Curious to learn more about the construction industry? Or wonder what it's like to work for Power?
Our employees are eager to share their experiences with you, personally. Each of them has a unique story to tell as they come from different backgrounds, with various degrees and a wide range of passions, both personal and professional. Feel free to explore their profiles below and connect directly with any questions.
Oscar BeachAssistant Superintendent
Southern Illinois University '15 | Joined Power in 2016
First construction job: Red-Line Wilson Project as an intern. I was given the opportunity to work on a project which involved both Heavy Highway and Building Construction. This was great for me because I was undecided on what sector of construction I was going get into, but this internship gave me a look at both sides which helped me in making that decision.
Best career advice ever received: Always set personal goals. This will keep the fire in you going.
Why construction? For a few years after graduating high school I worked at a home improvement store where I would interact with different contractors, this is what first sparked my interest in the construction field. I was not aware that there were programs for construction management until I saw a TV commercial from a local college. The highlights of the profession were so intriguing to me that I did further research on the profession and different schools offering the CM program. The following fall semester I was off to school to pursue my degree.
Best thing about living in Chicago: Chicago's downtown area. The skyline is beautiful and there is always something going on to keep you entertained.
Favorite Chicago Landmark: Buckingham Fountain
Favorite sports team: Chicago Bulls
Oscar Beach
Ajay BhojwaniProject Manager
University of Illinois '17 | Joined Power in 2017
My first project with Power: I was an intern with Power at The Main Apartments (Chicago and Main) in Evanston.
Why construction? I grew up helping my dad with projects around the house. Once I got to high school I got really involved in our advanced woodworking classes and made a lot of custom furniture, including a complete living room set of tables that I now use in my condo! This showed me how much I enjoyed applying analytical and physical skills to make usable things in the real world.
Best career advice you've received: You do a lot of good things and prevent a lot of problems. Sometimes things don't go your way but you deal with it and move on so you can continue making good things happen.
Best thing about living in Chicago: No shortage of new places to eat and hang out.
Favorite local landmark: Wrigley Field! It's a resilient old building with a lot of history.
Ajay Bhojwani
Shane BoyerSenior Project Manager
Penn State University '10 | Temple University '17 | Joined Power in 2017
Shane Boyer
Neal DeitersEstimator
Northwestern University '13 | Joined Power in 2013
First started fulltime in the business: 2013
How I started in construction: My interest in construction began with a passion for building Lego’s.
Best career advice ever received: “Hard work, always pays off”.
Why construction? I have a passion for project management, design, and building science.
Best thing about living in Chicago: My favorite part about living in Chicago is exercising along the lakefront.
Favorite Chicago landmark: The Sears Tower (I have always called it that and probably always will despite its recent name change) is my favorite Chicago landmark.
Neal Deiters
Aaron GravesSenior Estimator
University of Illinois '17 | Joined Power in 2017
Aaron Graves
Brian HampelSuperintendent
Iowa State University '13 | Joined Power in 2014
How I started in construction: Summer internship, in road construction, repaving Hwy 12 near the IL/WI border in 2009.
Best career advice ever received: Establish successful working relationships with owners, architects, co-workers and subcontractors.
Why construction? Construction has been an interest and a passion of mine ever since I was a child but I didn’t have the artistic skills to be an architect!
Favorite Chicago landmark: Wrigley Field, how can you not love the friendly confines!?!
Favorite sports team: Atlanta Braves!!
Brian Hampel
Andrew LichtenauerAssistant Project Manager
Texas A&M University '20 | Joined Power in 2020
Why did you choose a career in the industry? I enjoy the problem solving nature of the industry as well as getting to collaborate with a wide range of other parties involved in each project. There's something very satisfying about seeing a project through from start to finish, knowing that you played a role in the success of that project.
Best career advice ever received: Trust, but verify.
Favorite non-work activity? Hiking and camping in the National Parks! I've been to about a third of them and hope to visit them all.
