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Chief Executive Officer
As chief executive officer of JSD Professional Services, Inc., Dave is responsible for ensuring corporate decisions are made for creating policy, maintaining positive corporate culture, and strategic planning and vision, while also overseeing the company’s fiscal activity and risk profile to include budgeting, reporting and auditing. His wide array of experience revolves around the services of planning and development; civil, transportation, structural and municipal engineering; water resources; landscape architecture; construction services; ecological/environmental services; land surveying and mapping; and development services.
Dave has managed multiple projects in several market sectors that consist of commercial/retail, education, healthcare, industrial, institutional, parks and recreation, and residential developments. He also has focused on government (federal, state, county) and municipal (city, village, town) projects.
Dave is a licensed Professional Land Surveyor and often attributes his current success to his first-ever paid job as a hired hand at a neighboring farm.
Dave enjoys spending his free time with family and friends on vacations trips to their lake home in Northern Wisconsin. He especially enjoys his 1967 Ford Fairlane and 1965 Roadster, and if he is not cruising in that, he’s on the lake with a cold beer and a rod in his hand as he loves fishing and hunting. Dave is also an avid Badger fan, in addition to watching Packers, Brewers and Bucks games. Something you would NOT know about him from skimming his resume is that he once found himself gambling in Vegas with celebrity David Arquette and didn’t know he was sharing a table with a celebrity!
If there’s one quote Dave lives by on a daily basis, it would be “Achievements of an organization are the combined efforts of each individual,” as he feels strongly that a company is only as good as its staff. He shares that the most gratifying part of his role at JSD is simple: having a great staff and working with wonderful people, while watching the company grow and prosper. Dave added that he most looks forward to seeing what the future holds for JSD and its succession planning.
Dave has a wife and four children, along with two grandchildren and a small Shih Tzu dog named “Terrible Teddy” (see reasoning below for his name).
Describe your life using a movie title:
“The Gladiator” …since I’m competitive! Or “300” because I have great abs (work in progress!)
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
It would find the catch of the day on the lake!
If we used your pet as a reference on you, what would he say?
I’m Dave’s buddy, and he lets me follow him around all day. This house used to be the hangout spot in the neighborhood, but I accidently bit a few of the local neighbor kids, so now Dave keeps things more private to just our family now.
Chief Operating Officer
As the chief operating officer of JSD, Hans has over 25 years of professional consulting services in engineering and surveying with expertise in commercial, institutional, industrial and residential development; utility design; stormwater management; platting; construction administration; and site and hydrographic surveying. His professional experience includes significant work in the area of commercial/retail development, residential development, and a large variety of municipal projects.
Hans has a degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in surveying from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in addition to being a registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor.
Hans interestingly shares a birthday with Mickey Mouse and was born on the day that they landed on the moon for the 2nd time.
Outside of work, Hans loves to focus on land and habitat management, especially since he owns nearly 100 acres of land surrounding his house. He enjoys hunting and fishing and spending time with family, and admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would be a land and habitat management consultant and a hunting/fishing guide! This would entail creating a habitat for the wildlife of an area, including water and food sources, logging and forestry practices, and more! Another interesting fact about Hans is that he has planted more than 20,000 trees on his property!
Two meaningful quotes stick in Hans’ mind that he often shares with staff…”If it was easy to do, everyone would do it and doing the right thing isn’t always easy.” The other is…”If you can’t take care of the person that looks at you in the mirror every day, then you can’t take care of anyone else.”
Hans has a wife, two sons, and two dogs, Abigail and Ruby, along with a cat, Bucky, and a dozen chickens (he shares there’s nothing better than farm-fresh eggs!)
What would your pets say about you if we asked for a reference?
Hans is a pushover and we have him wrapped around our paws. We always want more treats!
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
It wouldn’t work very well since I would prefer all apps get OFF my phone and we teach verbal communication again…. We no longer pick up the phone and call!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Companionship and shelter as I’m staying there!
Chief Development Officer
Dave is the chief development officer for JSD. Dave, along with his development services team, provides clients with rapid, thorough and accurate assessments of the viability of a real estate transaction and associated risks. In the world of land acquisition and site planning/selection assistance, his team and their network of nationally connected consultant resources bring unrivaled design, real estate and management experience to every aspect of the development process in order to minimize the risks and bring to fruition the budgets and schedules that were committed too. From complicated zoning and entitlement issues, to sophisticated retail roll-out delivery programs, JSD manages every detail regardless of geographic location, project type or number of projects.
Dave finds his position extremely gratifying with the national and international client/colleague relationships he has built that have converted to lifetime friends. He also values his ability to be able to train and mentor staff.
Dave has a wife, two sons, three granddaughters and two springer spaniels and enjoys doing home improvement/construction and fishing on the side. He is proud of his ability to combine design/art with construction as he has personally built multiple buildings, workshops and major home additions. More recently, his fun two-year project involved taking down a one-stall horse stable and rebuilding it from ground up into a workshop/art studio!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Sunscreen and a Bar of Soap so when rescued I wouldn’t look shriveled up and someone would want to give me a hug!
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
He never stops thinking and moving, and if he does, check for a pulse or wake him up.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Some shade of gray as there is nothing about my life or job that is clearly black or white.
Chief Financial Officer
Eric is the chief financial officer for JSD and oversees all corporate accounting activities, including monthly/quarterly/annual reporting, regulatory submittals, coordination with our financial partners, as well as day-to-day accounting & payroll. He also assists with project-specific accounting duties, human resources, IT and general office administration.
Eric has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Masters in Professional Accountancy, both from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and admits that if he didn’t have to be concerned about income and could do any job in the world, he would love meteorology! He is quick to share that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!
Outside of work, Eric has a wife (Jenna), dog (Britta) and cat (Mocha), but also enjoys spending extra time with his love of cars! He is an active member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Fox Valley Sports Car Club, Central Wisconsin Sports Car Club, Lake Superior Region SCCA and Milwaukee Region SCCA. Eric currently drives a 2013 Subaru BRZ in the Street Touring Extreme class. In addition, he enjoys local stock car racing, camping and traveling.
Director of Survey
Todd is the director of survey for JSD, managing JSD’s survey operations for all regional locations. Duties include survey proposals, coordinating workload, staffing and resources between offices, QA/QC, department and capital improvement budgets, company standards, land survey project management, as well as land survey review and delivery.
As a professional land surveyor, Todd shares that his role at JSD falls in a place and time in his career where he has been able to provide mentorship to young staff and play a role in shaping their individual careers. Beyond client satisfaction, that is the most gratifying to him!
Outside of work he enjoys watching his daughter play Lacrosse for Indiana Tech University as well as fishing, carpentry, riding motorcycle and off-roading! Something you would NOT know from reading Todd’s resume is that he has met and had conversations with both Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings–on separate occasions and more than once! That certainly has led to him sharing that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would choose to be a guitar player.
Interestingly, if Todd found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, he said his family knows he would leave for the West Coast before they knew he won and he would be buying an off-road Trophy truck race team and running the Baja 1000. Todd has a wife, son and daughter.
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference:
Maggie Mae would say that I am generous (with the table scraps) and like to snuggle.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do:
Transfer all of my thoughts and ideas into text thru out the day. Now that would be an entertaining read!
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you:
A boat and a satellite phone!
Vice President; Senior Project Surveyor
As Senior Project Surveyor, Mark manages the surveying team of the Alexandria, MN office.
Mark’s very first job was mowing lawns, but he shares that the most gratifying part of his job with his surveying team was growing with an awesome team and his mentor, Curtis Stoeckel who founded the original firm!
Outside of the office, Mark loves family vacations as well as ALL sports, enjoying nothing better than a great competition! He and his wife have four kids.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Blue—I just want to fit it and not stick out!
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
One that would scratch my back!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Buying mass land!
Senior Planner/Project Manager
As a senior planner/project manager for JSD, Jim is the manager of the JSD Planning Team. With over 40 years of public and private sector planning experience, he provides clients with insights and extensive knowledge about processes for effective public engagement and development administration. Complementing his planning and design expertise, he is JSD’s specialist for conducting Environmental Site Assessments and for providing expert testimony for land use and development impact litigation. Jim also has the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation.
Jim graduated with a degree in natural resources management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and then with a masters in urban and regional planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His very first job ever was lifeguarding and he admits that the most gratifying part of his current job is the opportunity to provide planning and design expertise to appreciative clients.
Outside of work, Jim tries to spend as much time as possible outdoors. He shared that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would love to vacation with his wife and family and spend more time fly-fishing.
