Pioneer and advocate for DEI receives lifetime achievement award

Kaven Swan, senior principal, firm-wide director of business development-aviation + transportation at the St. Louis headquarters of the global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK, recently received a lifetime achievement award for his work in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) from MOKAN, an advocacy group for minority- and women-owned businesses (MBEs and WBEs).

Swan talked to MetroWire Media about his work and why DEI will continue to be important to those areas of business.

“I gravitated to this work because I started twice with minority-owned firms and saw how difficult it was to get opportunities and assignments and show our skillsets, even though we all went to the same schools,” Swan recalled. “We were in the same building as HOK, and I realized the best way I could lead projects was through a large majority firm.”  

Working together created a good team, Swan said. “I found myself becoming an advocate for inclusion and was asked to take a state role (with the Minority Contractors Association), which I did for 10 years. I saw that we have to be intentional in scoring qualifications for projects and making inclusion part of that process.” 

When he became a consultant to HOK on the firm’s aviation work in various cities, leveraging relationships was essential to success.

“This business is relationship-based. It became a natural thing to do in all projects,” Swan said. “It was important to have people at the table to become sensitive to factors in decisions.” 

Swan made a point of visiting minority firms throughout the region, connecting people and encouraging joint ventures. He believes in the meritocracy of ideas and having a focus on solving problems, often through creative approaches.  Although progress has been made, Swan admits challenges still remain.

“There are generational gaps, and it’s still hard for women and minorities to get into architecture school,” Swan noted. “People gravitate to those they know and who look like them.”

A bout with COVID-19 earlier this year has put Swan “in a different place” and led him to reflect on his work and contributions.

“Inclusion is imperative — it’s almost a moral imperative — because our industry is a reflection of our community, the people we serve and the environments we build,” he said. “They are permanent. To get it right, we have to have a diverse perspective. Communities are becoming more diverse, so business has to do the same.”

There have been advances, Swan said. “There is an expectation now that women and minorities will have a seat at the table. That has changed, and will continue to change.” 

Swan has been with HOK since 2002, but his impact on DEI extends beyond the firm. In 2015, he worked with BJC Healthcare to develop a framework for improving diversity and inclusion in the institution’s contracting. He is a member of the Diversity Committees of the Airport Council International-North America and the American Association of Airport Executives; on the Nominating Committee of the Airports Consultants Council; and part treasurer of the Airport Minority Advisory Council In St. Louis, he serves on several nonprofit boards and is a member of the St. Louis Minority Supplier Diversity Committee. 

The scope of Swan’s impact over the past 35 years in design and construction has been extensive, to say the least. A few highlights include helping to launch HOK’s global A&T practice and first Diversity Committee, and advising the St. Louis office’s current DEI Committee; being appointed by then-Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan as chair of the Missouri Minority Advocacy Commission; helping to write an executive order for Missouri state agencies to improve their diversity, which resulted in more WBEs and MBEs participating in state contracts; helping to create a CEO-2-CEO roundtable program that matched area WBE and MBE firms with CEOs of large construction management companies; helping to develop the Urban Enterprise Loan program (St. Louis and Kansas City); ensuring that MBE, WBE and small business enterprises (SBEs) participated in major airport projects in Indianapolis, Atlanta and Los Angeles; and leading the team that won the Maynard Jackson Soar Award for using SBE, MBE and WBE firms on projects at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Swan has a master’s degree in business administration from Atlanta University and a BA degree in management and organizational behavior from Morehouse College. 

For a video of the MOKAN award event, go to: https://www.hok.com/news/2021-11/kaven-swans-30-year-push-to-diversify-the-design-and-construction-industry/.

St. Louis construction VP named AEC '40 Under 40'

Aaron Retherford, vice president of business strategy for Kadean Construction, has been named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 by Building Design + Construction, a major national publication serving the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries.

Retherford is recognized for his career achievements, passion for the AEC profession, involvement with industry organizations and service to his community. He joined Kadean and its executive team in September 2020 and has 13 years of construction industry experience.

“Aaron has established himself as a proven young leader in our industry, and he richly deserves this national honor,” said Mike Eveler, president of Kadean Construction. “In his short time with us, he has already made a big impact in executing our growth and business development strategic plan and building our brand locally, regionally and nationally.”

