Preconstruction
MATTHEW KEITH
Director of Preconstruction
Accomplishments
My greatest accomplishment is marrying my beautiful wife, Amanda. Together we have three wonderful children all with vastly different interests. Our oldest son (8) believes he is destined to play for the Brewers, our daughter (6) believes she is a Disney princess, and our youngest son (2) you can find on any John Deere tractor.
Extracurricular
I spend my spring and summer coaching my son’s baseball teams, along with leading our small town’s baseball organization. Also, a devoted sports fan. I love the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Brewers.
Off the Clock
Off the clock, I love supporting my children in their interests. As a family, we love to spend time outdoors whether it be on a lake, in the woods, or on the side by side.
Secret Life
Sports principles/predictions to live by:
· Michael Jordan = G.O.A.T.
· The 2018 Chicago Bears should have won the Super Bowl.
· Caleb Williams is a future MVP.
BILL ABEL, PE
Estimator
Accomplishments
Raising 2 amazing children with my wonderful wife of 26 years. We met while at Iowa State, and both graduated from that fine institution of learning. Our daughter, Ally, also graduated from Iowa State and is now getting a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins. Our son, Ben, will be graduating from Michigan Tech later this year.
I’ve been at Mid-States for 17 years, with the first 14 with the engineering department and the last 3 in the preconstruction department.
Off the Clock
My wife and I love to travel, so we rarely pass up the opportunity to take a trip. As a family, we tried to hike the John Muir Trail, a 220 mile long trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, but realized quickly that we had bitten off more than we could chew. We only completed around 50 miles, but it’s a trip we will remember forever. When not on vacation I like to run ultramarathons, and I have completed (13) 100 mile races.
ED BALLOU
Estimator
Accomplishments
I have always been interested in the Civil War and over the years I have been able to visit: Beauregard Park, Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, Shiloh National Military Park and Gettysburg National Military Park. In addition to that I have been to The Pro Football Hall of Fame, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, 1992 Final Four and visited New York City 6 times.
Extracurricular
Coached basketball at the Waterloo, IA YMCA.
Off the Clock
Camping, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, listening to music, playing with my dogs and watching the Packers and Brewers.
Secret Life
My cousin Edward Patrick "Patsy" Gharrity was a professional baseball player and played with the Washington Senators and caught for hall of fame pitcher Walter Johnson. He also had a brother that was a professional golfer and another that played for the Fairbanks Fairies when they beat the Packers.
IAN LEWELLIN
Estimator & Single Family Homes Sales Representative
Accomplishments
I have been at Mid-States for 23 years and been a part of numerous successful projects. I have been on the Preconstruction team for 9 years. I played college baseball for 2 years and won 2 NJCAA National Championships. I pitched the national championship game my freshman year and was MATC 1996 Freshman Pitcher of the Year.
Extracurricular
I love beer which is why my other career is at Rock County Brewing Company in Janesville as a beer server. I golf in a golf league at Glen Erin. We have 8 guys from Mid-States in our league.
Off the Clock
I enjoy golfing and playing baseball. I also love beer, hence why I work at a brewery. I love to cook and use my two smokers.
Secret Life
I am lucky to be on Earth as my mom is from Wisconsin and my dad is from England. She was on her senior trip to Florida and he was in the British Royal Navy and was docked in Florida. That is where they met. That chance encounter is why I am so exceptional.
ANDY HAEGER
Design Project Manager
Accomplishments
I am blessed to be married to my wife of 12 years and enjoy raising our young family. Completed my Eagle Scout as a freshman in high school. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from UW-Stout. Truly enjoy my life with my family and all that comes with everyday events.
Off the Clock
Enjoy hunting, fishing, traveling, gardening, keeping up with my kids’ events and home projects. Also a fan of food & drink. Huge fan of the only true sport (and number one in the world) soccer, go Man U.
JEREMY BLASCOE
Design Project Manager
Accomplishments
I was a big cog in bringing the Corporate Cup trophy to Mid-States, delivering multiple victories. I have been married for 20 years. To me, that’s a huge accomplishment and one I am very proud of.
