Metis Construction Services

Donna may be responsible for preparing Metis’ financial statements, annual budgets, cash flow projections, etc., but she’s more than our resident “Bean Counter.” Donna plays an important role in corporate fiscal and risk management and is well versed in Management Information Systems (MIS) with over 20 years of accounting experience. Donna oversees administration for all HR policies, procedures and programs with the help of an HR consultant. The team coordinates departmental development, employee relations, safety training and development, benefits, compensation, organizational development and employment. Metis’ employee-oriented company culture emphasizes quality, continuous improvement and high performance. We couldn’t do what we do without our awesome team!

After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Julie dedicated the first half of her career to charitable, not-for-profit organizations working in marketing and development for The Salvation Army and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Though moving on career-wise to real estate, now licensed with Stouffer Realty, Julie never strayed far from the non-profit realm, serving in numerous volunteer capacities, including not-for-profit and industry specific board positions.  With over 20 years experience in sales, marketing, and public/community relations, Julie oversees these areas of expertise for Metis. Furthermore, Julie later went on to represent a local home builder; earned her New Construction Sales Professional and Aging in Place Specialist certifications; gaining construction knowledge and experience. She understands as well as anybody the industry’s nuances.

Growing up, Jacob was always trying to understand how things worked which he credited to his dad’s engineering influence. While attending Kent State, majoring in Construction Management, he was hired at Metis as an Assistant Estimator. Over the next five years, he grew his skills at other construction companies until he came back to Metis in 2019. In his role as Estimator, his strong communication skills assist him daily when negotiating with subcontractors, setting schedules, and managing the pre-construction process.

Marcel’s interest in the construction industry began his sophomore year at Shaker Heights High School while taking architecture classes. Marcel often helped labor for his uncle’s home improvement company. As a state finalist and All American wrestler, he landed at Kent State University to wrestle and pursue a degree in construction management. Marcel met Metis at a Rebuilding Together project and began working with them as an assistant superintendent shortly after. Marcel now serves as Lead Estimator and Safety Officer for Metis. In addition, Marcel is an assistant wrestling coach at Shaker and a part of many community organizations, including the Kent Jaycees.

In 1988, Steve entered the construction industry as a general laborer working his way through Bowling Green State University, where he later earned a degree in Administration. In his 25+ year career, he’s overseen hundreds of projects, serving a variety of capacities. Most recently, Steve focused on developing programs to support clients with multiple locations (i.e. banks) and streamlining processes. From general laborer to his current position as Metis’ Vice President of Construction, Steve’s attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of the construction process has led him to the top of the construction hierarchy. Steve oversees all aspects of the Field, from the time the bid is accepted through the project management to the completion of the punch list (if there is one!). He is definitely someone you want on your team.

Ben may be the new guy on the Metis block, but he’s been around the construction block, having worked in the field as a carpenter and site superintendent for over a decade. Ben rounds out our project management team with skills in collaboration, organization, technology interface, and a strong desire to help clients bring their ideas to reality. Ben is a Rotarian and spends his free time volunteering with his club and working with international youth in volunteer service.

Bob’s 25 years’ experience in the construction industry has mainly focused on ground up commercial projects. He began his career working as an apprentice carpenter, moving up to job superintendent at the age of 29. He continued as a superintendent for 8 years, then a Project Manager for 6, completing projects such as Rite Aid, Marshalls, Walmart, doctor’s offices and a number of other interior build outs. Now, Bob is serving our Metis clients as a Project Manager, working on creative ways to improve project timelines and meeting the necessary budgets. Other experience and training includes: Wal-Mart SWAPP Certified/Storm Water; Wal-Mart Superintendent Training; BHV Environmental Training; and OSHA Training.

Cynthia has managed and executed well over 50 projects while providing superior leadership. Her problem-solving abilities allow her to consistently exceed client, vendor, and company expectations, while meeting time lines while staying on budget. Cynthia is a pro at project oversight from concept to completion and holds herself accountable every step of the process.

Ed rounds out the project management team, with over 25 years in the construction industry as well. His strong work ethic has guided him from carpenter to superintendent to even owning his own construction company at one point in his career. His experience in commercial projects is varied working with Dollar General, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and a number of historic restoration projects. He brings a thoughtful approach to managing projects. His relationship building with clients and his communication and collaboration with the site team of Metis employees and subcontractors keeps projects running smoothly. If obstacles do arise he meets them head on with honesty and a spirit of cooperation. Ed has received recognition that includes AIA Achievement Awards and for his work on historic projects through the preservation society. On the weekends and most every weeknight during the season, you can find Ed coaching his daughter’s softball team. Hey batter batter!

1990 was the year the Simpsons came to TV, the Berlin Wall came down and Milli Vanilli was caught lip synching! Even bigger news? Jeff Komar entered the accounting world and never looked back! Jeff graduated with a BS in Accounting from the University of Akron, with additional coursework in engineering tossed in for good measure. Jeff has served in a variety of construction accounting supervisory positions, as well as previously holding Controller and CFO status. Jeff earned his Certified Public Accountant accreditation in 1998. Jeff handles day to day administrative operations such as IT and communication systems/hardware, legal, corporate bonding and insurance, and human resource policies, procedures, and benefits.

Michael is a creative, innovative architect and solutions-oriented construction professional. He brings 20 years of knowledge and experience as the University Architect for Kent State University to the Metis Construction Services team. While at Kent State, Michael managed a staff of 27 in-house professionals while also overseeing multiple large consulting architect/engineer teams and construction companies working on its eight-campus system. He provided direct guidance to these teams while simultaneously advising the university’s executive leadership to complete up to $100M in design and construction per year. His focus on positive teamwork and genuine collaboration amongst the owner, the designer and the contractor both in the office and in the field has earned him a reputation as a construction leader. His integrity and open communication style bring together diverse groups to complete beautiful, successful and sustainable projects on time and on budget. Representing the owner for many years, he brings the unique perspective of understanding and balancing first time construction costs with life cycle costs and he strives to produce projects that truly support an organization’s mission and helps them to achieve their goals.

Rollin embarked on his construction career 25 years ago immediately after his high school graduation, entering the trades, taping and hanging drywall in new construction residential homes. Throughout his career, Rollin has consistently worked his way up the construction ladder from Apprentice to Carpenter to Project Coordinator to Superintendent. With his extensive project experience, he can oversee a project from footers and foundation to interior finishes. His experience and training includes: Wal-Mart SWAPP Certified/Storm Water; Wal-Mart Superintendent Training; BHV Environmental Training; OSHA Training.

Elizabeth provides an invaluable added service to our clients, bringing with her 24 years of experience in architecture, design and construction. Elizabeth is a registered Architect, earning her Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State University in 1993 and her Ohio Architects License in 1998. She has also earned the designation of LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C) by the US Green Building Council. She is a puzzle solver by nature and truly enjoys the complexities of leading a project from an idea into reality. With her years of experience as an architect she can help to better realize the goals and objectives of our clients, providing an integrating link between design and construction.

With 30+ years of experience in Design, Architecture and Construction, Paul brings extensive experience and knowledge to our team and our clients. He is extremely approachable, listening and working closely with our clients to understand their needs to develop high quality and appropriate design solutions. His ability to quickly and clearly communicate design solutions both verbally and graphically allow our clients to fully visualize a completed space before construction begins. His award winning design process is informed by his knowledge of construction and strong technical skills in materials and building systems ensuring we provide you with practical, quality solutions to suit your needs.