He and his wife are empty nesters but enjoy their grandchildren nearby and in Colorado.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
After providing for our family, I would be most tempted to buy a sailboat, and then maybe create a foundation working to reduce childhood poverty and homelessness
Senior Project Consultant
As a senior project consultant for JSD, Tracy helps clients solve their civil engineering challenges, working closely with his project team to produce the required engineering solution for their unique situations while providing a quality deliverable that is on time and fits their individual budget. He has a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin. He shares that the most gratifying part of his role at JSD is working with some of the most dedicated professionals he has ever worked with in his entire career–their dedication to their craft, ingenuity, and industriousness is truly inspiring.
Outside of work, Tracy enjoys golfing, baking breads of all kinds, road trips with his wife, woodworking and finish carpentry, as well as painting.
What is something you would never know about Tracy from reading his resume? He was a yo-yo champion in third grade and has also broken par on a regulation course and made a hole in one! If he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would be a painter full time.
Tracy has three sons who have now all graduated from college and a wife of 33 years.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
I would be the color “Whatever”, which is exactly the color you’re looking for at any time. The other crayons in the box would probably be jealous.
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
“Meow.” But if he spoke English he would say, “He feeds me, he pets me, I’m happy.”
What is a meaningful quote that sticks in your mind?
When things seem impossible, the quote from Mark Twain always seems to come back to me: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Of course, there’s another Twain quote that sometimes gets the better of me: “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do day after tomorrow just as well.”
Senior Project Engineer
Steve is a senior project engineer for JSD with experience in project design and construction management for engineering in the world of site development, municipal, and transportation projects. Additionally, he provides project management, design and QA/QC for various private and public residential, commercial and institutional development projects. Steve has also served in the role of Public Works Director with private and public project experience in supervisory, technical, and client relations roles from initial concept through final construction.
With a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Steve says the most gratifying part of his job is working on a new challenge with a great team where he can apply previous experience while still learning something new that results in success! While his very first paid job was being a T-ball coach with the Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Department, he admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would be a Major League baseball player.
Outside of work, Steve loves all types of sports with a huge love for boating with his wife, three girls and his English Golden Retriever pup named Billie.
What would your pet say about you if we asked it for a reference?
My dog Billie would say I’m the best frisbee thrower
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Pay off any debts, set up a trust for the kids, give to the Children’s Hospital and of course build a vacation home somewhere warm and tropical!
Senior Landscape Architect
As a Senior Landscape Architect with JSD, Kevin plays an integral role in client development and relationships, creative site planning and landscape architecture, project management, and construction inspection. His greatest reward is creating a unique and functional site that inspires its users, but more specifically enjoys school projects that enhance children’s outdoor learning and play experience!
Kevin attended University of Wisconsin-Madison for Landscape Architecture and shares that he most enjoys exceeding client expectations in his current role by creating distinct, inspiring, and invigorating cost-effective site development solutions, especially on challenging sites, and seeing projects successfully transition from paper to completion.
He is proud to have received numerous awards for his work:
With his very first job in his younger years being a golf caddy at the Milwaukee Country Club, Kevin will tell you that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would love to do a few things: either own a small landscape contracting company selecting only the jobs I want, or maybe be a motorhome and RV destination reviewer traveling the country with his family, or be a jeep restoration and customization mechanic! Outside of work, Kevin enjoys ice fishing, playing and coaching hockey with his kids, working on the family CJ7 Jeep, hanging with friends and family, swimming and camping throughout the summer, woodworking, and volunteering at his kids’ school.
He has a wife and two children, along with a grey crabby tabby that loves nothing more than to sit on his keyboard when he works remote.
A mentor I look up to:
Shawn Kelly, PLA, FASLA………Shawn is not only a landscape architect and the American Society of Landscape Architects President, but he is a truck driver, rodeo rider and a great professor! Shawn is the most knowledgeable professor I ever had with life experiences in and out of the profession that taught him so many lessons that he shared with me. His knowledge and experience in practical landscape architecture opened my eyes to realistic, creative solutions to complicated land development challenges. His leadership abilities in the classroom, his private practice, and as ASLA National President have helped guide myself and our organization to achieve goals I never thought possible.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
An unlimited supply of sci-fi space opera books and a fully stocked tool box.
Describe your life using a movie title:
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller
Senior Project Coordinator
Donna is JSD’s senior project coordinator, where MANY hats are worn. She coordinates project schedules, resources, equipment, and information while also serving as a liaison with clients to identify and define project requirements, scope, and objectives. In addition, she ensures all client needs are met and enjoys training and working alongside the other JSD project coordinators.
With a degree in administration at Southwest Technical College, as well as her bragging rights on being the office Chili Cookoff winner, Donna shares that she enjoys gardening, reading, organizing anything and everything, volunteering, going to music concerts, watching movies or a good TV series, traveling, and spending time with my wonderful family and friends. If she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would work on a ranch in Wyoming.
If you asked Donna to share something about herself that we would NOT know from her resume she excitingly shared that while visiting family in Wyoming, she was able to meet William Devane, whom she chatted with for quite some time, got his autograph, and she felt like a teenager again! Who is Mr. Devane you ask? If you’re a “Knots Landing” fan back in the day or a fan of the show “24”–look him up! She’s also a HUGE fan of Rick Springfield, seeing him in concerts many, many times!
Interestingly, when asked who a person is she looks up to, Donna said it was her dad. They lived on a farm and she was taught many lessons: to work hard as it will make you feel more fulfilled; don’t waste the light of day; be punctual; complaining gets you nowhere unless you work it out yourself; cherish every moment because you will never get them back; stay physically active as sitting around will make your bones crack more; treat animals and humans with the utmost respect because they will give it right back to you the way you give it to them; and lastly, save money and spend it wisely!
Donna and her husband Phil, will be married 36 years in October 2023. They have a German Shorthaired Pointer named Bella. Bella likes to keep both her doggie parents quite busy and constantly on the go (she is spoiled rotten).
Describe your life using a movie title:
Fast and the Furious – no matter what I’m doing, I like to go, go, go and get it done fast.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Wash the dishes
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A good man and a toothbrush!
Senior Project Consultant
Justin is a senior project consultant for JSD, managing our Wausau regional office. He oversees a team of project professionals for the delivery of plans, permits, entitlements and approvals, as well as construction administration of commercial, office, healthcare, residential and recreational construction projects throughout Wisconsin. Justin is a licensed landscape architect for the state of Wisconsin.
As a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, Justin enjoys watching the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers outside of work as well as playing hockey, golf, hunting and anything outdoors.
He shares that the most gratifying thing with this position is seeing challenging and unique projects come to fruition with preparation and delivery of difficult approvals, construction documents and ultimately construction. A quote he often lives by is, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,’ by Wayne Gretzky. Something you would NOT know about Justin from reading his resume is that he is a Native American and an active member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians located in Grand Traverse City, Michigan.
Justin has a wife, two daughters, a son and a Weimaraner named Lambeau!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Vivid Neon Green which is a color most striking when found in nature (like moss on a waterfall in the woods)
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Tell me exactly where mature whitetail bucks live!
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Pictures of my family and a solar powered TV to watch the Green Bay Packers
Senior Project Engineer
Andrew is a Senior Project Engineer for JSD, designing and preparing engineering documents for projects in private and public sector work, including site development, industrial and commercial development plans, and residential subdivisions. Interestingly, he attended a handful of schools all over the nation (and outside of the US), ending at Michigan Technological University. His studies at a multitude of locations led to a degree in civil engineering and a master’s in environmental engineering.
If Andrew could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would choose to be an astrophysicist, but laughingly shares his first job was carrying out a local paper route!
Outside of the office, Andrew enjoys doing Biathlons (skiing, shooting) in the winter and Triathlons (Swim, Bike, Run) in the summer, and is very proud of his Ironman completion in 2017! Outside of outdoor exercise, he enjoys a side of red wine while traveling the world—Andrew has visited 7 out of 8 continents in the world (he is counting New Zealand as the 8th!)
Some interesting things you would NOT know from reading Andrew’s resume is that he spent a season in Antarctica sorting toxic waste, then swam with a school of sharks in the Caribbean! He also once ate breakfast across from Gordon Ramsey, sharing he is actually a very nice guy!
Andrew lives in the Verona area with his wife and has one dog and a gecko.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why:
I would be reflective since I spend a lot of time on my bike and running on the road, so being reflective would come in handy
Describe your life using a movie title:
Hunger Games – I have a reputation for how much food I can put away. I was endlessly hungry from age 14 – 30!