Building Design + Construction cited Retherford’s success in growing annual revenues, developing a turn-key civil design-build service for site development work and establishing a permanent Omaha office for his previous employer, among many accomplishments. They also noted his role as a board member and treasurer for the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight organization, as well as committee memberships with KIDstruction and the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers.

Retherford is Kadean’s executive leader for growth and business development across all offices and future expansion efforts. He focuses on building relationships and developing plans to execute strategic growth initiatives, which include expanding work with current clients and pursuing national clients in new markets. Retherford also helps market and execute Kadean’s Design-Build and VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) capabilities.

Retherford is 37 years old, an avid golfer and holds a B.S. in Construction Management from Illinois State University.

S.M. Wilson CEO to retire in April

Scott Wilson, CEO of S. M. Wilson & Co., plans to retire in April after dedicating 37 years with his family-founded construction firm.

In 1990, Wilson was named president, succeeding his father. Under Wilson’s leadership, S. M. Wilson’s revenue, profitability and repeat client portfolio hit new heights as the firm became primarily a construction manager.

In 2012, Wilson became CEO and Amy Berg was named president. 

Wilson’s announcement is part of a multi-year succession plan and coincides with the company’s 100th anniversary. S. M. Wilson & Co. was founded by Wilson’s grandfather in 1921; in 2014 the firm became 100% employee-owned. 

“Together we have built upon my grandfather’s legacy. S. M. Wilson is stronger, more strategic, and well aligned for the future. S. M. Wilson is entering its 100th year of business with a strong strategic plan and leadership team with a vision for the next 100 years,” said Wilson.

In 2017 Mark Cochran was named the chief operating officer. Berg and Cochran will be leading the firm in conjunction with six additional executive committee members: Mike Dohle, chief financial officer; Mike Mangiore, controller; Steve Meeks, vice president of pre-construction and estimating; Amanda Bohnert, chief marketing officer; Rebecca Cornatzer, chief human resources officer and Jack Kinamore, project director.

“Scott’s leadership has given us a solid foundation and we are grateful for his guidance. Scott has set S. M. Wilson up for success. We are poised for the next chapter of strategic growth fulfilling our mission to go ‘Beyond the Build’ and provide ‘Amazing Client Experiences’,” said Berg.

Wilson will remain a member of S. M. Wilson’s Board of Directors.

S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis. Founded in 1921, S. M. Wilson is dedicated to going above and beyond expectations for their clients by putting people first. The 100% employee-owned company is one of the leading construction management firms in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.

AGCMO announces Keystone Awards, SCOTY winners

The Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) has named Spirtas Wrecking Corporation as its Specialty Contractor of the Year in the Environmental Remediation and Demolition services category.

Spirtas received first place in this discipline by the general contractor members of AGCMO, who were asked to consider their overall experience with Spirtas, including timeliness in regard to completion of projects and ability to stay within budget.

“The need for environmentally responsible remediation and demolition has never been greater, and this industry recognition underscores our commitment to leading the way in this sector,” said Matt Sheehan, president and CEO of Spirtas.

Over the past year, Spirtas has completed 75 environmental remediation and demolition projects in support of Forsyth Pointe, Covenant House Wellness Center, St Mary’s Hospital Convent and the Muskingham River Power Plant in Ohio.

The annual awards program highlights the creativity and talents of dozens of contractors in Missouri’s construction industry. Along with Spirtas, the following contractors received Specialty Contractor of the Year (SCOTY) Awards. (Keystone Awards follow SCOTY Awards):

• ROSCH (ancillary services);

• Vee-Jay Cement Contracting Co. Inc. (concrete / paving);

• Budrovich Excavating & Contracting (earthwork and utilities);

• Guarantee Electrical Co. (electrical);

• TJ Wies Contracting Inc. (interior and exterior finishes, openings and fixtures);

• Charles E. Jarrell Contracting Co. Inc. (HVAC / piping);

• Grant Masonry Contracting Co. Inc. (masonry);

• Boyer Fire Protection (plumbing and fire protection);

• BAM Contracting LLC (structural and finish carpentry);

• ACME Erectors Inc. (structural and finish metals);

• Geissler Roofing Co. Inc. (thermal and moisture protection).

