Locations
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Bob Gild's Bio
Alongside Danielle McCullough, manages all aspects from consultation, design and drafting, to budgeting and estimation. Oversees the Casework Division's operations at their 52,000 sq. ft. facility in Oakdale, PA, near the Pittsburgh airport.
ROLE
Oversees the estimating, project management, engineering, and operations teams. He advises on production routes and best practices as well as design methods and implementation for efficiencies.
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
20
CAREER HISTORY
Started his career as a custom furniture designer, from there he worked as a commercial drafter enabling him to learn a higher level of detail in how materials interact with each out and how joinery is applied to make finished products. Bob switched roles by joining the estimating department where he learned all aspects, such as cost and scheduling, of the trade.
BEYOND RYCON
Outside of work, I am an auto enthusiast and collector of anything related to automobiles- especially spare parts. I am always going on adventures with my family in one of our old cars and teaching my kids to work on things.
Danielle McCullough's Bio
Manages all aspects from consultation, design and drafting, to budgeting and estimation alongside Bob Gild. Oversees the Casework Division's operations at their 52,000 sq. ft. facility in Oakdale, PA, near the Pittsburgh airport.
BOARDS/COMMITTEES
NAIOP, Member of Programs Committee
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
22
EDUCATION
Duquesne University, accounting and business/management degree
CAREER HISTORY
Danielle joined Rycon in 2000 and is currently the vice president of Rycon Construction’s Casework & Millwork Division where she oversees the operations of their 52,000 sq. ft. facility in Oakdale, PA. She manages all aspects from consultation to pricing and workforce management while also focusing on quality commitment and building lasting relationships with national clients.
BEYOND RYCON
Outside of work I spend as much time as possible with my three dogs and friends/family, while running to the beach any opportunity that I get!
David J. Semler's Bio
Mr. Semler earned a degree in Architectural Engineering/Construction Management from the University of Toledo and has more than 30 years’ experience. He oversees the Cleveland Division as vice president alongside Mr. Michael Harwood. His expertise in conceptual estimating has allowed innovative solutions for projects to be constructed. Prior to Rycon, Mr. Selmer was senior director of preconstruction for national retail developer where he was responsible for project budgets, coordinating architectural design, site planning efforts for redevelopments and new construction.
Gretchen Gring's Bio
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh, dual degree in Business and Political Science
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
16
CAREER HISTORY
She has worked for Rycon for almost nine years managing the accounting department. In this role, she’s overseen accounts receivable, payables, payroll, and worked directly with the CFO on quarter close and year-end. Prior to working at Rycon, Gretchen worked for a Philadelphia subcontractor as their business manager. In this role, she handled all financial aspects of the company from overseeing payroll, accounts payable, and receivables to generating the financial statements, managing audits, and handling the year-end review. She served as a co-chair on their safety committee, handled workers compensation, general liability claims, and policy renewals.
BEYOND RYCON
Outside of work I enjoy many hobbies including yoga, tennis, kayaking and traveling, but most of all I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and two dogs.
John Sabatos's Bio
As the president/chief operating officer, John’s focus is developing and implementing high level long and short term strategies, making corporate decisions, managing the overall operations, and demonstrating effective leadership. His hands-on daily involvement from day one has helped grow Rycon into an ENR Top 400 Contractor with eight offices.
BOARDS/COMMITTEES
Serves as a board member for Three Rivers Youth and the Master Builder’s Association of Western Pennsylvania, and trustee of the Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Pension Fund.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
His diverse background gives him a unique perspective with his 30+ years of experience as a retailer, developer, and contractor.
EDUCATION
Penn State University, BS Civil Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, MBA
CAREER HISTORY
Began his career as a project engineer for a large general contractor based in Baltimore. Eight years and two companies later as a project manager, Mr. Sabatos took on the role as a division manager for a regional grocer who served as their own general contractor in Cleveland. He then transitioned to vice president of operations at Rycon for five years. Next, he operated as the senior vice president of construction at a national retail developer for five years where he was in charge of all construction in the United States and Puerto Rico before returning to Rycon as president and chief operations officer, replacing Mr. William Taylor after his retirement.
BEYOND RYCON
One of my favorite movies is Caddyshack, but I’m not sure if I’m ashamed or proud to admit that.
Kevin Ahrens's Bio
Provides upper management oversight to ensure budget, schedule, quality, safety, and Owner satisfaction are being maintained in the Atlanta office.