Extracurricular
I coach travel baseball for The Midwest Future Prospects. I have a deep passion for baseball and love sharing that passion with younger generations.
Off the Clock
I play the guitar and have since I was a kid. It’s very therapeutic and has served me well over the years.
Secret Life
I am one of eight kids. Five brothers and two sisters.
EVAN SAUNDERS
Design Project Manager
Accomplishments
Being part of the Engineering and Design team for almost eight years. Getting to design and work on a large variety of different and challenging precast projects.
Off the Clock
Hunting, fishing, golfing, doing just about anything outdoors.
Secret Life
My mom was a childhood friend of Steve Stricker.
STEVE HUNSBERGER, PE, SE
Project Engineer
Accomplishments
Graduated from UW-Madison. Licensed Professional/Structural Engineer in IL, IA, MN, WI.
Off the Clock
I like to play pickleball, racquetball, and golf. I like to buy and listen to music because I was not blessed with musical talent.
Secret Life
I am related to famous Dutch painter Vermeer.
FELIPE OSSANDON-CARRENO
Project Engineer
Accomplishments
I am a first-gen graduate student. I graduated with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University (Go Boilers!). When I was in college, I was part of a group of students who participated in a master plan for the city of Venice, Italy.
Off the Clock
I enjoy hiking and taking long walks with my wife, Ari and my dog, Milo. Love to spend time outdoors when it’s possible. I am a huge soccer fan; I don’t miss any games of the best Chilean soccer team (Colo-Colo).
Secret Life
I’ve done bungee jumping several times from different bridges in my hometown in Chile. The number one item on my bucket list is to train and try to complete the 7-summits challenge. Every year I travel to a place I have never been before.
ZORAN SARIC
Senior Project Designer
Accomplishments
I have worked on numerous projects in the past 17+ years with Mid-States and helped design some very challenging projects. Also, I’m always striving to get better at what I do, so I was involved in developing standards and improving processes. Completed 30 hour OSHA training as well.
Off the Clock
Life is too short, so I try to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends and travel.
My favorite activities are football (soccer), volleyball, pickleball, hiking and swimming.
Also, grilling out is one of my favorite activities when the weather is nice.
KRISTEN HEISER
Senior Project Designer
Accomplishments
Been married almost 15 years, and have an almost 13-year-old son (who last school year jumped an entire grade). Been at Mid-States for 17+ years. Drew the wall panels to the addition of the church that my son and I are members of (St. James in Belvidere, Illinois.) Love the complicated projects and seeing them go together.
Off the Clock
Spend as much time as I can up at our camper. When not at the camper, I’m driving my son to his different activities. Love baking and trying new recipes.
Secret Life
I only cut my hair every 2 - 2 1/2 years. I grow it out and then donate my hair to Children with Hairloss. Started doing this after I got married. I have donated at least five times to this charity… the last one being 16” worth.
LUISANA GARCIA
Project Designer
Accomplishments
Being part of the Mid-States team has been one of the best things that has happened to me, more than a company it represents a home for me, where day by day new challenges and learning have been filled; I feel committed to the vision of changing the world by being the safest and most innovative precast concrete company.
Off the Clock
I love looking for new restaurants to eat.
Secret Life
I really enjoy skating, and in my time off I spend time getting to know parks, and I try not to repeat the places where I skate.
MIKE OWENS
Project Designer
Accomplishments
Four years as co-advisor and mentor for the Hononegah High School Robotics Team, Stateline Robotics Team 4655. Adjunct Instructor at Rock Valley College for Building Construction Curriculum.
Off the Clock
I enjoy running and wood working. I also do enjoy rooting for my hometown Cleveland sports teams.
TREVOR SCHUNCK
Project Designer
Accomplishments
My family and the life we’ve built. My wife and I have three amazing (although wild) children, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to face this world with. Her love and support has helped me to chase and achieve my goals, inside and out of Mid-States.