What would your pet say about you if we asked it for a reference?
“He’s a great running and hiking partner, but could be a little less stingy with the snacks. He hogs the bed and makes me share my half with mom (who is more generous with the snacks!)”
Senior Project Engineer
Matt is a Senior Project Engineer for JSD, designing and preparing engineering documents for projects in private and public sector work, including site development, industrial and commercial development plans, and residential subdivisions. Managing a number of project engineers on staff, he ensures the team carries out all tasks related to client projects on everything from site planning, grading and drainage, stormwater management, and construction surveying and documents all the way to preparation of subdivision and condominium plats, certified survey maps, boundary and topographic surveys and easement documents and exhibits.
Milwaukee Office Manager/Associate
As the Milwaukee Regional Manager for JSD, Justin is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of our Waukesha office, along with personally managing projects for a number of clients. With a civil engineering degree from Michigan Tech University, Justin shared that the most gratifying part of his work life is crossing paths with SO many people, from clients or colleagues to city staff, who he considers as friends– the relationships are what give his job meaning.
Something you would NOT know from Justin’s resume is that he is terrified of heights as he once had to do an inspection inside a newly-constructed water tower and determined after that if you need work done more than six feet above the ground, he would NOT be your guy.
Justin admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would bartend in a beach-side tiki bar on some tropical island since a quiet beach with waves lapping at his feet is his happy place.
When asked who a person is that served as a mentor to him, Justin shared that his late friend and past supervisor Matt Kiefert used to tell him, “work to live, don’t live to work,” so he tries to give his all to his job, while remaining focused on those things outside of work that are truly important. Outside of work, Justin admits that most of his free time is spent sharing time with his wife running from one of his kids’ activities to the another as he admits this stage of life goes by so quickly and he doesn’t want to miss any of his three daughters’ activities!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Can I please have a beach chair and a fully-stocked tiki bar
If we asked your pet to be a reference for you, what would it say?
He’d probably say that I have anger issues. Maybe if he was a better listener…
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
When I win the Powerball jackpot, I’m buying a home on the west end of Jamaica, somewhere near Seven Mile Beach, and the only way you’ll see me again is if we meet up for lunch at Rick’s Café.
Senior Development Manager
As a senior development manager for JSD, Michael services commercial and residential real estate development. His experience spans widely covering site selection, land acquisition, lease and option agreement negotiation assistance, tenant relations, due diligence, entitlement, design, permitting and construction.
With a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana, Michael’s first job ever was manning a paper route, but admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to be concerned about income, he would desire to own a restaurant and be a chef. Out of high school, he was on a two-year waiting list to enter culinary school, but landscape architecture caught his eye and the rest is history!
Outside of work, Michael enjoys playing golf, cycling, “do-it yourself” home improvements/remodeling, snow skiing and snowmobiling, and obviously cooking. He has a wife, daughter and son.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Share some with family and friends, donate some to the church and then start a business by buying a home to fix up and flip
Describe your life using a movie title:
Terminator – Hastalavista babe
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Slow down the day to give me more hours when I am running short of some
Marketing & Business Development Director
As JSD’s Marketing & Media Director, Kelly is a graduate in public relations from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She takes the lead on website management, social media, graphics design, photography/videography, and business development support. Kelly shared that the most gratifying part of working at JSD is being able to focus on highlighting the company’s tremendous talents, which is sometimes challenging since if our team does their job right, no one knows we were even there!
Interestingly, Kelly dabbles in doing weddings as an ordained minister and helps with basic coordination. She can also uniquely share she was a running back for Madison’s first-ever women’s full-tackle football team, the Madison Cougars, back in 2010-2011 also serving as the team’s Public Relations representative! Something else you may not see on her resume is that she won Madison “Idol” (singing competition) around 2008, which earned her a new sound system in her car and some concert tickets to see the Foo Fighters!
She is a past recipient of Madison’s In Business Magazine “40 Under 40” designation and outside of work, enjoys playing sand volleyball and outdoor drinks with live music in the summer and loves watching Badgers and Bears football during the winter (though her Chicago Bears have struggled for quite some time!)
If you could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, what would you love to do?
I’m infatuated with weather and should have been a meteorologist…otherwise, I would love to simply be someone’s “Life Assistant” (preferably a Hollywood star?), where I would manage their home (groceries, cooking, cleaning, paying bills), manage their vehicles’ maintenance, ensure they keep up with annual medical visits, and any other day-to-day assistance they need since I’m a pretty organized person in life! During my time off, I’d love to be a bartender, especially at a beach bar somewhere warm!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
I would be yellow…it stands out and makes a statement (sometimes in an overwhelming way), which probably aligns with why I went into public relations!
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
Both my cats recently passed, but lived to be over 20 years old and they would probably say this “master” moves around a lot, since I literally have lived at nearly 15 addresses throughout my life, from California to Wisconsin (their car trip to Los Angeles was nothing less than “interesting”).
Senior Project Consultant
As a senior project consultant for JSD, Paul takes the lead with clients on oversight and coordination with staff to provide the required design to obtain necessary approvals and permits. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in civil and environmental engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Nebraska, Indiana, Montana, and Idaho.
Paul shares that the most gratifying part of his role at JSD (outside of getting paid) is solving site grading and stormwater challenges and getting projects approved! His college professor once said, “work smarter, not harder” and Paul said that unfortunately he seemed to NOT have learned that particular college lesson. But if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to be concerned about income, he would love to help non-profits with development projects, and following closely behind that is mowing grass at a golf course as well as traveling the country and visiting campgrounds to write reviews for RV World.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys hunting, ATV-ing, walking in the woods, camping and golf, followed closely by enjoying an occasional whiskey. He has a wife, two children, and a daughter-in-law!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
First if I found a lottery ticket, I would attempt to find the rightful owner. If I was not successful, and the money became mine, I would pay off all my debts, give some to family (total not to exceed $2 million) and give the rest away to my church and other charities.
What are some things we wouldn’t necessarily know about you from reading your resume?
I was a bartender at a couple local supper clubs for almost a decade; I once jumped out of a perfectly good airplane; I had open heart surgery as a high school freshman!
Senior Project Consultant
As a Senior Project Consultant for JSD, Craig has over 35 years of survey management experience and is responsible for bringing in new clients and managing a diverse and unique client base. His vast array of experience includes working on projects from initial phase to final construction staking along with final project closeout and exhibits for land acquisitions.
The most gratifying part of Craig’s role at JSD is finding new unique client bases that JSD can provide services for. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, admits he’s a sports junky and loves playing games with his wife and family members! Interestingly, Craig is a leap day baby, so he celebrated the “big 15” for his birthday in 2020!
He admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would be a Starbucks barista as he LOVES their drinks. His very first job at age 15 was being a busboy at a high-end restaurant with pewter plates and sliced butter tabs!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Burnt Umber, mostly because I don’t know what Umber is much less how you burn it.
Describe your life using a movie title:
Dazed and Confused. The title says it all.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would buy $10 million worth of lottery tickets just to see if I could win again.
Senior Development Manager
Janie is a senior development manager for JSD and her professional experience includes site analysis and research, due diligence, legal document review, entitlements, permitting and coordination. She also creates a comprehensive schedule to track these processes from project site assessment to grand opening.
As a graduate of Penn State University in Landscape Architecture, Janie has a range of experience in the broad field of Landscape Architecture, from working in a landscape nursery to developing commercial real estate. Janie has also designed at all scales, from high end residential garden design to entire town center layouts and everything in between.
She shares that if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would love to sell her vegetables on the side of the road like the Amish! Janie loves gardening, working in the yard and designing outdoor spaces at her home. If you asked her what she would do if she found a winning $10 million lottery ticket, she would quickly say, “I would buy the forests and fields all around my house to design and build an amazing public park to share with the community!”
If she has any free time, you will find her hiking, camping, working on constant home improvement projects, cooking or entertaining friends and family! Janie is married and has a son in his twenties, a daughter in college and four ridiculously spoiled cats!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Sunset pinkish-orange (it’s my favorite color)
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
She’s terrible…she won’t let me sit on her lap when she is working!
Describe your life using a movie title
Wizard of Oz, since eventually I clicked my heels together long enough and ended up back home in Pennsylvania!
Senior Landscape Architect
Lori is a senior landscape architect with JSD, leading interdisciplinary teams on a variety of projects. She directs and engages her team through the design process from concept through construction documents, and installation for projects ranging from public parks and sustainable landscapes, to municipal, residential, educational, commercial and healthcare developments. Lori also leads the grant writing team and development of comprehensive master plans.
