Meet Our Purpose-Driven Experts

CEO & President

Jed founded Richard in 2014 and serves as CEO and President. He leads the company's national operations across federal and private-sector markets, guiding its growth into an employee-owned general contractor serving clients across 25 states. Under his leadership, Richard has earned national recognition for its growth, culture, and project delivery.

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Background
Before founding Richard, Jed served as a U.S. Army Infantry officer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, completing three combat deployments to Afghanistan. Following his military service, he managed complex domestic and international construction programs before launching Richard with a vision to build places that empower clients to fulfill their purpose.

Leadership Philosophy
Today, Jed continues to champion Richard's Build with Purpose philosophy, fostering a culture centered on ownership, innovation, and people-first leadership while helping clients deliver projects that create lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Professional Affiliations

• Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), Chicagoland Chapter

• Pat Tillman Foundation – Scholar Mentor & Scholar Selection Board

• Hope Ignites – Board of Directors (Chicago Chapter)

• Lightspeed – Board of Advisors

• The Lions Pride, Jackson, WY

Recognition

• EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Midwest Winner (2024)

• Crain's Fast 50, Inc. 5000, & Inc. Regionals Midwest fastest-growing company rankings

• Building Design + Construction's Giants 400 Report, including the No. 1 Veterans Affairs Facility Construction Firm ranking

• Best Workplace by Best Companies Group and Crain's Chicago Business

Senior Vice President of Operations

Steve oversees Richard's national operations, leading project execution, operational excellence, and strategic growth across the company's portfolio.

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Prior to joining Richard, Steve served as Vice President of Project Management at MasTec, where he played a key role in the company's growth from approximately $4.5 billion to $14.5 billion in annual revenue. Throughout his career, he has led complex construction operations across federal, commercial, and mission-critical markets, with deep expertise in project controls and operational leadership.

Chief Financial Officer

Gabriel leads Richard's financial operations, overseeing the company's financial strategy, investments, and compliance. He plays a key role in supporting Richard's continued growth through sound financial management and strategic planning.

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Prior to joining Richard, Gabriel spent 12 years with VINCI Group, holding finance leadership roles supporting construction operations across Finland, France, Russia, and the United States. His experience spans global finance, mergers and acquisitions, asset management, and construction finance.

Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Bethany leads Richard's people strategy, overseeing talent acquisition, workforce planning, leadership development, and organizational growth across the company. She partners with leaders across the organization to support Richard's continued growth and employee success.

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Prior to joining Richard, Bethany built more than 15 years of human resources leadership experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Her expertise includes organizational design, succession planning, workforce strategy, and mergers and acquisitions integration.

Vice President of Federal

Eric leads Richard's federal operations, supporting business development and program management across the company's federal portfolio. He works closely with federal clients, industry partners, and project teams to pursue new opportunities and deliver complex projects.

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Prior to joining Richard, Eric served more than 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel. As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) District Engineer, he managed an annual construction portfolio exceeding $1 billion in support of the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal partners.

Vice President of Business Development & Marketing

Jay leads Richard's national business development and marketing strategy, partnering with the CEO and executive leadership team to drive growth across new markets and geographies. He oversees strategic planning, branding, and business development initiatives that strengthen client relationships and support the company's long-term growth.

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Prior to joining Richard, Jay spent more than 20 years leading business development and marketing for nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and construction firms. His expertise spans strategic planning, client development, branding, and market growth across diverse public and private sectors.

Vice President of Business Development, Western U.S.

Jenni leads Richard's private-sector business development strategy across the Western United States, driving growth in key markets and strengthening relationships with clients and industry partners. She works closely with leadership to expand Richard's presence across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and commercial markets.

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Prior to joining Richard, Jenni spent nearly 30 years leading business development initiatives for nationally recognized construction firms across the West Coast. Her expertise spans strategic growth, client development, and market expansion across diverse private-sector industries.

Vice President of Innovation & Technology

Dan leads Richard's technology and innovation strategy, advancing digital transformation across the company's national operations. He works across the organization to improve business processes, implement emerging technologies, and enhance project delivery.

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Prior to joining Richard, Dan spent more than 25 years leading construction technology and innovation initiatives. His expertise spans enterprise technology, BIM, VDC, AI, automation, and data analytics. He is passionate about using technology to simplify workflows and deliver exceptional results.

Executive Director of Safety Operations

Conrad leads Richard's environmental health and safety program, providing company-wide safety leadership across projects and teams nationwide. He works closely with project teams to strengthen safety programs, reduce risk, and reinforce a culture where every employee returns home safely.

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Prior to joining Richard, Conrad spent more than 25 years leading environmental health and safety programs for complex construction projects. His experience spans OSHA compliance, risk assessment, workforce training, and developing strong safety cultures across diverse project environments.

Executive Director of Commercial Construction

Mark oversees commercial construction for Richard, working with clients and project teams from preconstruction through project completion. Based in San Diego, he supports projects across the company's growing commercial portfolio.

