Even after a few months since the park’s official ribbon cutting, there is still a buzz of excitement and engagement for the newly opened Davidson Park at Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee headquarters. Among the many events the park has hosted since its opening, Greenfire was proud to sponsor an AEC-focused tour of Davidson Park, also hosted by The Harley-Davidson Foundation, HGA and the United Performing Arts Fund.

The transformative public space was on full display for guests, as what was once an underutilized corporate parking lot now stands a stunning topographical space that hopes to revitalize not only Harley-Davidson’s use of their historic Juneau Avenue headquarters, but also Milwaukee’s near west side as well. The park’s spacious and varying levels allowed for groups to peruse the park at their leisure and stop at sponsored stations. There were live performances by members of UPAF, delicious fare from Tots on the Street, Mazorca Tacos, and refreshments served from 1903, the permanent bar sponsored by MolsonCoors. As the construction managers of the project, Greenfire was honored to take part in the event and offer our insight into the project to patrons of the tour. Greenfire’s own Simmi Urbanek, Director of Marketing, greeted tour guests at the park’s Potawatomi Serenity Garden.

Developed in collaboration with the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the Harley-Davidson Foundation wanted to devote a portion of the park that incorporated influence from the Tribe’s heritage, who used to reside where the park stands now. A traditional Serenity Garden was designed and implemented with help from the Tribe, and incorporated elements of a symbolic medicine wheel. Surrounding the central grandfather stone are traditional plantings synonymous with elements of healing. To the east will be tobacco, to the south is cedar, to the west is sage, and to the north is sweetgrass.

The Serenity Garden offers a tranquil space for park goers to engage in peaceful meditation and reflection. Adjacent to the Garden is a time capsule that will be opened in 30 years. The contents include various trinkets, as well as written notes from neighbors about hopes and aspirations for the park that hope to be realized by the capsule’s opening.

Greenfire is proud of our efforts at Davidson Park and look to continue to help share our stories and insight into the park with the community for years to come.

As Greenfire grows, so does our commitment to expanding our presence in Wausau – a hub of growth in Central and Northern Wisconsin.

Since the opening of our office in Wausau in 2018, Greenfire has been making efforts to gain a foothold beyond our Milwaukee offices. This effort was to not only expand our capability to support developments of the Forest County Potawatomi Community in Crandon but expand our reach for opportunities in Central and Northern Wisconsin, as well as the Fox Valley markets as well.

As our portfolio of completed projects in the Northern half of the state grows, so has our reputation with our industry partners in the region. Part of Greenfire’s value-add to any project is the team of trusted subcontractors and suppliers we bring to the project, and we’re always looking to expand that network in the Wausau market and beyond. A way to bolster this initiative was by hosting a lunch tour at our Wausau offices.

The weather was perfect at our office located at 301 N 17^th Avenue, just off interstate 39. With Rib Mountain serving as a backdrop, Members of our team hosted tours of our space and had great conversations with area subcontractors, suppliers, vendors and industry partners. It was a great chance to reconnect with partners we’ve worked on projects with and put faces to names with those we have yet to work with. It was also an opportunity to introduce other industry peers with those looking to establish connection with other contractors and suppliers as well.

Guests had the opportunity to connect with our president, Jeb Meier and VP of construction, Paul Hackbarth as well as other members of the Greenfire team. Greenfire’s value goes far beyond when the first shovel hits the dirt on any project. The key to our project’s successes stem from building solid and trusted relationships with our industry partners, as we look to continue to expand upon in Wausau and beyond.

On August 2, 2024, Eugene “Pepi” Randolph retired from Greenfire Management Services, a company he helped create.

In 2007, Randolph joined what is now known as Potawatomi Ventures, formerly the Potawatomi Business Development Corp., following his appointment by then

Governor Doyle as the president of Forward Wisconsin (what is now WEDC). In 2009, he was named CEO of the Development Corp., and led the organization to seek out investment opportunities for the Forest County Potawatomi Community to further diversify its revenue streams beyond gaming through either buying or building companies. When the first hotel tower of the Potawatomi Casino | Hotel was being discussed with outside consultants, the investment team believed they could build an internal team of experts to provide the same services. In effect, creating a double-bottom line return for the Tribe. Thus, the creation of Greenfire as a construction management firm in 2010 to not only build the Tribe’s projects, but to also build projects for other companies, owners, and developers throughout the State of Wisconsin.

“Pepi has a great sense of pride and history with the firm. He served as CEO for Potawatomi Ventures, the parent company of Greenfire, from 2009-2013. Pepi was instrumental in building our case for starting Greenfire—the company is here today because of his leadership, persistence, and vision.” Kip Ritchie, CEO of Potawatomi Ventures said, “He has always been a loyal advocate for the tribe and has represented our organization well through the years. I am incredibly grateful for his leadership and friendship and wish him all the best in his retirement. I know he will remain a friend of Greenfire, Potawatomi Ventures and the Forest County Potawatomi Community.”

After a short time away from the organization, Randolph returned in 2018 to lead the business development efforts of Greenfire. He was responsible for building a team, generating opportunities and continuing to help the firm penetrate various market sectors, including office, senior living, hospitality, commercial, tribal, and multi-family, as well as establishing a strong reputation in the construction industry.

“He is always encouraging our entire team to wear their ‘BD hat’ and help uncover the next project,” Jeb Meier, president, Greenfire. “His roots, efforts, and relationships laid a great foundation that our company can build on.”

Randolph’s background includes two undergraduate degrees (Journalism and History) and a legal degree, all from UW-Madison (where he was also the captain of the UW Baseball Team), sales for Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, investment banking with M&I Bank, and Assistant General Counsel for The Milwaukee Brewers. He is a member of the Wisconsin Club, was named a Notable BIPOC Executive from the BizTimes in 2023, former president of the W Club, former Chairman of the Board for Delta Dental, and a 2019 inductee into the University School of Milwaukee Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Passing the torch to the next leader

Greenfire recently hired Chris Kyte as Vice President of Project Development to help oversee business development and marketing. Kyte brings over 20 years of experience in the construction industry focusing on the preconstruction and operations of the business. He will work with the team to execute a transition in department leadership from Randolph. Kyte has extensive experience in affordable

housing developments, healthcare and corporate construction projects. Prior to joining Greenfire, Chris worked at Commonwealth Companies and Mortenson Construction.

“His ability to listen and connect with people make Chris an asset to Greenfire,” says Jeb Meier, president, Greenfire. “We were lucky to have the opportunity for Chris to join the team. His experience and capabilities are a welcome addition to our team.”