With a landscape architecture degree from Iowa State University, Lori is married with three beautiful daughters and outside of work, she loves being outdoors to enjoy nature, as well as reading, walking and bicycling. Lori is a proud cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Her brother was her life-saving stem cell donor, with 98% of her body consisting of her brother’s DNA and cancer free!
She shared that the most gratifying part in her work is her passion to help clients design and develop spaces they will love and where they can engage in the outdoors!
If you could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, what would you love to do?
National park ranger
What was your very first paid job?
Ice cream parlor hostess
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Music and books
HR & Business Administrator
An “obscure” attraction stop on one of Melissa’s many road trip adventures
Big Ole, the giant Viking statue from Melissa’s hometown
As the Human Resources Administrator for JSD, Melissa admits she is all things “human related” at JSD as a resource available to all staff for anything they need.
Melissa is a proud mom of three grown children, and shares that she is a wife to someone as adventurous as her as she enjoys adventure sports like skydiving, bungee jumping, and zip lining in the mountains. In addition, she loves long drives that end up in random towns she’s never heard of!
Interestingly, she also keeps a running journal with her kids of “things that make you go HMMMMM…” with entries such as, “why is there caramel coloring in store-bought 100% Tea, since when you brew tea, its naturally that color–why is color added?” If you asked Melissa to build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for her, she responds that she would keep a running log of all the ideas she’s tried that ended with “well, that didn’t turn out like the picture!”…and then alert her of instances when it sees her purchasing the same supplies from Amazon!
Describe your life using a movie title:
My movie would be more along the lines of National Lampoon’s Vacation. As a family on vacation, we drive everywhere we can in the US, and it never fails…the situations we get ourselves into are nothing short of comical!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
I would be a new blend of icy blue… because I love the cold and snow of winter!!
A meaningful quote that sticks in your mind:
“You’re not allowed to complain about the negative things in your life that you have the power to change. To complain and do nothing, is to accept that negativity.” — My Grandmother
Survey Department Manager
Andy is JSD’s survey department manager for the Waukesha office with extensive experience in AutoCAD, survey field procedures, numerous types of surveys, and data collection. He takes the lead on workload coordination between offices, field procedures and standards, QA/QC of project deliverables, as well as managing survey task budgets and proposals.
Outside of work, Andy enjoys hunting, fishing, following his kids in their escapades and riding his Harley. Something you would not know about Andy from reading his resume is that his great-uncle was Charlton Heston.
Though his very first paying job at a young age was delivering newspapers, Andy shared that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he wants to be a private investigator in Hawaii who lives in a guest house of a novelist and had exclusive use of his car. How’s that for detail?
Andy has three sons, a daughter and a Husky named Bandit!
Describe your life using a movie title:
Unnecessary Roughness -it seems to be a theme at home with 3 teenage boys
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
My dog would say I sure have a wide range of colorful names for him!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
$5million on land and waters up-north & $5million on not letting people find me
Project Consultant - Landscape Architect
Kevin is a project consultant and landscape architect for JSD with designs focusing on commercial, retail, institutional, and residential developments. He manages client relations and provides design direction to a team of surveyors, engineers and landscape architects, while also communicating with municipal agencies through the design process.
As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Kevin and his wife have a baby, Emerson, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Leo, a tuxedo cat named Maisy, eight chickens and about 3,000 bees! Outside of work, he enjoys competitive bass fishing, camping, hiking, dog park adventures, and doing upkeep around his house! Interestingly, most of Kevin’s travel throughout the United States took place in college, pulling a boat with a beat-down white Chevy Trail Blazer on the way to bass fishing tournaments in Detroit, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri just to name a few…
A meaningful quote that sticks in your mind:
“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” – Henry David Thoreau
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
White, because nobody colors with a white crayon, therefore, I’d last the longest in the box.
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
My pup, Leo, would say, “Papa wakes up too early!”
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
I’d only need one item…A satellite radio to call for help and get the heck off a deserted island! If you ever saw Cast Away, four years without a dentist would be miserable!
Landscape Designer
As one of JSD’s landscape architects, Matt analyzes existing site conditions, configures design layouts, and prepares final landscape graphics for the landscape architect team. He also explores design solutions during all parts of the process in collaboration with feedback from clients, engineers, planners and architects.
What Matt enjoys most about being on the JSD landscape architect team is his ability to provide ideas on new spaces that solve challenges and grant the wishes of the client! Even though his very first paying job back in his younger years was being a soccer referee, he admits that if he could have any job in the world he would be thrilled to be a professional triathlete!
Outside of the office, Matt enjoys running, skiing, biking and being on the water. He has a twin sister and older brother, both which he laughingly shares are redheads! He also admits that living in Wisconsin his whole life, he has never been to a Packer or Bucks game!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Banana–because if you eat two per day you will live to be 100!
What would your pet say about you if we asked them for a reference?
He’s never home and he forgets to turn off the lights!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Guitar & bike
Survey Crew Chief
As a survey crew chief for JSD, Jay has professional experience in boundary and topographic surveying, utility layout and construction staking.
Outside of work, Jay enjoys going to Badger games, fantasy football and taking his yellow lab, named Madison, up north to his family’s lake house.
Although his very first paid job ever was doing a paper route, Jay shared that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would be a bartender.
A meaningful quote that sticks in Jay’s mind is, “what does not kill us only makes us stronger.” And being stronger every day at JSD with completing successful projects one after another is the most gratifying part of his role!
You could also challenge him at a number of games on his play station 5!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
None–I’m color blind
Describe your life using a movie title:
Caddy Shack because I would rather be golfing all day
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
It would be a property finder and bring up any plats or boundary maps in the area I’m working
Due Diligence Specialist
As a Due Diligence Specialist for JSD, Serena Behrens provides administrative and due diligence support for the development services team and assists with managing the various platforms for the team’s projects.
Serena shares that the most gratifying part of her role at JSD is helping people stay organized so they don’t have to stress with massive multi-tasking. Her very first job ever was waitressing at a 5-star retirement home, but she admits that if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would love to run a wedding venue!
Outside of work, Serena enjoys playing with her kids, hiking, tubing down the river, and eating gelato by the lake! She has a husband, three children, and a puppy named Cinnamon.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Invest in real estate and buy my husband his dream Jeep.
Describe your life using a movie title:
Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory since my house always has children creating messes but we have ample sweets.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
I need someone to fold all of my laundry – I don’t think an app will help though.
Senior Project Engineer
As a Senior Project Engineer for JSD, Brionne plays a key role in civil engineering design, project management, business development, and mentoring!
Something you would NOT know from reading his resume is that he was trained in kickboxing by Pat Roufus, who trained his famous K1 and MMA sons Rick “The Jet” and “Duke” Roufus! Even though his very first job was being a line cook at a French fine-dining restaurant, Brionne admits that if he could have any job in the world, he would love to do massive travel while sampling international cuisines as the next host on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations program!
Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, kayaking, culinary arts and ham radio.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Neapolitan because I enjoy life’s diversities and flavors
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Philanthropy; a second home in a warm climate; travel
Front Desk/Office Manager
As JSD’s front desk office manager, Jessica wears many hats in the office from multi-line phone answering, FedEx deliveries, office errands and project submittal deliveries, all the way to proof reading documents, scheduling meetings and conferences and even entering, filing and managing data for multiple office systems.
With an accounting background from Madison College, Jessica still shares that if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would love to be a personal cook and laughingly admits her first paying job was at McDonalds! Outside of work she enjoys traveling, drawing, shooting pool & playing darts, and loves the summer and everything that comes with it–swimming, jet skis, beaches, boating, camping, and road trips!
Something you would not know about Jessica from reading her resume is that she made an appearance on a court TV show after being sued, but she won the case!
She has a significant other, three daughters, one grandbaby and a cute furry kitty named Skyla!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Rainbow… my personality is full of color!
Describe your life using a movie title:
Road Trip–I have some crazy friends and the strangest and craziest things happen to me!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
My favorite blanket and lots of sun screen!
Survey Crew Chief
Staff Engineer
Courtney was a summer intern and then hired on as a staff engineer to assist with the preparation of engineering plans for commercial and residential development. This includes earthwork volumes and storm drainage calculations; design of utilities, including storm and sanitary sewers, waterlines, waterline sizing, grading and drainage plans; as well as street improvements, construction documents and all supporting documentation.
