The Butz Family of Companies, consisting of Alexander Building Construction Co., Alvin H. Butz, Inc., and GBCA member Shoemaker Construction Co., has created a new department focused on advancing the use of innovative solutions on projects. This department will help implement innovative practices, such as lean techniques and technology, because of proven value they bring to owners. This department will be managed by Steve Lee, Enterprise Director of Strategic Initiatives, and will be comprised of a team of construction industry leaders.
Lucas Manos is the new Director of Technology and Innovation. His career has been focused on innovation and technology in the industry. He has held roles ranging from cost and estimating to 3D coordination and technology advancement. He graduated from Penn State University in 2014 with a BAE degree and studied virtual design, Construction Management option, and is currently pursuing his MBA focusing on engineering and innovation. In his new role, he will use technology to improve project delivery by seeking value-added solutions to problems and collaboration.
Paul McLaughlin is the new Manager of Continuous Improvement and will create programs to improve how projects are delivered. He received a BSc degree in Construction Management from Drexel University in 2012 and is currently pursuing an MBA from Drexel University. He is a member of Construction Management Association of America and of GBCA’s Construction Leadership Council Steering Committee. McLaughlin was an active duty officer in the United States Marine Corps from 2012 to 2019 and is currently in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Emily Lowe is the new Enterprise Lean Champion. In her previous role as Project Engineer, she applied Conditions of Satisfaction, Target Value Delivery, design-assist, onboarding, The Last Planner® System, huddles, dashboards, and other Lean practices to meet schedule and budget goals. In her new role, she will use Lean methodologies to create better client experiences. Lowe has an associate’s degree in Communications and is working on a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. She is also a member of NAWIC, local chapter SCPA #386, and the South Central PA MidAtlantic Lean Community of Practice under LCI.
Virtual Design & Construction Modeler, Steve Kneski, also joins the new department. He has a BSc. degree in Media Arts/Animation from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and has worked for Butz for the past seven years.
This department will support the Butz Family of Companies in-house Innovation Communities of Practice that implement new standards and tools. It will provide leadership to individual project teams so that all employees can apply new value-adding tools and techniques that will enhance services to clients and construction industry partners alike.
