Mark Schwartz who attended numerous meetings, dating back months, as it takes many people and time to properly plan an event such as this. In addition to our hard-working crew, our office staff was tasked with compacting the snow in the blocks, which was more difficult than any of us thought. Thank you, Denny Kelly, for coming out to help ensure everyone was working and not leaning on their shovel! Here are a couple of photos that show the extent and size of the blocks.
Left to right: Beckie Schulz, Denny Kelly, Kevin Renley, Jake Caspersen, Brian Williamson, Justin Cahoon, Jared Eder, and Kathy Ritsch.Not pictured: Jordan Lieffring, Mike Brantner