Outside of work, Courtney enjoys traveling, working out, camping, dancing, and playing with her parents’ dogs! The most gratifying part of her role at JSD has been working with experienced engineers to expand her knowledge and being able to be part of a team that helps make a client happy with the design of their project.
Courtney’s very first paid job was a teaching assistant for kindergarten through 2nd grade for summer reading and writing classes, but she admits that if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would be a professional dancer! Something you would not know about Courtney is that she took a class focused on learning about Italy and Greece, then took a two-week trip to the countries, including a three-day cruise around the Greek Islands where she hopes to go back to someday!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
I would be a dark blue or purple color. These colors are known to be rather calming and relaxing which represents my personality well!
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A toothbrush and soap to shower
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would pay off all of mine and my family’s debts, spend a year (or more!) traveling, and when I came home I would build a house and buy a new car.
Survey Technician
Senior Project Engineer
Chris is a Senior Project Engineer at JSD, designing and preparing engineering documents for projects in private and public sector work, including site development, industrial and commercial development plans, and residential subdivisions. He is also responsible for client & deliverable management across projects.
As a graduate of UW-Madison for Geological Engineering and Geology, Chris admits that his very first paying job was being a Sandwich Artist at Subway. But if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would love to run a hobby farm.
What is something we would NOT know about Chris from reading his resume? Barry Alvarez once told him as a small child he was too pretty to play football—it led to his unsuccessful football career! Outside of work, he also enjoys golfing, ultimate frisbee, running, curling, gardening, cooking and traveling.
Chris has a wife, daughter, two dogs and a cat.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
“Casper” or “Lobster Red” depending on the season.
What would your pet say about you if we asked for a reference?
My sassy teenager-esque husky mutt would probably say “he’s fine I guess”, my dopey shepherd would probably get stranger danger and just run away from you, and my possessed cat would likely just meow into the void.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would be a little boring and pay off loans and put a bit into college funds, but once the responsible part of me was done I would probably book a big trip for my family that had lots of unique experiences involved (first class of course).
Senior Development Specialist
As a Senior Due Diligence Specialist at JSD, Lisa has extensive experience in commercial due diligence reporting, entitlements, and permit expediting as she provides clients with rapid, thorough and accurate assessments of the viability of a real estate transaction and associated risks.
Lisa brings design, real estate and management experience to minimize risks and help maintain budgets and schedules for clients. From complicated zoning to entitlement issues, she helps manages every detail.
Even though Lisa loves her job and admits that she is a MASTER at parallel parking, she also admits that if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would love to be Guy Fieri and travel around the country in a muscle car, and eat delicious, unhealthy food at all the fun dive bars! Her very first job was at the soda fountain/lunch counter at an old-school, family owned drug store.
Outside of work, she is an avid reader, a history nerd and a lover of animals! She loves to travel, and enjoy concerts and live music with her “not yet” husband. They have a blended family of four with mostly grown kids, a fat cat Lilly, and lovable mutt Harry.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would donate 1/3, invest 1/3 and spend 1/3 very frivolously!
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
My mom is the coolest human on the planet and gives the best belly scratches! Whenever she works from home, I promise to bug her relentlessly until she puts my favorite chair in her office so I can sit next to her all day and make sure she’s doing a good job!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Dental floss and chap stick
Senior Staff Engineer
As a senior staff engineer with JSD, Eric’s emphasis is in land development, specializing in site layout, grading, utilities, and stormwater management. Eric attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for engineering and has experience utilizing AutoCAD Civil 3D to prepare land development construction plans.
Eric admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to be concerned about income, he would become a professional golfer! He said what he enjoys most about his position with JSD is the gratification of showing family and friends projects he has worked on after they are constructed!
Eric enjoys spending his time outside of work running, hiking, playing/watching sports, grilling out and painting/drawing. He also enjoys spending time with his sister’s dog, Charlie!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Go to Vegas and put it on packers to win super bowl
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Frisbee & sunglasses
Landscape Architect
As a graduate of Iowa State University, Sarah is a landscape architect for JSD, creating exciting spaces for outdoor use in both the public and private sectors. Sarah is a Professional Landscape Architect, a Certified Playground Safety Inspector, and also serves as the Illinois Chapter treasurer for the American Society of Landscape Architects.
She shared that the most gratifying part of her role at JSD is seeing projects built and the faces of children as they see a new park for the first time! But if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would love to simply be a gift-giver…
Sarah has a husband, daughter, a baby boy and a dog named Peppa. Outside of work she is part of a basketball league and enjoys camping and visiting new playgrounds. Excitingly, Sarah has played broomball for 10 years and has one championship under her belt!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why:
Marigold, for my positive outlook and go-with-the-flow attitude
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Comfy chair and sketch book
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would start a program to assist the homeless, helping them find housing, mental health services, and basic necessities, while providing ongoing support services and connect them with local community members.
Survey Technician
Brett is on our surveying team, performing field survey activities with a wide scope of services that include boundary and topographic surveys for Plat of Surveys, Certified Survey Maps, Transportation Project Plats, ALTA’s, Subdivision and Condo Plats.
As a graduate of Madison Area Technical College, Brett’s very first paid job was working the concession stand for the City of Watertown’s aquatic center. But Brett admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would love to go out west and guide mule deer hunts. Outside of work, you’ll find him taking part in hunting, fishing and playing softball!
Brett has a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Maggie!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it:
A boat, truck, and cooler–that’s all I need!
Describe your life using a movie title:
Stepbrothers, because that’s what it feels like living with my roommates!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you:
A speaker and something to play music off of!
Development Specialist
Erin is a development specialist for JSD’s Development department. She takes care of all phases of the pre-development processes including administration and scheduling, as well as feasibility investigations which include code research, consultant identification, preliminary interviews, consultant request for proposals preparation, proposal management and contact administration. She also carries out entitlement and permit research, completion of applications, management of project schedules, and coordination with architects, engineers, and various departments/disciplines, both internal to JSD and eternal clients.
Erin’s very first job out of college was making pizzas at Domino’s Pizza, but if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would love to be a secret shopper! Outside of work, Erin enjoys running, and can brag that she ran 11 mini-marathons in 2014, excitingly doing the Indianapolis mini in May to kick off the Indianapolis 500 while her favorite race was the SunBurst Mini in South Bend, IN where she crossed the finish line in the Notre Dame Stadium.
Erin has a husband, 2 boys and a baby girl along with an 11-year old Cavalier King Charles named Izzy. Interestingly, her and her husband share the same birthday!
What would your pet say about you if we asked it for a reference?
She never sits down, she keeps a strict schedule, and she really likes to hug you.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Take a picture of my pantry and fridge and tell me what I can make for dinner!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Erin Green – Green is my favorite color and my dad stained my wood floors “Erin green” when I was a kid.
Project Coordinator
Gale is a project coordinator with JSD and helps ensure all client needs are met! She assists with overall project documentation and proposals while also helping with project schedules and resources, and serving as a liaison with clients to identify and define project requirements, scope and objectives.
Outside of work, Gale enjoys photography, traveling, and reading and said that if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would be a photographer and/or writer. Her very first paying job was baby-sitting at age 11, and it was very competitive since there were four girls around the same age who would try to be the first to welcome new families with small children to the neighborhood to get their babysitting business! This aligns with her favorite quote she lives by: “Tough times never last, but tough people do”– Robert H. Schuller.
Something you wouldn’t know about Gale is the fact that she labels herself an ambivert, sharing that most of her friends and family consider her extremely extroverted, but she’s also introverted, valuing her alone time to recharge and refresh her mind.
Describe your life using a movie title:
La Dolce Vita because I love to travel to Italy, enjoying the “sweet life” with my family there.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Transport me anywhere I want to go.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Journal & Pen
Survey Technician
As a land survey technician for JSD, Zach is a certified survey technical, level 1 surveyor, performing boundary, ALTA, right of way and construction surveys for private and public sector work, including site development, industrial and commercial development plans, and residential subdivisions.
Zach has degrees from Winona State University and Mid-State Technical College. He admits that the most gratifying part of his job is being outside, viewing various landscapes and seeing what they have to offer while enjoying the wildlife he gets to occasionally encounter.
Something you would not know about Zach from reading his resume is that he went to Europe to play hockey in high school. Speaking of high school, Zach’s very first job was constructing fences for livestock, but if he could have any job in the world, he would love to be a cinematic hunting personality!
