Our people
As an employee-owned company, people are everything. Since 1958, we’ve filled our team with forward thinkers who have mastered the latest construction methods. Every member has a stake in our future, no matter what department they work in or projects they work on. Their dedication, innovation and collaboration drive our success and shape our future.
Meet The Korte Company team
The people with their boots on the ground around the nation are just as important as those wearing business shoes in the c-suite. From land surveyors to concrete supervisors and accountants, learn about the people who keep our projects moving, no matter the challenge.
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Sam Klatch, the man behind the scenes
Sam Klatch had just gotten back from a Skills USA conference in Atlanta when the call came. Jason Weiss, The Korte Company’s Executive Vice President of Operations, said to come to his office...
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Megan Henschen, the problem solver
While Megan Henschen’s title is project controls assistant, her responsibilities extend far beyond that. She’s really in a role of her own as a go-to problem solver, handling everything from payroll to...
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Nicole Peters, the troubleshooter
Nicole Peters’ finest hour strikes when the phone at her desk rings and a Korte employee on the other end says, “My device quit working.” Not too long ago, a plea came in from a colleague who couldn’t get...
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Curt Horstmann won’t sit still
As a kid, Curt Horstmann was never a big fan of school — or libraries. “I just didn’t like books.” The irony isn’t lost on him, a member of The Korte Company’s Diversified Operations Group and the man in charge of...
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How Darlene Rutkowski-Hanks pulls it all together
When Darlene Rutkowski-Hanks became an architect, she knew she’d design residential houses and apartment complexes. With any luck, she’d work her way up to hospitals and office buildings.
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Mindy Keiser always knows where to look
Mindy Keiser isn’t one for snap judgments. And as an estimator, this cautious approach has always served her well. She’s worked on the corporate headquarters addition for Subsurface Constructors...
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For Alex Ayres, it’s not just about technology
Alex Ayres always thought he wanted to be an architect. “It started with LEGOS when I was five or six. That’s always been my interest: how things go together, specifically buildings.” His scenic hometown of Eau Claire...
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Stephen Tucker, a helping hand
Doorbells ring across Houston, Texas. Soldiers in fatigues stand at a safe distance. On the porches rest boxes of food. For months — in Houston and all over the U.S. — Army National Guard soldiers have been standing...
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Susan Bowman sets the example
CFO Susan Bowman is Ralph Korte’s oldest daughter, but don’t let that mislead you. Before coming to The Korte Company, she spent a few eye-opening years at a different family-owned construction company...
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Winding roads lead to the perfect destination for Eric Wolters
Eric Wolters wasn’t raised with a construction background. His father wasn’t a contractor or handyman — he was a commodity broker. As a kid growing up in Collinsville, Illinois, he thought he’d eventually run a funeral home like his uncles. But life is full of surprises...
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Ryan Bowman, Ralph’s grandson makes his own way at The Korte Company
Ryan Bowman was raised in the world of construction. That’s how it goes when your grandfather is Ralph Korte, the founder of The Korte Company. Ryan is the son of Ralph’s eldest daughter, Susan Bowman, the company’s CFO. Growing up near company headquarters in Highland, Illinois, he sold a lot of Boy Scout popcorn in the office...
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Grant Kueper, from black cat to construction management
Grant Kueper refers to himself as the “black cat” of the family. He was certainly an outside cat, and a natural for the construction industry. Early on weekend mornings, he wanted to go outside and get dirty building things. “It could be 20 or 100 degrees outside and Mom’s like, ‘I don’t know why the heck you want to go outside.’ But that’s just where I wanted to be.”
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The shared journey of Shelley and Barry Kauhl
Shelley and Barry Kauhl are a powerful team at home, but each has carved out their unique successful career at The Korte Company. They play key roles in The Korte Company’s leadership, with decades of respective expertise and dedication.
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Eric Kues: From smalltown roots to big-time projects
Eric Kues is a smalltown guy who appreciates a close-knit team. But that doesn’t limit the big things he hopes to accomplish with The Korte Company. He grew up in Bartelso, Illinois, at that time a town of 400 people, where everybody filled up at the same gas station and family gatherings were a Sunday tradition.
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Donna Boeing, office manager and work mom
Donna Boeing is a mother figure, at home and in the office. As an office manager, she keeps things running smoothly, assuring everyone and everything is in their proper place. And if anyone on her team is in need, she’s always fast to help. When she started, she didn’t know much about being an office manager, or running a print room or helping architects layout their spec books.
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Vikki Hackett, the organizer
They’re not afraid to let you know that they appreciate you. I work really hard no matter what, but when I get that kind of feedback, I feel even more inclined to prove myself. They have this faith in me, so I have to get this done. I have to work harder.
