Page 25 - CCD-Mag-Summer-Fall-2020

Jacobsen Construction Announces New President
After years of careful succession planning, Jacobsen Construction Company's Board of Directors recently and unanimously elected Gary Ellis to succeed Douglas Welling as company president.
Welling, who began his tenure as president of Jacobsen in 2006 and as chief executive
officer in 2012, will continue serving as CEO of the company. Ellis filled the position of
president effective June 1.
Ellis has been with the company for 19 years in various leadership roles, including several years as chief financial officer (CFO) and most recently as executive vice president of business development and sales.
The naming of Ellis as president is the result of Jacobsen’s decade-long leadership development and succession plan.
Andy Romero Celebrates 40 Years with Gallegos Corporation
Andy Romero, who recently celebrated 40 years with Gallegos Corporation, says company founder, Gerald Gallegos, originally told Romero he would have about 10 years of work for him.
“People ask me how I made it this long,” says Romero. “I say that I worked for Gerald
the first 30 years and for the company the last 10. The current leadership has the same
values as Gerald – hard work, satisfied clients and quality craftsmanship. Gallegos has its stamp all over this county and in several places across the state.”
From 10 years to 40, Romero has risen in the ranks from laborer to mason to foreman to superintendent. “I took my steps and I’ve never looked back,” he says proudly.
"I would like to see the younger generation more interested in the trades. How do you replace us? Our talent and work ethic are what I want to pass down
– that is what is most rewarding.”
www.ccdmag.com | news@ccdmag.com
Gary Ellis
Andy Romero
On Point
Tom Theobald, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Principal | Fentress Architects
1. How did you get started in the A/E/C Industry?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be involved in the AEC industry. My neighbor was a general contractor, and at the age of five I began tagging along with him to visit his jobsites on Saturday mornings. In high school
I realized that architects are responsible for designing these incredible places in the built environment. I knew at that very moment I wanted to become an architect.
2. Was your current position/career
your first choice?
I always assumed I would design houses since that’s all I was involved with before I headed off to college. As I was exposed to more possibilities, I found larger projects to be more interesting. While I was attending college near New York City, I would spend my free time at museums and exploring the city to look at all the tall buildings. It was around this time that I realized I wanted to be involved with large-scale, complex projects. After graduation I joined Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo for eight years where I designed museums and high-rise buildings.
3. What would you say was the biggest challenge and/or accomplishment in your career?
A few years after I moved to Colorado and joined Fentress Architects, I was tasked with working on my first airport project (which I loved!). This gave me an exciting opportunity to move to Doha, Qatar, to manage several projects through construction. My wife agreed, so we packed our belongings and moved to Doha with our two daughters. The next three years were a whirlwind of
long days, cultural adjustments and unforgettable adventures with my family. I have never felt prouder to have seen the 14 completed buildings and return home to beautiful Colorado.
4. Where do you hope to be when you retire?
I hope to be right where I am today, working on interesting and complex projects, mentoring aspiring architects and designers, and inspiring the future leaders at Fentress Architects. I will enjoy watching the young architects in the office take over what I used to do, and I will always find joy in supporting them as they reach their full potential.
Colorado Construction & Design | 25