Thomas Grace Construction, Inc.

Why partnerships matter:

When companies embark on construction projects of any size or scope, it's always a big undertaking. At Thomas-Grace, we're completely focused on making the process as efficient, smooth, cost-effective and streamlined as possible. That's how we've earned our roster of highly satisfied, repeat clients. Ultimately, selecting the right construction partner ensures a successful outcome.

Experience:

I started at an early age cleaning up residential job sites for my dad during the summer and weekends and learned the carpentry trade from him and other tradesmen in the Stillwater, Minnesota, area. I applied that knowledge to the commercial/retail industry in the early 90s as a lead carpenter traveling around the country installing store fixtures. A few years later I moved into the office as a project manager and eventually became Vice President of Operations. In 2002, I set out on my own to start a general contracting organization that would specialize in store fixture installation — and, more importantly, would focus on complete client satisfaction.

Why partnerships matter:

It’s thrilling to build something or make something better than it was before. The best outcomes result from strong collaborations.

Experience:

After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College, I earned my CPA license. I’ve worked in the private sector for 25 years, with 21 of those spent in construction.

Most memorable project:

We were just starting a large rollout project in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy hit. Many of our employees were stranded on the East Coast and had to locate new lodging on their own. They also had to wait in line for hours to get gas. We all came together to get the project finished on time. It was inspiring to see how our team worked together to support our customer and the communities that were hit by this devastation.

Best part of job:

The fun, awesome people I get to work with every day.

Outside of the Office:

I love cooking and relaxing at our cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Janine Harvieux

Vice President

janine.harvieux@thomas-grace.com
P: 651-705-3020

Why partnerships matter:

When we develop a relationship with a client, we’re really building trust. That allows for honest feedback to continually improve the overall project. Partnerships are the cornerstone of Thomas-Grace.

Experience:

Before becoming co-owner and vice president of Thomas-Grace in 2002, I spent four years in restaurant management.

Most memorable project:

The ones I remember the most have occurred during hurricanes or inclement weather. I’m always astonished at how hard our teams work to finish project on time regardless of the obstacles.

Best part of job:

The amazing relationships with employees and clients that we’ve developed along the way. Since so much of our business is with repeat clients, we have the privilege of getting to know our clients on both a professional and personal level.

Outside of the Office:

Spending time with my family, hiking, reading and traveling.

Why partnerships matter:

A good partnership fosters the sharing of ideas to make everyone’s job as efficient as possible, and that translates to the best results. It also creates cost savings.

Experience:

I got my start at Thomas-Grace more than 10 years ago.

Most memorable project:

A 2014 cosmetic retrofit project required two months of incredibly fast-paced remodel work with nine crews covering 25 stores. Even with the challenge of damaged or missing materials along the way, we still managed to turn over all the stores successfully.

Best part of job:

Seeing a project go from an idea to a completed product, all while ensuring the client is 100% satisfied with the execution.

Outside of the Office:

Fishing, hunting, boating, golfing, and relaxing with friends and family.

Why partnerships matter:

Partnerships allow both the client and contractor to come together to be one team and work towards the ultimate goal of a successful and efficient project.

Experience:

I started my commercial construction experience here at Thomas-Grace as an Intern, by gaining knowledge and exposure during that time I was able to reach my current position of an Assistant Project Manager.

Most memorable project:

In my short experience here at Thomas-Grace I was able to complete a Verizon Wireless restroom roll-out project, it was my first project that I got to run and manage.

Best part of job:

Growing relationships with clients, seeing their excitement upon the completion of the project.

Outside of the Office:

Anything outdoors, whether it is softball, boating during the summer months or snowmobiling during the frigid winter.

Why partnerships matter:

Partnerships allow both the client and contractor to come together to be one team and work towards the ultimate goal of a successful and efficient project.

Experience:

I started my commercial construction experience here at Thomas-Grace as an Intern, by gaining knowledge and exposure during that time I was able to reach my current position of an Assistant Project Manager.

Most memorable project:

In my short experience here at Thomas-Grace I was able to complete a Verizon Wireless restroom roll-out project, it was my first project that I got to run and manage.

Best part of job:

Growing relationships with clients, seeing their excitement upon the completion of the project.

Outside of the Office:

Anything outdoors, whether it is softball, boating during the summer months or snowmobiling during the frigid winter.

Why partnerships matter:

Partnerships are like teams – they are important because we all need to work together and support each other to work towards one goal – Success.

Experience:

Before starting my Assistant Project Manager role at Thomas Grace, I was a Sr. Estimator for Metal Panel Systems.