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Prior to joining Richard, Mark spent more than 40 years leading construction projects across commercial, healthcare, education, industrial, multifamily, and heavy civil markets. He is known for his practical leadership style and hands-on approach to guiding teams through every phase of construction.

Program Manager

Peter leads Richard's mentor-protégé program, supporting the growth of partner companies and helping expand the firm's joint venture capabilities. He also works closely with project teams to strengthen relationships and deliver successful projects.

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Prior to joining Richard, Peter served as a Captain in the Army National Guard and built experience leading commercial construction projects and joint ventures. His background includes design-build delivery, healthcare, light manufacturing, multifamily, and mentor-protégé program development.

Program Manager

Rodrigo manages complex construction projects across Richard's national portfolio, partnering with clients and project teams to deliver successful outcomes from preconstruction through project completion. He works closely with project teams to support quality, collaboration, and client success.

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Prior to joining Richard, Rodrigo spent more than 20 years managing construction projects across healthcare, education, affordable housing, mixed-use, and commercial markets. His experience includes project leadership, client management, cost control, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams on complex developments.

Director of Business Development - Federal

Ashleigh leads Richard's federal business development strategy, identifying opportunities and guiding capture efforts across the company's federal portfolio. She works with leadership and project teams to develop pursuit strategies that position Richard for long-term growth.

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Prior to joining Richard, Ashleigh supported federal programs for the Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, Department of Health and Human Services, General Services Administration, and Department of Homeland Security. Her background includes capture management, federal procurement, market research, and acquisition strategy.

Program Manager, Richard Self-Performance

RJ leads Richard's self-performance program, overseeing in-house construction operations and supporting field teams across a variety of projects. He works closely with project teams to deliver quality craftsmanship and efficient project execution.

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Prior to joining Richard, RJ spent more than 20 years in the construction trades, building his career through hands-on field experience and a carpentry apprenticeship. His background includes self-perform work, government construction, site leadership, and skilled trades management.

General Superintendent

Robert oversees field operations for Richard, coordinating day-to-day construction activities and supporting project teams from startup through closeout. He works with owners, subcontractors, and field staff to keep projects moving safely, on schedule, and on budget.

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Prior to joining Richard, Robert spent more than 36 years building hospitals, federal facilities, schools, and commercial projects throughout the Midwest and across the country. Throughout his career, he has led field teams on projects ranging from small renovations to billion-dollar developments.

Director of Project Delivery

Alex leads Richard's project delivery team, supporting projects from preconstruction through closeout while helping maintain quality, schedule, and coordination across the company's portfolio. He works closely with project teams to keep projects moving and support successful execution.

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Prior to taking on his current role, Alex spent more than 10 years in the field, building experience in carpentry, residential construction, renovations, and healthcare projects. He joined Richard in 2015 and has grown alongside the company in a variety of project leadership roles.

Director of Finance

Manon leads Richard's financial operations, supporting budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic planning across the company. She works closely with leadership to strengthen financial processes and support the company's long-term goals.

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Prior to joining Richard, Manon held finance leadership roles with an international construction company. Her background includes financial planning and analysis, multi-currency accounting, and financial controls, with experience leading teams across global operations.

Director of Administration

Paige leads Richard's administrative operations, overseeing the company's home office and supporting the day-to-day functions that keep the organization running smoothly.

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Prior to joining Richard, Paige worked in administrative and project support roles within the construction industry.

Marketing Titan

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Named by Forbes as one of the top 50 Chief Marketing Officers, Mr. Shea has served in executive marketing roles at prominent consumer brands from Jimmy John’s to Gatorade. His expertise includes strategic vision, brand management, and consumer engagement.

Financial Titan

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Ms. Davolt is a CPA and CCIFP who brings over 30 years of experience in the commercial, industrial, and heavy civil construction industries. Nationally and locally active in the CFMA, she specializes in technology, financial management, and operations management.

Board of Advisors

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As a Vice President with over four decades of construction leadership, Mr. Bahou has directed portfolios exceeding $2.8 billion across federal, commercial, and environmental sectors. His expertise spans critical infrastructure development and project execution, with landmark projects including research facilities, healthcare centers, and water treatment systems. A Syracuse University graduate with engineering degrees and PE license, he brings global perspective from extensive Middle East experience and executive roles at ENR top-ranked firms.

In Remembrance

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Mr. Ernstrom brought more than 30 years of leadership in construction law to his role on our Board of Advisors. He founded the national construction and surety law firm Ernstrom & Dreste, later served as General Counsel at Alberici Corporation, and most recently held the position of Vice President for Major Strategic Projects at Walsh Construction.

Recognized across the industry, he was honored as AGC’s “Chairman of the Year” and received IRMI’s “Words of Wisdom” award. Bill’s expertise, integrity, and guidance helped shape Richard’s growth, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work and our team.

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