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Sandy Grapperhaus could tell you stories
All of us have a common goal: to get this project off the ground and get it built. I am just on one end of it, but everybody pulls together. That’s always been our focus here, and it still is. We share the good and the bad, and that makes you feel like it’s your company, too.
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Meaghan Daiber-Fehrmann got her dream job. And she’s only just begun.
Meaghan Daiber-Fehrmann never broke 5’2”, but she’s got the kind of presence that makes people say, “Huh, I thought she was taller.” Maybe it’s because the sheer force of her bubbly personality contradicts her size. Her tenacity drove her to become a long-time basketball player, height be damned. And that same spirit didn’t flinch over a childhood stumbling block — some unusual bones in her feet — that might’ve tripped up someone with a weaker constitution.
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Safety as service for Kevin Moorhead
When Safety Director Kevin Moorhead does his job right, it might not look like he’s doing anything at all. “In the safety career field, we don’t always get to see the fruits of our labors,” he said, “because if an employee follows something from our training and doesn’t get hurt, there’s nothing to remember.”
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Leadership
Every team needs strong leadership. These are the people who help guide The Korte Company so our employee-owners can focus on providing the best for our customers and their communities.
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Todd KorteExecutive Chairmanhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/TODD_KORTE-7979-8X8_120DPI.jpgTodd.Korte@korteco.com
Master of Business Administration, Washington University
Bachelor of Science — Construction Science, Kansas State UniversityAs The Korte Company's Executive Chairman, Todd Korte is responsible for the overall production, marketing and control of The Korte Company as well as the firm’s extensive research and development efforts. He ensures clients receive the utmost attention from The Korte Company’s Design, Preconstruction, Project Management, Quality Assurance and Safety teams.
With more than 31 years of experience in the construction industry, Todd has performed a variety of duties throughout his career, including Project Engineer, Estimator, Special Services Team member, Project Manager, Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer. He has dedicated himself to the advancement of The Korte Company as a leading design-build construction firm and in doing so has successfully delivered more than $300 Million in construction volume.
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Brent KortePresident And CEOhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Brent-Korte-cropped-for-web.jpgBrent.Korte@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Construction Science, Kansas State University
DBIA Certified Professional
LEED Accredited Professional
Certified Professional Constructor, American Institute of ConstructorsIn his role as President & CEO, Brent Korte leads The Korte Company’s daily operations including Project Management and Business Development. Brent is responsible for project directives from concept to completion and assumes responsibility for both office and field-based team members. He maintains consistent communication with all team members and is accountable to owners and to The Korte Company. Ultimate responsibility for the quality of services lies in his hands.
Brent Korte has been part of The Korte Company for 26 years and has nearly 28 years of valuable construction experience. Prior to serving as President & CEO, Brent Korte has served The Korte Company as Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President of Construction, Project Executive, Project Manager, Project Superintendent and as a member of the Quality Assurance Team.
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Derek BrauerExecutive Vice PresidentProcurementhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Derek-Brauer.jpgDerek.Brauer@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Construction Management, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
As Executive Vice President of Procurement, Derek is ultimately responsible for managing New Business Development as well as directing Preconstruction activities. Derek began his career at The Korte Company in 2000 as a Project Engineer. He was also a Project Executive with a primary focus on the Department of Defense sector. Additionally, Derek was an integral member of the company’s Preconstruction and Project Management Teams.
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Greg KorteBusiness DevelopmentLas Vegas Divisionhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/GregKorte-e1781704007247.jpgGreg.Korte@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Construction Science, Kansas State University
Greg Korte serves as Business Development lead for The Korte Company’s Las Vegas Division. Formerly President of the Division, Greg continues to play an active role in guiding operations and nurturing key relationships across Southern Nevada.
He’s worked in the Las Vegas market since 1987, giving him an intimate knowledge of the region’s construction landscape—particularly within the Valley’s subcontracting and material vendor communities. Greg remains closely involved with each project, frequently attending coordination meetings from early design through final completion.
Known for his hands-on leadership and responsiveness, Greg makes it a point to be available to clients, subcontractors, vendors, and architects who may need to elevate issues or spark collaboration. His proven commitment to ethical practices and client satisfaction gives Las Vegas partners confidence that they’re in good hands with The Korte Company.
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Brandon BurdVice PresidentCorporate Strategyhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Brandon-Burd2-e1781704051259.jpgbrandon.burd@korteco.com
MBA — Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College
Master of Architecture— Washington University
DBIA Certified Professional
LEED Accredited Professional Building Design + Construction
(NCARB) National Council of Architectural Registration BoardsBrandon Burd is the Vice President of Corporate Strategy at The Korte Company. He earned a Master of Architecture from Washington University in 2008 and an MBA from Dartmouth in 2014. He has been a LEED Accredited Professional since 2009.