Most memorable project:

My most memorable project was being a part of the design build process of the largest private real estate development in the United States. Working through the engineering and aesthetic challenges with some of the best mentors was incredibly rewarding.

Best part of job:

The best part of my job are the challenges and rewards, but most importantly the fun office atmosphere and teammates.

Outside of the Office:

Being with Family & Friends, reading, and house projects

Why partnerships matter:

It’s all about building lasting relationships — I still keep in touch with the owners and contractors from my very first project.

Experience:

I obtained a degree in construction management from the University of Minnesota in 2008. After working at a large commercial contractor for a few years, I joined Thomas-Grace in 2013.

Most memorable project:

My first project still stands out because of the relationships I formed with everyone on the construction team. I still look forward to new opportunities to work alongside these partners.

Best part of job:

I wake up knowing that I’ll experience challenges and laughter every day.

Outside of the Office:

Spending time with family, going to the cabin and traveling

Why partnerships matter:

Partnerships allow a team approach to every project. That means you can better problem-solve methods in every aspect of the construction process to increase speed to market and reduce costs.

Experience:

Fifteen years in commercial construction, including ground-up projects, remodels, renovations, and rollouts. I’ve completed projects in retail, office, religious, financial, manufacturing and industrial industries.

Most memorable project:

In 2011 we completed an interior renovation of a 77,000-SF retail facility within an exceedingly tight timeframe. It was a tough process and took a lot of planning, but we were successful in hitting the deadline and helped our client reduce the overall schedule for future projects along the way.

Best part of job:

Seeing a project completed from start to finish and knowing that I played a big part in its success. I also really enjoy the relationships that we build with clients.

Outside of the Office:

Fishing, hunting, playing and watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Why partnerships matter:

We’re on the same team as our clients, working to surpass their project goals every day. That shoulder-to-shoulder approach yields incredible results.

Experience:

Thomas-Grace has been my work home since 2012, but I have nearly 15 years of industry experience, starting out as a carpenter while studying at Minnesota State University–Mankato where I earned a B.S. in ConstructionManagement/Facilities Planning.

Most memorable project:

A tenant-improvement project in a San Francisco high-rise required constant partnership between the trades, landlord and surrounding tenants — not to mention some unusual challenges presented by special engineering for seismic and fire suppression. It was incredibly rewarding to see the project turn over on time.

Best part of job:

No day is the same, and I thrive on figuring out solutions to challenges. Plus, I don’t have to climb stairs to get to my desk.

Outside of the Office:

In the winter I ski and icefish; in the summer I race bikes and relax in the wilderness of northern Wisconsin.

Why partnerships matter:

Partnership matters because it ensures that everyone involved in a project is on the same page and understands their individual role. Partnerships allow any project to run smoothly and successfully.

Experience:

I worked as a concrete laborer for three summers before deciding to attend Dunwoody College of Technology where I completed my Associate of Applied Science degree. After graduation, I started to work for Thomas-Grace in 2018.

Most memorable project:

My most memorable project was a Sprint store we bid in Texas. This was the first project I was a part of and I learned a lot about how to talk to subcontractors and how we put together a bid at Thomas-Grace.

Best part of job:

The best part about my job is the daily challenges that I face and the fact that no day is ever the same.

Outside of the Office:

I enjoy running, hiking, biking, and really every other outdoor summer activity. I also enjoy watching/playing sports with my friends and family.

Why partnerships matter:

Creating lasting partnerships that are built on trust, credibility and mutual benefit are keys to our growth and reputation.

Experience:

15+ years of project management and operations experience in the construction and manufacturing industries. Project experience ranges from ground up, commercial, multi-family, senior housing and retail.

Most memorable project:

A 460’ skyway project in downtown Minneapolis that connected to the US Bank stadium. The site logistics, coordination with public and private entities made the project very challenging however, extremely rewarding when completed.

Best part of job:

No two days are the same and it’s a constant learning environment which drives professional and industry development.

Outside of the Office:

Golfing, playing hockey, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Why partnerships matter:

The best relationships allow all players to collaborate — and that's when goals get not only reached, but also surpassed.

Experience:

In my five-plus years at Thomas-Grace, I gained ground-up experience as a shop helper, laborer, intern and project coordinator before reaching my current role.

Most memorable project:

In my first month as an intern I got to experience a Best Buy project in Louisiana from start to finish.

Best part of job:

That's easy — the people I work with and the positive, fun, high-energy environment throughout the company.

Outside of the Office:

Playing softball and golf, boating, camping and making the most of beach season.