Best thing about living in Chicago: The great food and live music.
Andrew Lichtenauer
Megan LickSenior Project Accountant
St. Mary's University '07 | Joined Power in 2013
Megan Lick
Chauntee McDonaldConstruction Laborer & Site Safety Coordinator
Northern Illinois University | Joined Power in 2014
Chauntee McDonald
Ben MeintsSenior Superintendent
Purdue University '09 | Joined Power in 2009
How I started in construction: I was a laborer sealing roads in college.
Best career advice ever received: “You can do your job and like it, or just do your job. The choice is yours, as long as you get your job done."
Why did you choose construction as a profession: I get to work with a diverse group of people, which makes every day interesting. And I’m not tied to a desk all day long.
Favorite Chicago landmark: The bridges over the Chicago River.
Favorite sports team: Milwaukee Brewers
Ben Meints
Zach MuscariAssistant Project Manager
Bradley University '17 | Joined Power in 2018
Zach Muscari
Shosuke NaokawaVDC Engineer
University of Illinois (bachelors) '20 | University of Illinois (masters) '21 | Joined Power in 2021
First job in construction: Summer Internship at SSM St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis where I learned the ins and outs of interior finishes using lean scheduling.
Why construction? I've always enjoyed engineering and large scale urbanism. The construction industry helps me leverage my engineering and technology skills to make a real impact on communities.
Best career advice you've received: Never settle for average and make sure you do work that you are proud of.
Favorite non-work activity: Visiting cafés across Chicago - my goal is to visit 100 (or more)
Favorite Chicago landmark: Crossing the Chicago River by train on the Brown/Purple line. You get a fantastic view of the city regardless of which side of the train you're sitting on.
Shosuke Naokawa
Sarah NelsonProject Manager
University of Illinois Champaign '12 and '14 | Joined Power in 2016
How I started in construction: I started interning with traditional architecture firms – small commercial, residential, corporate – before deciding to make the jump to the construction side. I have always loved the industry, it just took me a few summers to decide where I wanted to sit at the table.
Best career advice ever received: Work hard and do what you love.
Why construction? I was fortunate to live through a home addition in grade school and was extremely interested as the drawing sets came through. I love walking a job and seeing how a project comes together – literally.
Best thing about living in Chicago: The restaurant scene and lakefront path.
Favorite Chicago Landmark: Promontory Point – it has the best views of the skyline
Favorite sports team: Chicago Blackhawks
Sarah Nelson
Jessica PetersenSafety Supervisor
Northern Illinois University '17 | Joined Power in 2017
Jessica Petersen
Phil StearneySenior Project Manager
Iowa State University '89 | Joined Power in 2014
Phil Stearney
Trevor SymbalAssistant Project Manager
Milwaukee School of Engineering '19 | Joined Power in 2019
Favorite non-work activity: Over the past three or four years I have been doing leatherwork making things like wallets, belts, watchbands and other small leather goods Each project is unique and it is calming to spend an afternoon crafting something that you know will make someone happy.
Favorite Chicago landmark: Gene and Judes. If you've never heard of it, don't. Just go on a Friday and DO NOT ask for ketchup. It'll be worth it!
Trevor Symbal
Dennis ThurowSuperintendent
University of Illinois '16 | Joined Power in 2017
How I started in construction: I was an intern for the transportation department in the city I grew up in. I worked on the sidewalk replacement program and micro-resurfacing during the summer after my freshman year.
Best career advice ever received: “If it matters to someone, it matters."
Why construction? I love the fast pace of the work and the challenges that come along with it. We get to problem solve every day and work with all sorts of different people which gives a really good balance to the day. The ability to walk through the city and see your finished work for many years after the job is over is also really cool.
Favorite Chicago landmark: The Chicago Board of Trade
Best thing about living in Chicago: Food. Some of the best food in the world is in Chicago and there is no shortage of variety. Restaurants and chefs that food critics travel across the country or world to visit are within walking distance.