Outside of work, Zach enjoys live theater, classical art, ice fishing, hunting (especially ducks) and hockey.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
It would track DNR-collared animals
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A rifle and Netflix
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would buy Mississippi River land in Louisiana “Peace”
Staff Civil Engineer
Chuck is a JSD civil engineer with experience and expertise in civil site/commercial design; residential subdivision design; utility design including sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water design; and stormwater management. He obtained his engineering degree at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and holds the certification of Engineer in Training.
He admits the best part of his job at JSD is being a part of a process that will build something people will use and enjoy! But he also admits that if he could have any job in the world he would LOVE to be a professional golfer. Other hobbies include hockey, hunting, traveling, hiking, fishing, movies and video games.
One of his best memories is a road trip with my family in a RV all around Canada and Northeastern United States, seeing every great lake! Chuck has a wife, along with a yellow Labrador named Bauer and a Blue Tick Coon Hound named Domino!
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
It would be able to look up any movie I want and allow me to watch it from the app!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Friends to keep me company and alcohol to make it better!
Describe your life using a movie title:
Ferris Bueller’s Day off. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Not everything needs to be taken serious and it’s alright to relax and have fun.
Survey Crew Chief
Chuck serves as a JSD senior crew chief for field surveying to include boundary and topographic surveying, monitoring surveys, utility layout, construction staking and as-built surveys. He is also experienced in AutoCAD Civil 3D providing drafting for all types of surveys, exhibits and technical maps.
Chuck has a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and shares that his favorite part of his job is getting to dig holes! Laughingly, when Chuck was asked what job in the world he would love to do if he didn’t have to be concerned about income, he immediately shared, “digging holes,” which also happened to be his first paying job he had in his younger years! Chuck loves digging holes…
Outside of work he loves sports and recreation overall, and loves to spoil his cat!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Faded red….because I can be found often wearing a faded red sweatshirt
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would try to find who lost the ticket and if I’m unable to do that, I would give to a worthy cause. I don’t play the lottery and wouldn’t want to take someone else’s money.
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Solar powered satellite phone and a chair (preferably comfortable and weather-resistant)
Administrative Assistant
Deb is an administrative assistant for JSD and she does everything from answering the phone, ordering supplies, maintaining office equipment or scheduling meetings, all the way to assisting project managers when needed, or running errands, shipping plans/reports or even filing and general office maintenance.
Her very first-paying job was being a cook in a restaurant, but now outside of work, Deb enjoys reading and crocheting, especially the fine-laced doilies in which she admits she has probably crocheted HUNDREDS over the years after she taught herself how to crochet from a book. Something you would not know about Deb from reading her resume is that she talked to Adam Brody from the show “The O.C.” for 30 minutes and did not realize it was him until the following day. She also met Bart Starr, Kenny Rogers and Henry Winkler!
Deb is married with 5 children and 8 grandchildren!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I’d pay off my bills, give to charity and then travel!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
I would be a shade of blue, the color of the ocean on a warm tropical sunny beach.
Creative Coordinator
As the Creative Coordinator for JSD, Jess is considered the “webmaster” of JSD’s website, and develops graphic materials that showcase and promote JSD’s projects. She also serves as the sidekick in the marketing department to assist on showcasing the company wherever needed!
With a BA degree in graphic design from Edgewood College, Jess admits that if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would be a veterinary technician or a pilot. Her very first job out of college was doing data entry at Lands’ End!
Outside of work, Jess enjoys cleaning, organizing/decluttering, traveling, reading, watching Formula 1, and downhill skiing. A meaningful quote that sticks in her mind is: “Information is only useful when it can be understood.” – Muriel Cooper
Jess lives in the Madison area with her husband and two adorable ginger cats (Alfie & Gus).
If we asked for a reference from your pets, what would they say?
Gives great pets and tummy rubs but is stingy on the food. Could use improvement in lap sharing.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I’d pay off the rest of my student loans and buy 80 acres of land to build a cute little house on. Then I’d probably travel for a while and start a hobby farm.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Sunscreen and a solar powered Kindle
Project Surveyor
As a project surveyor for JSD, John works on ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, topographic surveys, boundary surveys, subdivision Plats and Certified Survey Maps.
Before attending Madison College for his work in surveying, John shares that his first ever full-time job as a youngster was babysitting. His favorite part about JSD is working alongside a great team of individuals and when he’s not at work, John loves traveling with his wife and working with the Madison Sports Car Club at the race track to put on races. He also has two cats.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Give half to charities and spend the rest on traveling
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A boat and directions to the nearest town!
Survey Technician
Bio coming soon!
Staff Engineer
As a JSD staff engineer, Alex prepares engineering plans for commercial and residential development. He covers a wide variety of services including earthwork volumes and storm drainage calculations, design of utilities, including storm and sanitary sewers, waterlines and waterline sizing, grading and drainage plans, street improvements, as well as construction documents and all supporting documentation. Alex carries the designation of Engineer in Training and has an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Madison Area Technical College and a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.
After starting his career in the world of surveying, Alex admits that he enjoys seeing projects go from the existing survey to final design. He added that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to be concerned about income, he would love to manage a soccer club.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys enjoy playing soccer, running, skiing, and spending time with his wife, one child, and their dog!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would develop and build an indoor soccer arena.
If we asked your pet for a reference about you, what would it say?
He is the best dad ever! He feeds and walks me every day and lets me sit on the couch to watch TV.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A soccer ball and a ball pump
Staff Engineer
As one of our staff engineers, Kalan prepares plans for commercial and residential development, earthwork volumes and storm drainage calculations. He also designs utilities including storm and sanitary sewers, waterlines, waterline sizing, grading and drainage plans, streets improvements, construction documents and all supporting documentation.
Interestingly, Kal started his own business six years ago and holds a U.S. Patent on a product he designed, manufactures and sells. But he admits that even though his first job was on a farm cutting hay, feeding cattle, and other chores, if he could have any job in the world, he would love to have his own hunting show!
Outside of work, Kal enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and racing, in addition to sports and traveling.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would purchase a few fun items, like a new truck, hunting equipment, then buy some investment properties, donate some to friends and family, then travel.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Red-My favorite color!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Tools & a sail to build a sail boat to leave the island!
Project Engineer
As a JSD project engineer, Andrew’s responsibilities include the design and preparation of grading and drainage plans; public and private utility plans; storm water management plans and reports; construction documents; plan production and specifications; construction inspection; and permit coordination with local, state, and federal agencies. His surveying responsibilities include researching property and boundary information, drafting of Certified Survey Maps, as well as ALTA/NSPS Land Title surveys, Plat of Surveys, Condominium Plats, As-built Surveys, construction staking, and bathymetric surveys.
Andrew attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for civil engineering and holds a professional engineering designation. He shared that the most gratifying piece of his job is to drive around town and see projects he is working on!
Outside of work, he has a wife, two daughters, and a golden retriever to spend time camping with! He also enjoys basketball, football and baseball. Something you would not know about Andrew from his resume is that he is an Eagle Scout and his very first paying job was mowing lawns, although he admits that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to be concerned about income he would love to be a part time golf course grounds keeper!
If we asked your pet for a reference on you, what would they say?
He feeds me… most the time.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other item would you want to have with you?
An operating 40-foot boat
Survey Technician
Senior Due Diligence Specialist
Megan is a Due Diligence Coordinator with JSD, assisting our development services team with all project management duties, while maintaining client relationships and managing the database for their projects.
Megan has a degree from Purdue in Natural Resources and Environmental Science with a Minor in Wildlife Science, but her background has focused more on real estate development as a specialist on residential, commercial, mixed-use and multi-family projects. She has experience in the full entitlement process, permitting, coordination of consultants and contractors, schedules, project applications and diverse scopes of work with a multitude of different municipalities.
Something you would not know about Megan from reading her resume is that she is a California native and has a twin. Outside of the office, she enjoys hobbies such as traveling, gardening, yoga and photography.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Plan my outfits every day.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Multi-colored since I can multi-task!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would pay off student loans and travel.
Staff Engineer
Isaac is a staff engineer with JSD, specializing in civil engineering design with experience in site planning, grading/drainage and stormwater management.
As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Isaac is a licensed professional engineer but says that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would probably be a famous music producer and singer! His first paying job was scoring volleyball games at his church.
Outside of work, Isaac enjoys board games, hiking and running, and Isaac would brag that he ran a 4:25 mile in high school! He has a partner Meghan, Puppy Bast, and Kitty Zoey!
What would your pet say about you if we asked it for a reference?
My puppy would say I’m the best because I never leave the house and play with him whenever he wants.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Probably buy some houses in Europe and NYC and around the world. Maybe start an expensive art collection.