EDUCATION
SUNY Erie, associates in Construction Technology/CM Engineering Technology
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
25+. Has been involved in over $600 million of work.
CAREER HISTORY
Began his career as an estimator, worked his way to vice president of a worldwide construction firm, and then ultimately landed at Rycon in 2014 as operations manager of the Special Projects Group in Pittsburgh. In 2017, he was promoted to vice president of the Atlanta Division. The role was created in response to the steady growth of work at the Atlanta office
BEYOND RYCON
When time allows, my wife and I enjoy taking road trips to the many state and national parks to hike and explore.
Lou F. Ferraro's Bio
Oversees Rycon’s safety/risk program, self-performed labor operations, field operations, and Building Group which handles projects up to $200 million mixed-use developments.
CERTIFICATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS
Licensed Professional Engineer, Keystone Chapter – APPA (KAPPA) Member
EDUCATION
Penn State University, degree in Architectural/Engineering Construction Management
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
40
CAREER HISTORY
Held a range of positions from project manager, project executive, vice president of operations, senior vice president of operations, to co-president of the Pittsburgh Office, which has empowered him to excel in people skills, management, and technical knowledge allowing him to oversee a wide range of construction aspects.
BEYOND RYCON
I really enjoy cooking and hope to learn how to become a gourmet chef after my construction career is over. Christmas Eve dinner is my favorite as I prepare the “feast of seven fishes” meal for my entire family.
Matt Pentz's Bio
Involved in operational oversight including project management and preconstruction services. Responsible for all field operations of the Philadelphia office.
ROLE
Involved in operational oversight including project management and preconstruction services. Responsible for all field operations of the Philadelphia office.
CERTIFICATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS
General Building Contractors Association (GBCA)
Lean
Construction Institute (LCI)
Master Certification in LEAN Six
Sigma Black Belt
American Society for Health Care Engineering
(ASHE) Health Care Construction Certified
EDUCATION
Purdue University, bachelor’s degree in Building Construction Management
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
15
CAREER HISTORY
Held many operational positions in running large complicated projects from project engineer to senior project manager. Throughout his career path, he was exposed to many different project sectors and construction processes/methodology.
BEYOND RYCON
On weekends and time off, you can usually find my wife and I on the go either travelling the world, finding a new place to visit, or at the family shore house.
Michael T. Harwood's Bio
With more than 30 years experience in the construction industry, Mr. Harwood began his career as an architectural designer, eventually working his way to the construction side as a project manager which lead to his role as senior director of construction with a prominent national retail developer. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Mr. Harwood’s strong expertise in retail, commercial, mixed-use, and hospitality brings added depth to the Rycon team. Along with Dave Semler, he oversees the Cleveland operations.
Paul W. Thomann's Bio
Manages the day to day operations of the Atlanta office with a focus on client relations, business development, and preconstruction efforts.
COMMITTEES/MEMBERSHIPS
Member of Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC)
EDUCATION
University of Florida, bachelor’s degree in Design, Construction & Planning
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
31
CAREER HISTORY
He has a profound track record in leading several other construction companies through transitional, start-up and high growth stages to create market-driven, cost-effective operations and developing a long list of repeat clientele.
BEYOND RYCON
I’m hooked on anything water and golf and can be found on Lake Lanier most weekends in the summer. My real passion is spending time with my wife Christy and two teenage daughters Savannah and Gracyn.
Sai Yerrapathruni's Bio
Provides executive oversight of business development, preconstruction, and construction management services for the region and is responsible for the general management of the Philadelphia division.
ROLE
Manages Rycon’s Philadelphia office using his expertise and key skills in operations, business development, client relationships, and leadership development.
COMMITTEES/MEMBERSHIPS
Youth Build Charter School, Philadelphia, Board Member
EDUCATION
Pennsylvania State University, master’s degree in Architectural Engineering
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
20
CAREER HISTORY
He has held various roles in the construction industry including project manager, interiors manager, senior vice president of business development, and vice president. Sai has experience in many different markets including higher education, K-12 education, commercial, health care, industrial, life sciences, and tenant improvements.
BEYOND RYCON
Outside of work you’ll find me doing all sorts of outdoor activities (skiing, fishing, hiking, river tubing) with my family, tending to our small garden and orchard, and volunteering for hunger relief agencies.
Stephen D. Kosmer's Bio
Oversees the business development/marketing department, the Casework & Millwork Division, and the Special Projects Group which handles fast-track, interior renovations under $5 million.