The following contractors received AGMO’s 2020 Construction Keystone Awards.

• Murphy Co. for the Enterprise Center Quad D AHU Replacement;

• PARIC for the Union Station Wheel and Train Park;

• Tarlton Corp. for The Muny Stage and Production Improvements;

• McCarthy Building Companies for the East End Transformation of the Washington University in St. Louis Danforth Campus;

• Massman Construction Co. for the Grand River Bridge Emergency Replacement in Brunswick, Missouri;

• Acme Erectors Inc. for The Vertical Garden in the Steward Family Plaza;

• TJ Wies Contracting Inc. for the State Historical Society in Columbia;

• Murphy Co. for Centene Community Ice Center;

• Murphy Co. for Centene Urban Campus Clayton High Rise;

• icon Mechanical Construction & Engineering LLC for the Pfizer BioPlace New Research & Development Facility;

• ACME Constructors Inc. for Agra Form’s 4-Phased Plant Expansion

• Guarantee Electrical Co. was awarded Keystone Project of the Year in the special coronavirus pandemic response category for construction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s COVID-19 Alternate Care Facility.

The Associated General Contractors of Missouri is the united voice of the construction industry, representing over 500 commercial, industrial, heavy and highway contractors, industry partners and related firms in 110 counties in Missouri. Last month, AGCMO was named large Chapter of the Year by AGC of America. AGCMO operates offices in St. Louis, Jefferson City and Springfield.

Tarlton's fast-track hospital back-up facility wins award

Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis-based general contracting and construction management firm, recently received a 2020 Award of Merit in the 'Best Projects' category from ENR Midwest for completion of a COVID-19 alternate care facility in Florissant, Mo. for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Tarlton Corp. assisted USACE and coordinated with multiple government and health agencies to transform the Quality Inn at 55 Dunn Road into an alternate healthcare facility for patients referred by St. Louis-area hospitals for non-acute COVID-19 treatment.

The conversion was completed April 11, 2020 – less than 80 hours after construction work began. After opening several days later, the facility was staffed by members of the U.S. National Guard.

Tarlton led the design-build team in this unprecedented fast-track project, building in two shifts around the clock with more than 100 employees from four firms. Design-build partners were Ross & Baruzzini, Rock Hill Mechanical Corp. and Guarantee Electrical Co. Subcontractors included C&R Mechanical’s Plumbing Division, Collins & Hermann, Dynamic Air Solutions, Flooring Systems Inc., Jos. Ward Painting Co., Midwest Elevator, Stanley Steemer, Tech Electronics, Waterhout Construction and Woodard Cleaning and Restoration.

“I’m proud of the quick and thorough response our team put together and executed on this project,” said Tracy Hart, president of Tarlton. “We feel honored to be trusted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for this mission-critical project for our community.”

The project yielded more than 100 patient rooms on the four floors of the 130-room hotel. Scope included stripping down and deep-cleaning individual rooms and placing extra beds and furniture in storage; changing door hardware for rooms and bathrooms to disable locking mechanisms; cleaning carpet throughout; removing and replacing carpet in specific areas; repainting certain walls and ceilings; building a nurse station and storage area on each floor; and converting the phone system into a nurse call system.

Tarlton’s award is one of only two projects selected from St. Louis, with 32 Best Projects selected from a slate of 112 entries received this year by ENR Midwest, which covers an 11-state region. The 2020 award-winning projects and firms will be featured in the November edition of ENR Midwest, with a virtual awards presentation scheduled for Dec. 3, 2020.

Mary Lamie receives 2020 'Women in Supply Chain' award

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, a supply chain industry magazine covering the entire global supply chain that focuses on ROI, professional development and change management, announced the recipients of its first-ever “Women in Supply Chain Award.”

Mary Lamie, head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway and executive vice president of Multi-Modal Enterprises at Bi-State Development, was recognized with the prestigious award that honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network.

