Throughout the year, Greenfire contributes to several non-profit organizations. This year was no different, and this summer and fall we hosted campaigns for the American Heart Association, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, and the Center for Veterans Issues. Each campaign employees are encouraged to give what they can, whether it’s donations of goods or money. This year for the American Heart Association, we participated in the Heart Walk and made a corporate contribution. We hosted our first employee giving campaign for the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County and donated $1,000 to the organization. We collected warm clothing and non-perishable food donations to help the Veterans pantry at the Center for Veterans Issues in addition to making a monetary contribution to the organization that is in the Near West Side neighborhood near our corporate headquarters. At Greenfire, giving back is just part of what we do. Community is one of our core values and we live by it every year as we make positive contributions to the organizations around our communities.

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month and Greenfire is proud to support our veteran team members. This past year, one of our own, Nate Brown, was deployed and during his time abroad, he nominated Jeb Meier, president of Greenfire, for a Patriot Award.

This award is given to an individual supervisor that was nominated by a Reservist or Guardsmen for supporting them and their family during service in the US Military. As noted on the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, “The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leave of absence if needed.”

Nate Brown, Chad Greuel, and Craig Bailey presented Jeb with the award and lapel pin during the annual Greenfire Holiday Party in January. Nate was deployed during the event and was able to connect via video conference. His wife, Jess was able to attend the event and both thanked the company for the ongoing support of their family during this deployment. Nate shared his sentiments during the event by saying, “Jeb, with your leadership I truly feel like I have a place to return to when I get home and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and the team.”

Nate returned to Greenfire during the summer and is currently an assistant project manager with the team. He presented Jeb with the Patriot Award and a hand-crafted commemorative plaque dedicated to the support he received during his deployment.

Actually multiple lists…Greenfire Management Services was named to Milwaukee Business Journal’s prestigious Book of Lists in the following categories:

#4 in Largest Minority Owned Companies

#12 in Largest Construction Companies

#43 in the Largest Milwaukee area-based Private Companies

Each year, the leading Milwaukee area business magazine recognizes businesses that are headquartered in the greater Milwaukee area based on self-reported data. The lists are compiled and become a who’s who of various industries. The list of minority owned businesses includes 28 companies and Greenfire is in good company with Potawatomi Business Development Corp ranking #3. The list of construction companies includes 30 companies including construction management firms, general contractors and design-build firms. Of the private companies, Greenfire joined 51 others on the list ranging from insurance companies to healthcare providers.

Being on these lists helps build brand awareness of Greenfire and promote the services, clients and projects we work on every day.

Mike Holl and Michael Moe, both of Greenfire Management Services have been recognized by The Daily Reporter as Newsmakers of the Year. This annual awards ceremony recognizes the top 50 individuals in the construction industry within Wisconsin.

Holl was named “Super Super,” is a superintendent and has been with Greenfire for over nine years. He is currently leading the Greenfire team as part of a joint venture with Gilbane on the major renovations at Potawatomi Casino | Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. The $150 million project will transform the casino into a destination and help attract and retain more guests. He also was part of the St. Camillus East Tower project that provided additional independent living units and amenities to the private senior living campus. Holl is admired by his team and the company’s leadership for his ability to mentor and train staff. His attention to detail and his high level of standards ensures our clients are satisfied.

Moe was recognized as a “Rising Young Professional,” is a business development coordinator and has been at the company for three years. He is a registered Forest County Potawatomi Community member and originally from the Wausau area. His approach to business development is to build genuine relationships and help find the right opportunities for the company. He also helps with marketing efforts such as proposals, tradeshows, career fairs and special events. Moe is an asset to the team and has trained others in marketing and business development. In the past year, he was involved in the ACRE program (where he graduated in the top five of his class), CARW NextGen and NAIOP Developing Leaders. He continues to excel both in the office and in the industry.

The efforts both of these individuals have put forth is an example of core values each Greenfire team member embodies. We are proud of them and proud to celebrate their achievements.

A little of this and a lot of that makes a great pot of Chili. Just ask Ed Person or Ron Wiedeman – the Cook-off Champions for the 2023 Greenfire Chili-Cook-off.

Each year, the Greenfire offices host a chili cook-off featuring pots of the good stuff from team members. This year, the Northern Team hosted their lunch and had two official judges, Tom Heinrich, VP of Operations and Brian Kraus, CFO. They tasted each pot of chili, judged based on flavor, heat and desire to have a second bowl. Ultimately, they awarded Ron Wiedeman with the honor of Best Chili North of Highway 10!

The Milwaukee team tried six different versions and each voted for their favorite. After many years of trying, Ed Person walked away with the trophy (that he crafted many years ago, but never won). His chili was named “Sweet Creamy Heat,” and the crockpot was nearly empty by the end of the lunch.

Thanks to Cheryl Bousquet and Sherrie Harenda for planning, organizing and hosting the cook-offs. They solicit the chefs, purchase the condiments (including the Tums), set up and clean up the event. They also serve as the official score keepers and announcers for the event. Without their help, our bellies would be empty and our ground beef would be boring.