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
32 – over 20 have been at Rycon
CAREER HISTORY
Held positions as an assistant project manager, project manager, director of estimating, vice president, senior vice president, and co-president of the Pittsburgh Office, enabling him to effectively manage all aspects of construction-related procedures.
BEYOND RYCON
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and daughter, golfing, and getting away to spend long days at the beach topped off with a beautiful sunset.
Todd A. Dominick's Bio
BOARDS/COMMITTEES
President of the board of directors of the Master Builders’ Association of Western PA, Member of Carnegie Mellon University CEE Advisory Council, On the board of both the Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania and the General Contractors Association of PA.
EDUCATION
Carnegie Mellon University, B.S. in Civil Engineering
CAREER HISTORY
Worked as a project engineer, project manager, and estimator for nine years before co-founding Rycon Construction in 1989 with Mr. William Taylor.
BEYOND RYCON
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my wife, often travelling and visiting our two children.
Estimating, Purchasing & Preconstruction
Operations
Cono M. Passione's Bio
Provides operational oversight from preconstruction through project closeout for our project management teams within the Atlanta division.
EDUCATION
University of Akron, Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
14
CAREER HISTORY
After completing his degree at University of Akron in 2011, Cono’s professional career began as a project manager for a construction management / design firm. In 2014 he joined the Rycon Pittsburgh office as project engineer, working his way to project manager and then director of Special Projects. In 2021, he relocated to Rycon’s Atlanta office where he became project executive prior to his current role as VP. Cono’s project portfolio includes extensive work in the education, food service, commercial, and retail sectors.
BEYOND RYCON
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and two sons, golfing, and fishing.
James V. Celmo's Bio
Responsible for supervising superintendents, field staff, and warehouse operations.
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
40
BOARDS/COMMITTEES
A member of the Carpenters Union since 1991.
CAREER HISTORY
After spending 12 years with a family-owned residential/commercial contracting business, he transitioned to Rycon in 1991 where he experienced numerous roles at ranging from superintendent, project manager, field operations manager, director of field operations to his current position, vice president of field operations.
BEYOND RYCON
Family is very important to me, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my wife and four adventurous daughters.
John Fisher's Bio
Responsible for supervising general superintendents, field superintendents, and field staff. He plays a major role in safety, quality control, meeting scheduling requirements, and client satisfaction.
EDUCATION
Two years of carpentry trade school and construction specific classes; mechanical, electrical, structural engineering, blueprint reading, surveying, and public speaking
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
35
CAREER HISTORY
John started his career in 1977 as a carpenter doing small remodeling jobs, additions etc. Through the early 80’s John worked as a warehouse manager and married his wife of 39 years. In 1987 John transitioned into commercial construction as a superintendent. Joining the Rycon team in 1998 as a superintendent, he left four years later to pursue consulting, but returned to Rycon in 2011 as superintendent. From there, John transitioned into a general superintendent role within the Pittsburgh office until he moved south to become Director of Field Operations within the Atlanta office.
BEYOND RYCON
One of my favorite pastimes is learning about other cultures (way of life, traditions, foods, etc), the history, and architecture of the cities I visit. In my spare time I enjoy biking, golfing, cooking, wine collecting, and being a tourist / tour guide when entertaining guests.
Michael L. Penrod's Bio
Oversees the corporate safety, health, and environmental efforts from preconstruction through project completion as well as the risk management program and insurance related legal matters. Additionally, manages Rycon's $30 million/year self-performed labor operation which includes demolition, framing, drywall, general/finish carpentry, and concrete.
COMMITTEES/MEMBERSHIPS
Proudly serves on the MBA Risk Management Committee since 2015
EDUCATION
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, bachelor’s degree in Safety Science
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
17
CAREER HISTORY
Prior to joining Rycon in 2007, he held outside positions as a safety representative and safety/quality control manager.
BEYOND RYCON
Outside of work, I’m an avid fly-fisherman and an aspiring golfer.
Patrick E. Stone's Bio
Responsible for the general oversight of all Building Group projects (up to $200 million mixed-use developments) and project management teams within his division as well as the entire construction process and quality control.
CERTIFICATIONS
LEED Accredited Professional
EDUCATION
Gannon University, degree in Mechanical Engineering
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
35
CAREER HISTORY
Held positions from project engineer, project manager, senior project manager, and project executive which has allowed him to effectively blend the competencies of leadership and technical know-how to provide oversight to projects at all phases of the construction services.
BEYOND RYCON
I enjoy kayaking with my wife and family and friends on the weekends.
