Locations
W.M. Jordan Co.
Vice President of Preconstruction
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Brooks Ballance's Bio
Clients rely on Brooks to solve problems and get the job done. An excellent leader and mentor, Brooks focuses on developing effective project management teams for every project and works to help staff develop and grow.
Customers, architects, subcontractors and staff trust and respect his deep knowledge, developed over 34 years in the construction industry. His straightforward approach to project planning and team building has led to successful outcomes on complex projects as the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Critical Care Hospital, the Science Museum of Virginia Renovations, and two research education buildings for the University of Virginia.
Brooks holds a bachelor’s degree in building construction from Virginia Tech and is a member of the board of directors for the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech. He is a member of both the American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE) and the Virginia Society of Healthcare Engineers (VSHE) and is a certified healthcare constructor. He is involved in the community with CARITAS, an organization that strives to end homelessness, Rise Against Hunger, and Watch Dog Dads.
Chuck McCarthy's Bio
Clients in central Virginia look to Chuck to provide the right resources and personnel for their project. Chuck joined W. M. Jordan Company in 1995 as a project superintendent. He moved into project management within two years, with an emphasis on commercial and industrial projects including the AAA Headquarters in Virginia Beach, the Applied Research Center in Newport News, and Fountain Center One in City Center Newport News. He became a vice president in 2004 responsible for the Richmond office, where he promotes staff development and community engagement.
Chuck holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Virginia Military Institute. He is an active member of the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, currently serving on their legislative and workforce development committees.
James C. Burnett's Bio
Jim’s strategic approach and strong relationships with the banking community leads to long-term stability and success for W. M. Jordan and its customers. As a certified public accountant licensed in Virginia, Jim worked for 13 years with “Big 4” accounting firms before joining W.M. Jordan Company as its corporate controller. Today, Jim serves as W. M. Jordan Company’s chief financial officer and its corporate secretary.
A veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration, concentration in accounting, from Christopher Newport University. He graduated summa cum laude in 1993. In 2017, he completed Stanford University’s “Emergent CFO” program and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business’ “CFO Strategic Partnership” program in 2017.
Community groups rely on Jim’s knowledge and sound advice. His civic service includes two terms as a member of the CNU School of Business board of advisors, board chair of the Virginia Living Museum, and past board chair of the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. He is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.
John R. Lawson, II's Bio
Executive Chairman John Lawson focuses on advancing corporate innovation and fostering W. M. Jordan Company’s unique corporate culture. John’s secrets for success are simple: Surround yourself with the best people. Invest in their development. Strive for continual improvement in every aspect of your business and personal life. Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Give generously. Never stop learning.
A native of Newport News, John began his career with W. M. Jordan Company as a field engineer in 1975 after graduating from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in geophysics. He developed a deep understanding of all aspects of the construction business through his roles as an estimator, project engineer, superintendent, and project manager prior to taking the helm as president and CEO in 1986.
Under his leadership, W. M. Jordan Company became one of the largest construction managers in Virginia, with annual revenues of $500 million dollars and a ranking in Engineering News Record’s Top 400 Contractors in the United States for the past 35 years.
Many community organizations rely on John for guidance and support. His influence and leadership help these organizations provide the most impact for the people they serve. He serves on a number of local boards including TowneBank, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, The Mariners’ Museum, and the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech. His accomplishments include past Rector of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, past chair of the Fort Monroe Authority, and chair of Christopher Newport University’s capital campaign.
Raynald W. Morris's Bio
Raynald is a visionary leader who understands the value and efficiencies that technology brings to our business. For 32 years, associates have relied on Raynald’s analytical, innovative thinking to solve problems and implement technologies and tools that benefit projects. From improving communication methods to streamlining processes and adding efficiency, Raynald places the right tools in the right hands to save time and money.
As chief information officer, Raynald oversees the Enterprise Technology (ET) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) departments. He is responsible for the research, analysis, testing, selection, budgeting, deployment and management of all technology, software and hardware systems for the firm. He also manages the ET and VDC staff, external consultants, and corporate technological capital resources company-wide.
Raynald studied mechanical engineering at Old Dominion University and innovative technology use at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and Design School. He is also an FAA certified UAV pilot. With his deep understanding of technology, Raynald has presented for many audiences including USACE, NAVFAC, AGC, educational institutions and many construction related panels, forums and events on the use of technology in the construction industry. He continues to drive the innovative use of technology by sitting on construction related boards/committees and contributes to many publications.
Robert T. Beale's Bio
Rob leads W. M. Jordan Company’s efforts in the Carolinas region. Rob opened the company’s Wilmington, N.C. office in 2012. The response to the company’s expertise and community involvement led to revenues of $88 million in 2017. The company ranks #90 on ENR Southeast’s Top Contractors 2018.
Rob’s experience spans nearly every aspect of construction service delivery. He was W. M. Jordan’s very first intern in 1996 while at Virginia Tech. Since then, Rob has taken on increasing levels of responsibility and new leadership roles. He’s fulfilled diverse roles as project engineer, project manager, estimator, project executive, office manager, and business developer. Rob personally has managed over 70 projects representing over $500 million in contracts.
Rob holds a Bachelor’s of Science in construction management from Virginia Tech. A true believer in life-long learning, he continues to develop professionally and personally. He recently completed the Harvard University Executive Education PLD program, which conferred his HBS Alumnae status in 2018. Additional education courses include the FMI Construction Executive Institute Project Executive Course, The Disney Institute for Leadership Excellence, AGC Advanced Management Program, and the Healthcare Constructor certification through the American Society of Healthcare Engineers.