With more than 12 years’ experience in architectural design, Brandon's primary role is focused on new business development. Previously, Brandon served as the Director of Business Development. Additionally, he is an integral member of the company’s design team, and is responsible for assisting in building and site design, code analysis, consultant coordination, and specification writing.
Brandon is responsible for all lifecycle cost analyses and financial modeling in support of design decisions. He also coordinates LEED activities for both the design and construction of green projects.
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Todd ImmingChief Marketing OfficerMarketinghttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Todd-Imming.jpgTodd.Imming@korteco.com
Master of Business Administration, Washington University
Bachelor of Science — Oceanographic Technology, Florida Institute of TechnologyAs Chief Marketing Office, Todd Imming is responsible for the development and implementation of all communications efforts as well as the formulation of new business strategies across all target areas. He is also responsible for ads, portfolios, internet applications, public relations, direct mail and sales support materials for existing and new business initiatives. He joined the company in 2004.
Prior to joining The Korte Company, Imming held advertising positions at Artex International and The Puckett Group. His interest in marketing and advertising began during an internship with Expanded Metals in Hartlepool, England.
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Barry KauhlChief Information OfficerInformation Technologieshttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Barry-Kauhl.jpgBarry.Kauhl@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration/Management Information Systems - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Barry is responsible for The Korte Company's research and development activities. His team oversees The Korte Company's technological reach and helps align technology investments with company strategy.
Barry joined The Korte Company as IT Director in 2012. Prior to joining the company, Barry's 30-plus years of IT experience spanned many industries including food & beverage (Anheuser-Busch, Hazelwood Farms), insurance (Genelco, AllScripts), telecom (Southwestern Bell) and manufacturing (Basler Electric).
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Kevin MoorheadDirectorSafetyhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kevin-Moorhead.jpgKevin.Moorhead@korteco.com
Kevin develops and manages The Korte Company’s Safety Program, implementing safety procedures, tracking job site incidents and leading educational seminars. In his role, he monitors OSHA requirements and visits active job sites frequently to ensure that The Korte Company is compliant at all times.
Kevin joined The Korte Company’s quality assurance team in 1989 before assuming safety director roles on key projects in the early 1990s (including General Tire in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and NASA in Hunstville, Alabama). He holds Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) and Safety Management Specialist (SMS) certifications.
Kevin has held leadership posts across numerous construction health and safety organizations, including as Vice President and President of the Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists (CHEST). A proud military veteran, Kevin served in the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 1988.
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Matt RangeChief Financial OfficerFinancehttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Range-Matt-CFO-The-Korte-Company-1.jpgMatt.Range@korteco.com
Master of Accountancy, Bachelor of Science — Accountancy
University of Missouri — ColumbiaMatt Range is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of The Korte Company, including accounting and financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, cash flow management, compliance and risk management, and capital allocation. He works closely with company leadership to support long-term strategic planning and business growth.
Matt brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across the healthcare, financial, and consulting industries. Prior to joining The Korte Company, he served as Vice President at Express Scripts, part of The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Health Services segment. In that role, he led the Evernorth Wholesale Marketplace Division, managing strategic direction, P&L responsibilities, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Matt worked as a senior consultant at RubinBrown LLP, where he focused on risk management, business valuation, and mergers and acquisitions. His background in both corporate leadership and consulting supports a well-rounded approach to financial strategy and operational execution.
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Andy RoeDirectorD.O.D. Pre-Con Serviceshttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Andy-Roe.jpgAndy.Roe@korteco.com
Bachelor of Business Administration, Lindenwood University
Master of Business Administration, Lindenwood UniversityAs Director of Preconstruction for Department of Defense projects, Andy leads a team of estimators and schedulers who conduct market research, subcontractor and supplier prequalification, quantity surveys, scope of work delineation, cost estimating, schedule development, value engineering and procurement.
He also manages supplier and contractor relations and monitors costs and schedules after projects move into the construction phase.
Andy joined The Korte Company in 2004 and has devoted his entire tenure to preconstruction. His successful track record includes at least 18 U.S. Department of Defense construction projects.
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Darlene Rutkowski-HanksManaging PrincipalKorte Design, Inc.https://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DarleneRutkowski-Hanks.jpgDarlene.Hanks@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Architecture, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Associate of Applied Science — Architecture, Southern Illinois University - CarbondaleNCARB Certified
DBIA Certified Professional
LEED Accredited Professional BD+C
Member AIA Registered Project Architect: IL, MO, AL, CO, CT, FL, IN, KS, LA, MD, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OR, PA, TX, WA, and WI.As Managing Principal, Darlene Rutkowski-Hanks oversees all design and management aspects of the three offices located in St. Louis, Missouri; Highland, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada. Her primary focus is business development, contract negotiation, schematic design, team management and technology advancement.