Off the Clock
I like to camp, play board/card/video games, and build Lego and model kits. I listen to most types of music, but my favorite bands are Fall Out Boy, A Day To Remember, and Daft Punk. I dabble in making my own games as well, and created a tabletop card game that I play with my friends and family all the time.
Secret Life
When I was a child I met Nascar legend Richard Petty.
MITCH KAISER
Project Detailer
Off the Clock
I enjoy playing Magic the Gathering and the Pokémon video games.
Secret Life
My cousin and I have the same 10 year age gap as my dad and uncle.
JIM ALF
Project Detailer
Accomplishments
Seven years with Mid-States Concrete. Being partner to April & parent to Natalie & Vanessa. It has been gratifying watching them dedicate so much time to Marching Band. The results are awesome!
Off the Clock
NFL Football, New England Patriots. Hockey fan! NHL Las Vegas Golden Knights. GO KNIGHTS! AHL Milwaukee Admirals, NAHL Janesville Jets. Attending Concerts – We have about 9 coming over the next few months. Warhammer. Deadpool & Wolverine was A-Mazing!
CURRAN CHAPMAN
Project Detailer
Accomplishments
I have a CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate) certificate from Dassault Systèmes, as well as recently graduating from McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL with a Welding Technicians Certificate. Once I climbed all 100 floors of the John Hancock Center in Chicago.
Off the Clock
I've been a musician playing guitar, drums, bass, and singing for over 20 years; I have performed and recorded in touring bands. I've also spent some time as an audio engineer before becoming a drafter and welder. Digital & analog photography, as well as birdwatching (sometimes combining the two) are a few things I love to do on my spare time. When I'm not doing any of that, I'm probably re-watching The X-Files.
Secret Life
My Great Great Grandmother, proprietor of a saloon in Montana was arrested 2 separate times for selling Moonshine during prohibition.
CONNOR MASON
Project Detailer
Accomplishments
Went to Waubonsee Community College to get my Associate’s in Computer Aided Design and Drafting, hoping with with experience I get at Mid-States to continue on and get my Bachelor degree in either Architectural or Civil Engineering. Something I’m proud of was while at school, I found the time to work nights, full-time at a warehouse and ultimately was able to pay for all my schooling and recently bought my first car!
Off the Clock
I’m a big nerd! Off the clock, I may decide to watch a new TV show or anime or read manga. Plus, I have put so many hours into Pokémon it’s not normal! I also tend to like going for long drives (when gas prices are not outlandish!) and just listening to music, whether with people or alone.
Secret Life
I like to scare my mom quite a bit by going to the animal shelter and saying, “I’m bringing home a cat!” She isn’t a fan of it because she knows I would if I were able to!
NICOLE PATTERSON
Administrative Assistant
Accomplishments
I think my biggest accomplishments to date would be my three amazing kids and my wonderful fiancé Brian. I am so lucky to have such an amazing man by my side who is without a doubt my biggest supporter and ally. We are so beyond proud of the children we get to raise. We have two daughters and one son. Our oldest daughter will shock the world with her art and her incredible personality. Our middle daughter will definitely grow up to be a leader and accomplish amazing feats as long as she uses her stubbornness for good. And our son is most definitely our daredevil. If there is anything around him he can climb or jump off, he will.
Off the Clock
I’m in a volleyball league every year and bowling league once volleyball is over. I am big into Supercross and Motocross. I have gone to races in Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Chicago. We plan to go to Red Budd next year. I have met many riders including Justin Barcia, Jett Lawerence, Hunter Lawerence, Ken Roczen, Chase Sexton, Cooper Webb, and many more. We have an autograph wall in our house. We also compete in motocross/supercross fantasy league in which I am the three-time reigning champ.
Secret Life
Growing up my family was big into BMX racing, and they would race at Seriels BMX Track in Rockford. My brother grew up racing with Garret Rap who would later go on to be the vocalist/keyboardist for The Color Morale (metalcore band).