Survey Crew Chief
As one of JSD’s survey crew chief’s, Steve Norin provides project administration, as well as taking a lead on Plats of Survey, subdivision plats, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, Condo plats, and Certified Survey Maps. In addition, he focuses on LiDAR scans and conducting drone surveys, while also playing a role in mentorship, training, and guidance to survey technicians on our team.
Interestingly, Steve is also a UAS Remote Pilot, PADI Open Water Diver and even has a degree in Occupational Studies at the Culinary Institute of America! Something you would NOT know from his resume is that he was a chef on an expedition cruise ship and sailed to all seven continents and over 65 countries!
Even though his very first job was babysitting, then working at an ice cream parlor, he shares that he absolutely loves working on ALTA surveys in his current role, but would also love to do travel writing! Outside of work he enjoys boating, canoeing, geocaching and gardening.
Steve is married with two kids and a collie!
What would your pet say about you if we asked it a reference
He hands out tough love but is fair and caring
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Move traffic out of the way during busy times on the beltline
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A hammock and a dog
Landscape Designer
Riley Nystrom joins our landscape architect team with a BLA from Texas A&M University and an MLA from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
Something you would not know about Riley from reading his resume is that he is an amateur classical pianist, a drummer, and an oil painter. He has journeyed across the world with his landscape architecture design studios for field research. From experiencing the sublime geothermal landscapes of Iceland, to visiting the world’s largest solar power energy plant south of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, he also climbed on top of the chat piles of Tar Creek, Oklahoma, the number one contaminated Superfund site of lead and zinc mining works in the United States.
Outside of work, Riley loves being on the lake in Northern Wisconsin where he swims, fishes, kayaks, goes waterskiing, and grills tomahawk ribeye steaks. In the city, you can find him watching the lions and gorillas at the zoo and lifting weights at the gym.
He does admit that if could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would have loved to be a fighter pilot, a secret service agent for the President, or a professional lacrosse player!
Riley has a pet English Bulldog who likes to attack rolling trashcans!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I will buy a ranch in the Texas hill country and create a foundation that teaches people about regenerative agriculture and environmental restoration. I will process my own grass-fed beef and donate healthy food to poor communities!
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
It would keep ticks and mosquitoes off of my body when I am walking in the woods.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Green because grass is green and I like grass-fed beef.
Business Development Manager
As JSD’s Business Development Manager, Brian Olesen will assist with developing new clients, nourishing existing client relationships, helping expand into new market sectors, and exploring new service offerings.
Interestingly, Brian worked for JSD as a civil engineer in the early 2000’s as he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. His career then moved into the world of business development bringing him back full circle to JSD again!
Brian’s very first job ever was bagging groceries, but if he could have any job in the world, he would love to be a professional mountain biker which is what he loves to do outside of the office. In addition, he enjoys running, golfing, traveling, and spending time with family. He’s a huge fan of tacos, donuts and bacon! Something you would NOT know about Brian from his resume is that he can juggle and is a master at quoting movies.
He and his wife have a son, a daughter, and two dogs: Lily the yellow lab and Moose the mini dachshund.
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Locate the best donut shop wherever I travel
How would you describe your life using a movie title?
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure since I love to explore new areas and am always up for an adventure
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Mountain bikes (you can never have too many) and trips to the Maldives, Greece, and Hawaii (my favorite place to travel)
sUAS Remote Pilot, Project Surveyor
Cory is a project surveyor and a remote pilot for small unmanned aerial systems, meaning he is in charge of JSD’s drone flights. He has survey experience on public and private projects and expertise in topographic surveys, transportation surveys, construction staking, and subdivision design.
Cory attended the Community College of the Air Force and was an associate of applied science instructor in technology of military science as well as air and space technology operations. He also attended Madison Area Technical College for certifications as a civil engineering technologist and a remote pilot.
He has a wife, four dogs, and nine chickens!
Due Diligence Specialist
As a due diligence specialist for JSD, Sarah Oster provides administrative and due diligence support for the development services team.
Sarah’s first paying job ever was being a starter at a golf course, directing players to the first tee and controlling pace of play. But she admitted that if she could pick any job in the world, she would love working at a beach bar in a tropical destination serving drinks to people from all over the world! Outside of work she enjoys traveling, working out, hitting the family cabin, boating, and watching her kids’ sporting events.
Sarah is married with three kids and an English Springer Spaniel named Ruby.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Confetti crayon to represent positivity, fun and being social
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
I would develop a robot to fold all the laundry (and an app to control the robot).
If we went to your pet for a reference on you, what would they say?
“She is always busy multi-tasking and I wish she would just sit down so I can snooze on her lap!”
Senior Staff Engineer
As a senior staff engineer at JSD, Craig has a high proficiency in CAD production and related engineering software. He prepares engineering plans for commercial and residential development, earthwork volumes and storm drainage calculations. In addition, he leads on design of utilities, including storm and sanitary sewers, waterlines, waterline sizing, grading and drainage plans, street improvements, construction documents and all supporting documentation.
As a graduate of Michigan Technological University, Craig shared that it’s most gratifying to see his work on paper getting put in the ground. His first job ever was in a grocery store, but outside of work, Craig has a wife and six girls who love vacations in the Upper Peninsula, visiting waterfalls.
If you could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, what would you love to do?
Film Critic – Watch movies and get to complain about them while still getting paid.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A satellite phone with GPS
Project Surveyor
Michael is a professional land surveyor for JSD, providing project survey and mapping support for design, construction and real estate projects, working mostly with large utility companies in Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Michael’s first job he ever had was “head” lawn mower across the street from his house, but if you ask him what he would love to do if he could have any job in the world, his big desire is to be a guide for kayak trips around the Apostle Islands. Outside of work he enjoys biking, kayaking, backpacking, camping and really anything outdoors!
Michael has a wife, three kids, one dog and a newt!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Slowly!
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Remind me who I’m talking to
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A hammock and an umbrella
Accounting Assistant
As JSD’s accounting assistant, Stephanie takes care of accounts receivable and accounts payable duties along with working on billings.
Even though her first paying job ever was working at Burger King, Stephanie admits she MUCH MORE enjoyed her hobby of competing nationally in synchronized figure skating! Outside of work, she enjoys running, weight lifting and reading while also watching her kids play in all of their activities! She has a husband, 4 kids, and 2 dogs!
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Something that yells at my kids when they try to ignore my calls or texts!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Shoes and wine
Project Engineer
Matt is a project engineer with JSD and has experience in designing commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational and residential sites from initial conception through construction documents. He also has field experience on construction projects including observation, administrative and field engineering responsibilities with multifaceted private development projects as well as public sector projects with WisDOT and local municipal projects.
Matt’s first paying job ever was farming, mostly including unloading hay/straw and doing the chores. But he said he prefers his current job as a project engineer, allowing him to design and develop team coordination, utility coordination, municipal and regulatory coordination with the entitlement and permitting processes and managing project scope, budget and timelines.
Outside of work, Matt enjoys riding gravel and mountain bike, hiking or cruising in the Jeep with his wife, playing pool, home projects (handy man), walking/hiking and just being with his two fur babies, Lucy and Jemma.
Survey Technician
As a survey technician for JSD, Nathan carries out boundary surveying, topographic surveying and construction staking as well as ALTAs for JSD’s clients.
With an Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Madison Area Technical College, Nathan admits that as much as he loves his career in surveying, he remembers back to his very first paying job where he worked the concessions stand for a local sports complex! He collects sports memorabilia and loves watching any Wisconsin sports teams. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys playing softball in the summer, and snowboarding in the winter and especially loves playing with his three dogs: Bronny, Scooby & Gretchen.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would drive around the country in a motorhome and visit every baseball stadium!
Describe your life using a movie title:
It would be any Adam Sandler movie because I find humor in most things…
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A Lawn chair and sunglasses
Due Diligence Specialist
Whitney is a Due Diligence Specialist for JSD’s Development Services Team, assisting our development services team with all project management duties, while maintaining client relationships and managing the database for their projects. She provides entitlement and permit research, completion of applications, management of project schedules, and coordination with architects, engineers, and various departments/disciplines, both internal to JSD and eternal clients.
Interestingly, Whitney’s first-ever paid job was cleaning a farm supply store and mopping the floor, but if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would like to be a dog walker since she loves going for walks and can’t imagine any dog that wouldn’t enjoy the same!
Something you would NOT know about Whitney from reading her resume is that between her and her husband, they have nearly 30 nieces and nephews with more on the way! When she’s not in the office, Whitney enjoys traveling to Northern Wisconsin to spend time with family and spending time outdoors.