Darlene has more than 36 years of experience in the architectural field. She has successfully managed complex design on numerous project types throughout the United States, including warehouses and distribution centers, governmental facilities, child care facilities, recreational facilities, apartments, dormitories, senior living centers, health care facilities, banks, commercial businesses, and churches.
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Thomas SchillerDirectorQuality Controlhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Thomas-Schiller.jpgTom.Schiller@korteco.com
Associate of Science — Industrial Mechanics, Southwestern Illinois College
Bachelor of Science — Industrial Engineering (Construction Management), Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleTom heads up the Quality Control Department at The Korte Company. Our quality assurance team’s sole responsibility is to protect the project and owner. They are on-site engaging with every project long before shovels hit the dirt. During pre-job meetings, they review designs for quality control and constructibility. If there’s any changes whatsoever, this team makes certain it’s constructable.
Tom joined The Korte Company in 2006. Since then, he has been an estimator, a project engineer and a project superintendent on a wide array of projects in the defense, industrial, commercial and education markets.
Tom previously owned his own construction company and has worked as a heavy equipment operator, crane operator and millwright.
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Michael SuttonDirectorPre-Con Serviceshttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mike-Sutton.jpgMike.Sutton@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Construction Science, Kansas State University
Mike leads a team responsible for a wide range of preconstruction activities including conducting due diligence, estimating and scheduling, buyout and contracting, value engineering, and cost and schedule monitoring.
He joined The Korte Company in 1989 and has devoted his entire tenure to estimating and value engineering. His extensive project resume includes over 70 successful deliveries spanning the distribution center, healthcare and defense markets.
Mike is a Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) Certified Professional.
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Mike TubbsProject Executive V.P.United States Postal Servicehttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Mike-Tubbs.jpgMike.Tubbs@korteco.com
Architectural Studies, Washington University
DBIA Certified ProfessionalAs Executive Vice President of Business Development, Mike Tubbs has responsibility for project pursuits, team selection, and proposal generation for all pursuits.
Mike has served The Korte Company for more than three decades with over 100 successful projects in his career with Korte. His previous roles with a design firm, Korte Design, Operations, and Project Management provides valuable insight as a Project Executive of Processing and Distribution Centers and Design-Build projects throughout the country. He is responsible for leading the team through all stages of a project’s lifecycle.
His collaborative efforts lead the business development, preconstruction, project management and field teams to ensure projects are completed within schedule and budget constraints. Additionally, Mike is responsible for managing all contractual and financial aspects of a project and is accountable to both the Owner and The Korte Company.
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Tyler UnterbrinkVice PresidentOperationshttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tyler-Unterbrink.jpgTyler.Unterbrink@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Construction Management, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
As Vice President of Operations, Tyler supports the Operations Team and direct the company’s Field and Safety Teams. Tyler was also a Project Executive heading up the Distribution Center teams and has also held numerous Project Manager roles on various construction projects since joining The Korte Company in 2006. He has been an instrumental part of almost three dozen key distribution center projects, but his resume also includes successful deliveries in the healthcare, defense, commercial and education markets.
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Elizabeth VatoleCorporate RecruiterTalent Acquisitionhttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Elizabeth-Vatole.jpgElizabeth.Vatole@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Applied Communication Studies, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
As Corporate Recruiter, Elizabeth manages the full life cycle recruiting process. She is responsible for the overall administration and execution of company-wide recruiting efforts.
She also hosts information sessions to represent The Korte Company at career fairs and community events, fosters relationships with colleges, high schools and other organizations to network with entry-level talent, and sources interns through university career centers, faculty members, classroom and student organization presentations.
Elizabeth joined The Korte Company in July of 2022. She takes pride in her hands-on approach and commitment to our candidates’ experience.
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Anthony WalkerDirectorHealthcarehttps://www.korteco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Anthony-Walker.jpgAnthony.Walker@korteco.com
Bachelor of Science — Architectural Studies, Southern Illinois University
In his role as Healthcare Director, Anthony is responsible for identifying and pursuing healthcare design and construction opportunities. He is also instrumental to the success of ongoing healthcare construction projects, working closely with owners, designers and construction teams to ensure all project standards are met and goals are achieved.
Anthony joined The Korte Company in 1998, and since then has developed an exceptionally intimate knowledge of healthcare construction and the relationship between our healthcare system and the federal government.
In addition to a long track record of successful healthcare deliveries, Anthony has experience in the defense, distribution center, industrial and retail markets. He is a Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Designated Professional, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and holds an American Hospital Association healthcare construction certificate.