Locations
Blue Water Builders, Inc.
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Ashley Maisel's Bio
Ashley began at Blue Water as Office Manager in February of 2013, but her responsibilities have grown along with the company. She is the Superwoman of Blue Water’s administration, handling the accounting, insurance, Human Resource management, project coordination, organizational aspects of the office and a multitude of additional essential functions.
A native Chicagoan, Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and studied fine arts at the City Colleges of Chicago. Ashley has experience in many industries, including early childhood education, veterinary medicine, even theatrical production. She has always loved the visual aspects of Architecture and Interior Design, and is our go-to consultant in selecting interior finishes.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys crafting, volunteering at animal shelters, going to concerts and local shows, and playing the drums in her basement. She also enjoys a fine glass of scotch every so often.
Josh Balonick's Bio
Josh is a founding Principal at Blue Water Builders. He makes sure that every Blue Water project runs smoothly and efficiently. Josh has an extensive background in multi-family ground-up buildings as well as Office and Warehouse build-outs. His enthusiasm for building and helping our clients realize their vision is shared by everyone at Blue Water.
Josh graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Texas-Austin, and obtained a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Prior to forming Blue Water with Roi in 2008, Josh worked as a Project Manager and Site Superintendent for Crane Construction Company overseeing projects throughout Illinois.
As a husband and father of three, Josh loves spending time with his family. He also is a big fan of Chicago sports teams, especially his beloved Bulls.
Roi Kiferbaum's Bio
Roi is a founding principal of Blue Water Builders, overseeing project construction and management. Coming from a long line of family in the construction industry, Roi has learned by working his way up through almost every position. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Architectural Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Roi’s career began at Joseph Freed & Associates, where he oversaw construction of over 2 million square feet of multi-use real estate. He specialized in Tax Increment Financing and Planned Unit Development entitlement. In October 2008, he realized his lifelong dream of starting his own company by founding Blue Water.
As a husband and father of four, Roi is still able to make time for woodworking, home renovation projects, and appreciating good music. He also enjoys traveling, good food and great comedy.
Operations
Hope Mieritz's Bio
Hope Mieritz joined the Blue Water Team in January 2020 as
Project
Coordinator.
Hope began her career in the construction / real estate industry working in the front office of a title company after moving back to the Chicago area from Florida in 2002. Initially working on residential refinances, she gradually became involved in residential construction projects which lead to my her first position with a Commercial General Contractor in 2007.
Over the years Hope has been involved in multiple aspects of
Commercial
Construction including ground up projects and tenant
improvements as well as Commercial Facilities Services where she
managed a team of 9 individuals who oversaw the daily repairs,
after-hours emergencies, preventative maintenance and annual
remodeling of 250+ locations for a nationwide retail client.
In her spare time, Hope enjoys spending time with family and friends, being active with my local CrossFit community and supporting Chicago Sports. GO CUBS!
Jason Roy's Bio
Jason joined the team at Blue Water Builders in June of 2014, bringing over 15 years of experience in commercial construction with him. As part of our team, he is involved in every phase of a job, from the initial concept thru the project’s completion.
Jason started in the construction field after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from The University of Memphis. Jason has completed a diverse range of commercial building projects in the Midwest including churches, restaurants, warehouses, and offices. Jason’s attention to detail shows in the final result of each and every project, no matter its size or budget.
When not working, Jason enjoys playing golf and attending a Cubs or Sox game. You may also find him at a ball field with his two sons. He coaches soccer, football, and baseball in the summer, and pond hockey in the winter.
Scott T. Miller's Bio
Scott joined the team at Blue Water Builders in December of 2019. Growing up in the construction industry, Scott brought with him over 25 years of experience in residential, commercial, medical and industrial construction.
His career began with building multi-unit residential properties after graduating from Purdue University. Scott then applied his knowledge to building and renovating medical hospitals throughout the country before moving into the commercial and industrial fields. To date, Scott has managed over 1.5 million square feet with a total value of over $150 million dollars over the course of his career, including projects individually valued in excess of $20 million dollars.
In is free time, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, traveling and watching the Boilermakers win (which isn’t often).
“Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything I do, both professionally and personally.
Finance & Accounting
Don Kieft's Bio
Don joined the team at Blue Water Builders in October of 2020. Having served on the accounting teams of General Contractors and Subcontractors for close to 30 years, Don brings a strong knowledge of construction/management accounting and financial procedures to the Blue Water team.
Don is a team player, and always makes time to go through all aspects of each project. His experiences in material supplies and construction management bring invaluable help to the rest of Blue Water.
In his free time, Don can be spotted at live concert events, and outdoor festivals with his two children, or rooting for the Blackhawks while working on home projects.
Other
Eugene Loach, Sr.'s Bio
Gene has been with Blue Water since almost the beginning. Gene is a Master Carpenter, skilled at all facets of the trade, most notably constructing large walls and office build-outs. Gene has taken on the role of the wise elder statesman at Blue Water, and has earned the respect and admiration of everyone he works and interacts with. Gene is a hard worker and complex problem solver, and makes sure all projects are built to his high standards.
Gray Benson's Bio
Gray has headed up and been the leader of Blue Water’s Painting Division for nine years. Gray brings decades of experience in Industrial/Office, and all types of commercial painting applications. Known as the nicest Blue Water employee, Gray is beloved by our clients and employees alike. There is not a project too difficult or too easy that Gray does not tackle with enthusiasm and skill. Gray makes everyone around him better and happier.
Jason Ricci's Bio
Jason has been with Blue Water for six years. Starting as a Master Carpenter, and now works as a Superintendent and Carpentry Foreman. There is not a project too complex for Jason to figure out, often coming up with solutions that neither the architects/engineers, nor his bosses foresaw. Jason is one of the best athletes in the construction industry, known throughout the state for his bowling, softball, and outdoorsman abilities. There is no one you would rather be stuck in the wild with than Mr. Ricci.