Since 2014 when Lamie was selected to establish and lead the St. Louis region’s new freight district, she has worked with public and private partners to evaluate freight needs in the St. Louis region and the freight network’s operational status. She heads the regional effort to grow the $6 billion of goods traveling through the bi-state area annually and to ensure the freight network can handle the 45% growth in freight volume projected over the next 25 years.

Lamie created a foundation for a comprehensive, regional approach to freight management, infrastructure and marketing, and has united the region toward a common focus by establishing partnerships bridging government boundaries, public and private sector, industries and modes of transportation.

“We received over 200 entries for this new award, entries that were submitted from a combination of men and women. This proves that our industry needed an award like this, especially in conjunction with Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s 20-year anniversary,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics.

When it comes to women’s roles aligning supply chain with a company’s broader strategy, Lamie sees clear evidence that women are playing a critical role building reliable and efficient supply chains and the infrastructure that supports them, both of which enable the nation to compete globally.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive and validates the hard work we’re doing to elevate the St. Louis region’s status as a world-class freight hub right here in the heartland of America,” said Lamie.

“This award is a testament to the support I and the St. Louis Regional Freightway receive from many public and private sector partners who are all working collaboratively with us to maximize infrastructure funding for the region and to advance our partnerships with other midwest and coastal ports so more cargo moves between Midwest and foreign destinations. All of these efforts will help increase jobs in manufacturing and logistics industries here and, ultimately, improve the nation’s global competitiveness.”

Lamie’s work building consensus and advocating for funding has been central to these efforts, but she also plays another critical role -- marketing the St. Louis region to further elevate its status as a global freight hub. 

Lamie developed FreightWeek STL, an annual event bringing together industry leaders to share ideas and advance the latest innovations shaping the future of the freight industry and impacting supply chains. 

“According to Gartner’s 2020 Women in Supply Chain Survey, 17% of chief supply chain officers are now women – a 6% increase compared to 2019. This award resembles females supporting other female leaders; men supporting their female counterparts. It resembles the future. It represents growth, evolution and community. And, that future shows that it’s a great time to be a part of the supply chain industry. So, congratulations to these top female leaders. I look forward to seeing what else you do to grow the supply chain industry,” Mayer said.

Companies such as World Wide Technology, Bunge, General Motors and many others have some or all of their supply chain in St. Louis, and have been growing as they compete in the global market, a signal that others can be successful in the St. Louis region too.

For more information and the full list of 2020 Women in Supply Chain winners, visit Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s website at www.sdcexec.com. The 2020 Women in Supply Chain Award winners will also appear in SDCE’s September issue.

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station wins ENR project award

The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, constructed by McCarthy Building Companies, has earned top recognition in the “2020 Best Projects” competition, sponsored by ENR Midwest, the regional edition of national publication Engineering News-Record (ENR).

A panel of industry judges selected the aquarium as Best Project in the “Renovation/Restoration” category. The annual competition honors building teams for achievement in several areas including overcoming challenges and teamwork, safety, innovation & contributions to the industry, construction quality & craftsmanship and function & aesthetic quality of the design.

Built within the footprint of a 19th century iron umbrella train shed, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a signature element of a $187-million redevelopment of the National Historic Landmark structure.

The 120,000-SF, two-story attraction brings together more than 13,000 animals, from 257 species, in 44 exhibits that provide visitors with immersive perspectives of underwater life in the world’s rivers, streams and oceans.

Using advanced technology and ingenuity, the construction team overcame formidable construction challenges while protecting and preserving the property’s original columns, footings, foundation, underground piping and other infrastructure.

Thirty-two “Best Projects” winners were selected from a list of 112 entries submitted from across the 10-state Midwest region. Winners will be featured in-depth in the December edition of ENR Midwest and honored at a virtual award event in December.

“The renovation/restoration and highway/bridge categories had some of the most competitive fields we have ever seen and most categories were difficult to winnow down to just one best project winner and award of merit,” noted ENR Midwest editor, Jeff Yoders, in the article announcing the winners.

For more details and to view the complete list of 2020 ENR Midwest Best Projects winners, visit https://www.enr.com/blogs/10-midwest-musings/post/50027-enr-midwest-selects-32-best-project-winners-for-2020