She has a husband, three children and a dog.
If we asked your pet for a reference, what would they say about you?
She is a push over.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Coffee and a kindle
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
$10 million is not enough for my goals!
Marketing Director / Business Development
Jan is JSD’s Business Development Director, working with JSD’s staff and partners in creating new business opportunities and connecting/networking at conferences and events with past, current and potential clients. She also assists in various marketing efforts for connecting with clients.
Jan attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for business administration and marketing as well as Edgewood College for her Masters of Business Administration. Jan’s first job she ever held was working at a pharmacy in high school, but if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she has always said since she was little that she wanted to be a flight attendant!
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the Windy City of Chicago, reading, her workout routine, scenic country rides, badger game tailgating, studying functional medicine, and also volunteering for her local church’s clothes closet for children.
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Iridescent caterpillar green because it’s a happy color
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would start a foundation for the less fortunate
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Answer my emails
Project Engineer
Jared is a project engineer for JSD and is responsible for preparing construction documents, specifications, quantities, and cost estimates for a wide variety of retail, commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential developments. He also prepares stormwater management reports and permitting applications for local, state, and federal agencies as well as monitors project budgets and schedules, while maintaining client contacts.
With a civil engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, Jared shares the most rewarding part of his role at JSD is knowing that his team trusts him on critical tasks with his ability to tackle difficult challenges, deliver a quality product, and meet important deadlines. Outside of work, Jared enjoys hiking, gardening, and riding his Harley. He shared his first job was bailing hay for farmers, but his first reported as taxable income was being a janitor as he moved furniture and scrubbed floors at an elementary school!
Jared and his wife have one daughter and a guinea pig.
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
As an engineer I feel compelled to give a practical answer, like a boat and a satellite phone. But truthfully, I’d be happy with a book and a brandy old-fashioned.
If you could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, what would you love to do?
There’s some appeal in being an author–working independently, setting my own hours, and perhaps tapping into a more creative side of myself. I’d enjoy the challenge of learning to write professionally, and ideally, I would publish a short story or two.
Describe your life using a movie title:
My life is like the movie Vanishing Point, because there isn’t much talking, the main character essentially just wants to be left alone, and in the end, he refuses to be corralled. Plus, who wouldn’t want to blast across the desert in a ’70 Dodge Challenger?
Senior Landscape Designer
As a JSD landscape designer, Michael creates 3D computer models and renderings, planting plans and various graphic materials to convey landscape design intent.
Interestingly, Michael has a degree in music, and a master’s in landscape architecture from the University of Colorado, Denver where he also won the Dean’s Award, a tuition-reimbursement for academic success!
Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his kids’ sports teams, going on outdoor family adventures, snow skiing, biking and experimenting in his back yard! If Michael could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he was quick to share his skills in playing table tennis professionally (and traveling the world to do so!)
His first paying job was in high school doing grounds maintenance for an airport where he got to weld, drive a dump truck, dig big holes with tractors, work on runway lights and even occasionally see the Smashing Pumpkins band jump in and out of their private jet!
Michael has a wife, three children and a dog named Bolt.
A meaningful quote:
“A city is a complex series of events.” – Lawrence Halprin (reminds Michael that a well-designed space should activate people to some effect)
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Predict snowfall amounts so I could plan better ski trips
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Spotify and a great set of speakers
Chief Construction Project Engineer
As Chief Construction Project Engineer for JSD, Jeff assists with design, soils analysis, technical specifications, cost projections and contractor bid analysis and verification. Once a project is under contract, Jeff assists with pre-construction and engineer/contractor progress meetings, site progress and erosion control, shop drawings, contractor questions and pay application review.
Jeff shares that his favorite part of being on the JSD team is providing clients with innovative site designs and construction services that maximize their vision and provide communities with added opportunities and environmentally sound facilities. Jeff was a member of the Wisconsin Earth Movers Association (WEMA) Board of Directors from 2000-2007 and the Wisconsin Technology Council – Governor’s Business Plan Finalist in 2017.
Interestingly, Jeff admits he loves to “invent stuff” that solve real world problems, and he is actually is working with the U.S. Patent Office on a Flood Barrier System. He would also admit he has other small-level inventions that haven’t left his garage yet! Jeff has a wife, four children, two grandchildren and a dog!
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
He is such a sucker. I can get a snack anytime that I ask!
Describe your life using a movie title:
Big Jake, a 1971 John Wayne movie
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
Truth Meter
Project Engineer
John Trava is a structural engineer for JSD, providing structural analysis, inspections, calculations and structural drawings to meet the needs of clients. John ensures buildings and structures we design meet all the code requirements to keep our clients safe and secure in their structures for years to come!
John graduated from UW Platteville with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering, specializing in structural and geo-technical engineering. His very first paying job was a concrete laborer for four years in his teens, but he does admit he would have enjoyed writing novels in another life. Outside of work, John enjoys reading, movies, board games and spending time with the kids. With any free-time left, he enjoys sculpting miniatures for tabletop games and train-sets.
John and his wife have three kids and a barnyard of animals including two cats, a bunny and 20 chickens!
If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Probably orange–It’s one of my favorite colors and its unusual. You have to think outside the box to use it effectively and it stands out.
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
Pay off my house and buy property for my kids when they grow up!
If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
A pencil and notebook–without a notebook and some kind of writing utensil I would never keep track of my thoughts.
Senior Staff Engineer
As a senior staff engineer, Jacob designs for both commercial and multi-family developments. His experience includes plan preparation and development of site, grading, and utility plans as well as stormwater management and erosion control. Jake’s work also includes modeling, reports and permitting.
Jacob joined us from University of Wisconsin – Platteville. His very first paid job ever was working for the local park district maintaining facilities, doing grounds keeping and programming. But he loves his career choice since he shares the most gratifying part of his job is seeing a project come together from design development through construction, ultimately helping out the public and providing a better solution.
Outside of work, Jacob enjoys spending family time outdoors, visiting parks and zoos with the kids, along with grilling, skiing, fishing and golfing. He has a wife, three children, a Siberian husky named Madison & a golden retriever named Gunner.
If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
I’m punctual on filling food/water bowls, but I don’t enjoy early mornings taking them outside…yet I’ll always play or take a nap with them!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
First set aside enough for my kids future and schooling, then pay off debt and donate/invest some. I would definitely spend time traveling and working less!
Project Engineer
Brian is a professional licensed project engineer for JSD with more than 8 years of experience in land development, stormwater management design, and project management. His focus has been providing conceptual, preliminary, and final site plans for a wide variety of clients including commercial, industrial, municipal, recreational, and private residential homes.
With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UW Platteville, Brian said the most gratifying part of his role is seeing the start-to-finish process for projects, particularly for dilapidated or abandoned areas as he helps transform them into developments beneficial to the neighborhood.
His very first job was being a dishwasher at the “Mucky Duck,” but he does admit that if he could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, he would love being the director of parks and recreation. He shares it would be a rewarding and challenging job to create and manage public spaces that are engaging for the community.
Outside of work, he enjoys disc golf, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, hiking, and board games and has a cat for some additional company!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
I would spend it moderately slow over the next 50-70 years…I would just retire!
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Lots of sunscreen and a comfy beach chair.
Landscape Designer
Gwen is a landscape designer for JSD, and assists our landscape architects in designing fun and engaging outdoor spaces through the design process. Amongst her many skills is developing master plans, writing grants, and corresponding with clients and the public to ensure the highest level of satisfaction!
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State University, her love of landscape design carries over into life outside of work. Even though Gwen’s first ever paying job was serving as cashier at Michael’s Craft store, if she could have any job in the world and didn’t have to necessarily be concerned about income, she would love to work at Hoffmaster State Park in Michigan as a park ranger so she could walk around outside and enjoy nature.
Outside of work, something you would NOT know about Gwen from reading her resume is that she can figure skate and takes lessons on the weekends! She also enjoys doing anything outside–camping, hiking, biking and swimming. After work on a nice day you most likely would find her walking down along the lake, or on a rainy day, curled up on the couch with a book!
How would you describe your life using a movie title?
Probably Hocus Pocus, as my life is full of my fun, crazy family full of sisters!
If you could build a brand-new phone app to do something helpful for you, what would it do?
I would want it to read my mind throughout the week of all the foods I craved and create a grocery list by the end of the week!
If you found a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, how do you spend it?
If I were forced to spend it, I would buy a large lake house on Lake Michigan for my extended family to enjoy together!