As a board member of the Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC) Carolinas chapter, Rob promotes workforce development. He is a member of both the board of directors and the fun committee for Wilmington Downtown Inc., where he advocates for local businesses.
Ronald J. Lauster, Jr.'s Bio
Clients, subcontractors, and employees look to Ron to maintain W. M. Jordan Company’s high standards of fairness and respect while pursuing its vision, mission and goals. A natural leader, Ron sets the overall direction for the company, oversees its operations, and develops its people to be the best they can be.
Ron joined W. M. Jordan Company in 1997 as a project engineer and quickly took on the roles of quality control manager and then project manager. Over the years, he’s managed complex projects such as the Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts at Christopher Newport University, the Quad Student Housing at Old Dominion University, and the Restoration of the Historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach. He became a project executive in 2006 and a vice president in 2016.
Ron graduated from Old Dominion University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering technology. In 2018, he completed an Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and became a member of the Hampton Roads CIVIC Leadership Institute.
Ron’s passion for educating and mentoring drives his involvement with Tidewater Community College’s Drafting and Design Advisory Committee and Old Dominion University’s Engineering Technology Industrial Advisory Board. He serves on the board of directors for Adipsy, a non-profit organization serving cancer patients and their families.
Estimating, Purchasing & Preconstruction
Michael L. Daniels's Bio
Clients look to Michael to help them achieve the most value for their project investment. His sharp business acumen and can-do attitude keep the focus on what is best for every project on his watch. He holds a Bachelor of Science in construction management from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary.
Michael’s comprehensive understanding of building systems and construction means and methods help his team of estimators provide each client with accurate, timely cost and value options. His broad range of experience in the construction industry includes the roles of estimator, preconstruction manager, project manager, and project executive.
Michael is 1st vice chairman of the Virginia Associated Builders and Contractors, a member of the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, and a member of the Design Build Institute of America. As a servant leader, Michael shares his knowledge and talents with the community in several capacities. He is past president of the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank board and chairs the Finance Committee on the board of An Achievable Dream Academy.
Operations
Howard Joyner's Bio
Howard manages field resources across all of W. M. Jordan Company’s project sites. He provides executive oversight and support to general superintendents and project superintendents, working closely with them to improve efficiencies on the job site, troubleshoot potential problems and allocate resources across project sites.
More than four decades of construction supervisory experience provide him a depth of experience with diverse facets of the construction process. Howard is a results-oriented leader with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and teams simultaneously. He effectively manages people with varying skill sets from diverse backgrounds in a deadline-driven team environment.
Howard joined W. M. Jordan Company in 1981 supervising construction of complex projects such as the Sentara Louise Obici Memorial Hospital, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, and the U.S. Navy Advanced Firefighting Training Facility before becoming a general superintendent responsible for project sites in Hampton Roads and the Carolinas. He is a certified Healthcare Constructor through the Association of Healthcare Engineers.
John J. Angle's Bio
Our customers rely on John to deliver complex projects with ease. He is adept at streamlining operations, developing and implementing effective policies, and motivating teams. He mentors junior staff, helping them develop effective management processes. In every aspect of his work, John seeks to build and maintain client satisfaction through strong relationships and careful attention to detail.
John’s comprehensive skills developed over three decades of building. Since joining W. M. Jordan Company as a project manager in 2001, John has managed construction of many prominent projects including the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Riverside Regional Medical Center’s Patient Pavilion, and Virginia Tech’s Indoor Athletic Training Facility, to name a few. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech and professional certifications in sustainable design and construction, project management, and healthcare construction. In 2018, John completed the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Advanced Leadership Program.
A member of the CIVIC Leadership Institute class of 2017, John lends his time and talent to the community through his work on the boards of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech and the corporate advisory board of Thomas Nelson Community College.
Kathleen Hoerning's Bio
Kathy joined W. M. Jordan in 2001, working in human resources and payroll. She is responsible for benefits, payroll, employee orientation, and training. Kathy is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP.)
Kathy welcomes each new employee to the W. M. Jordan Company family. Through outreach and education, she helps them feel comfortable, confident, and supported. Kathy assists employees with their rights and responsibilities and offers training about available benefits, appropriate conduct, and improving wellness.
As a resource for employees who need assistance with benefits, Kathy helps them understand and navigate their options to find the best fit for their family. She facilitates conflict resolution and problem solving related to insurance, retirement plans, and company policies. Her door is always open and she is always ready to lend a hand.
Business Development, Marketing & Sales
Glenn A. Thompson's Bio
Customers across Virginia and the Carolinas rely on Glenn and his team of business developers and marketers to demonstrate unique approaches and solutions leading to successful project outcomes and an excellent customer experience. A graduate of Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, Glenn has over three decades of experience in construction in project management, two of them with W. M. Jordan. His work improving the landscape of central Virginia includes the award-winning renovation of the Old State Library into government offices for the governor and general assembly, the VIMS Marine Science Research Complex, and the Hopewell Regional Library.
Passionate about building, Glenn works tirelessly to promote the industry through his work with the Associated General Contractors of Virginia. He serves as chair of the AGC VA board of directors and is a past-president of the group. He is a founding member of the ACE Mentor Program of Central Virginia. This nationwide program introduces high school students to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry.