MIDWEST MOLE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Member of the Leadership Team
When Adam is not busy spending his time supporting the growth of the business, he is spending time with his loving wife, beautiful daughters, and goofy puppies. He loves to relax by fishing, playing volleyball, and sipping on a fine bourbon.
Arturo "Art" Mendez is a Superintendent at Midwest Mole. He joined us back in 2006 because he saw it as an opportunity to make more money than the job he was currently at.
However, it isn't just about the money for him. He works hard every day to ensure his jobs run smoothly because he truly takes pride in what he does.
His favorite project was a recent one. It was our tunnel project out in Phoenix, AZ. This project was a bore of 943' of 66". The entire 943' run was through rock. Even though it was all rock, the ground conditions still ranged from fractured rock to extremely hard material. It was his favorite because Phoenix was a new challenge.
When he isn't at work, he is a true family man. He loves spending time with his beautiful wife and two girls.
Brian got married in 2005 and he now has three kids, along with a family dog. When he has free time, he likes to do CrossFit, play golf, and watch his kids play soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
He graduated from Marian University with a sports management degree. Before he joined Midwest Mole in May 2015, most of his work history was in real estate appraisals. Brian thinks that Midwest Mole's big advantage is how we "always find a way to solve any problem that comes our way, and we will do whatever is necessary to figure out what the best solution is."
When asked what he enjoys about his job, Brian says that he loves "the sense of accomplishment I get from the entire process - starting a job, working through the problems, and resolving it." He also appreciates the family-oriented nature of Midwest Mole's company culture.
In April of 2015, Cory Sears was just getting out of the Army and looking for a job. He had heard of Midwest Mole because his stepdad currently works here. He decided to give it a try and has been here 5 years now.
Cory was recently promoted to Foreman-in-Training. He spends his days running equipment, hand-signaling operators and using an Air Spade. He enjoys the challenge of what he does, knowing that every day is different and has its own set of challenges to overcome.
"You have to have thick skin to work here and be ready to work hard and travel or else you won't make it here," Cory said. "But at the same time, it pays off. Midwest Mole has always taken care of me and has helped me with whatever I needed."
Dan started at Midwest Mole as an intern back in the summer of 2015. He was a freshman attending Purdue University pursuing a career in construction engineering and management. We liked him so much that we invited him back every summer until he graduated. He gladly returned because "there was no shortage of things to learn and the people make it a great place to be."
In 2018, shortly after graduation, Dan accepted a full-time position with us as a project engineer and now serves as a project manager as of 2021. His most memorable project to work on was actually one of his first projects - the Lower Pogue's Run in Indianapolis. He enjoyed seeing all the different types of installation and liners that were on a single job. We jacked a 10' x 6' RCB through the ground with a custom jack frame and then turned around and did a 132" diameter rib and board tunnel with an excavator shield.
Dan is a sharp kid who is not afraid to get out in the field and help out however he can. He is a difference-maker for us and will be for a long time to come.
When he is not busy at work, he enjoys spending the weekends hanging with his friends, improving his golf game, and gambling on sports.
Every once in a while, you meet someone who stands out because they're so true to who they are. A man with an unmistakable smile and nothing hidden. He may own a successful business, but his dress shoes are still caked with mud. He's smart, never condescending, and trustworthy in the smallest details.
That's Dan Liotti, longtime owner of Midwest Mole. This month marks Dan's retirement, and he's not planning to replace himself. Instead, he turned Midwest Mole into an ESOP, or an employee-owned company, after three successful decades at the helm. The ESOP is only one example of Dan's generosity and concern for his people-rather than turning the company over to a random buyer, he's turning it over to his people.
Meet Darryl Dean, General Superintendent. Darryl is an amazing asset to our company. He has been with us for 30 years- since March 1991! He manages multiple job locations at a time, ensuring that each project is built according to plan, on time, and under budget, negotiating with contractors in the field in order to save as much money and time as possible.
Darryl has seen many projects throughout his years. His favorite to date though would have to be a rib and lagging tunnel in Latonia, KY. What started off as a 200' tunnel for Midwest Mole was quickly doubled in scope because the general contracted liked our work so much.
His words of advice to a new hire are
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Railroad Division Manager
Donnie is many things: a loving father, a jokester, an undercover cowboy, and a fashionable dresser. One thing he is not is lazy.
Donnie joined Midwest Mole in 2012. Today, he is a keyman laborer - the right-hand man to the foreman. He works hard and is willing to do anything that is asked of him. His willingness to learn as much as possible while getting his hands dirty truly sets him apart.
When asked about his favorite project to work on during his time here, he simply replied, "All jobs, so I can learn all I can to better myself." His words of wisdom to a new Mole would be to "keep your eyes open and ask questions. And don't be scared to work!"
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Risk Management
Gary is married and he likes to farm and hunt. He has a small herd of beef cattle that keeps him busy when he's not at work.
He first joined Midwest Mole in the late 1990s. After leaving for about a year, he came back and hasn't left since. Gary got his start with us as a laborer, then moved up to an operator position before earning a promotion to his current foreman role. His primary responsibilities are to keep his field crew on schedule and keep production moving, and he also works with the CSX teams as a consultant.
Gary enjoys the challenges of his job and the way he works as a bridge between Midwest Mole superintendents and his crew of CSX people - "I enjoy being able to interact with both companies like that," he says. Gary thinks that what sets Midwest Mole apart from the competition is how "they listen to me when I have ideas. These are good people to work for. You're not just a number to them. They know your name, they know your family, and it shows."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- President
Meet Jason Smith, foreman. He is responsible for many projects that use GBMs and auger bores as methods for construction.
Jason joined Midwest Mole in 2004 because he "heard it was a great place to work. I enjoy the everyday challenges that underground construction brings."
Last year Jason and Midwest Mole had the opportunity to participate in a career fair at a local high school. His charismatic demeanor and passion for recruiting a younger generation must be emulated by others to further our trades. His words of advice to anyone entering our field, "Work hard with an open mind."
When he is not out working in the field, Ja-son enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and 4 sweet, loving daughters. He also loves to go ATV riding.
Jeremy started with Midwest Mole in February of 2005, working as a laborer on his friend's crew. Through hard work and dedication, he was later promoted to foreman.
Jeremy's main responsibilities include planning the day out for his crew, supervising the worksite, and running an excavator or crane.
Over 15 years after he joined the Midwest Mole family, Jeremy still loves his job. He says the reason he has stuck with us for so long is that "it is a great place to work with a lot of people I consider as friends. Everyone cares about everyone here."
His words of advice to a new hire are: "Take the good with the bad. Some days are hard, but the reward is worth it. Put in the work and it will be noticed. "
When Jeremy isn't working on a job site, he spends his time with his beautiful wife Kerri and their three kids who are all in sports.
Jeremy is the definition of a down-home country boy. He loves spending time outdoors with his wife and three kids, camping, fishing, and four-wheeling.
He started with Midwest Mole as a foreman almost three years ago. At Midwest Mole, there is always room to grow - and knowledge to be gained - and Jeremy has taken full advantage. Within six months, his hard work, motivation, and can-do attitude allowed him to advance to the role of superintendent. Jeremy is responsible for supervising all activities and tasks associated with a project (scheduling, materials, etc.), and ensuring the safety and compliance of several sites at once. He is a vital part of the HDD division.
Jeremy's advice to anyone entering this company is to do your job like you own the company.
Joanne enjoys living the country life, and she has two stepchildren with her husband. She spends her time relaxing by coloring in adult coloring books, and working in her flower garden. She would love to one day go to Africa for an animal safari.
She started with Midwest Mole 23 years ago. Today, Joanne is the head of the accounting department, and as a controller, oversees the preparation of financial reports and the maintenance of accounting records.
Joanne loves the sense of teamwork that can be found at Midwest Mole, especially during emergency jobs. "It is amazing to see how everyone wants to help. Employees step in - even coming in on weekends - to help out when there is an emergency job. We are unique in what we do and how we do it."
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
Josh started in the Maintenance Shop 20 years ago. Five years later he went out to be in the field as a Foreman. After 9 years of hard work and dedication, he advanced his career to become a Superintendent. He has been in this position for the last 6 years. Josh is responsible for overseeing anywhere from 4-8 job sites at a time in as many as 3 states. His favorite part of the job figuring out the challenges of how to get a tunnel across and finally seeing the tunneling machine come out the other side of the ground.
When he is not spending time hard on the job, he enjoys staying at home with his wife and daughter. A self-proclaimed homebody, he enjoys the Andy Griffith show and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
His advice to future Mole's is, "You gotta work hard, show up on time, and don't cry about stuff. It is a tough job but at the end of the day if you put in the work, you will move up in the company."
Meet Julie Dinger. She is the first face you will see when you enter our office.
Her warm personality and genuine smile truly add to the family atmosphere of our company. Not only is she our receptionist, but she also assists our accounting department. She is a true asset to our company.
Julie joined us back in 2019 because she was looking for a good, stable company to work for. "By assisting others with administrative duties, that frees them up to do their job better." Some of her favorite things to do are to help with celebrations and meetings. She also loves planning and being involved in the monthly office lunches because it gives her time to get to know everyone better.
When she isn't busy helping everyone out, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandbabies. She and her husband have been married for 36 years. Throughout those years they have lovingly shared their home with 10 foster children, 2 of whom they adopted.
Julie's advice to new associates would be to "always do your best and you will be rewarded for it."
Meet Kathy Cook. She is the administrative assistant for our shop. She joined Midwest Mole in July of 2015. She agreed to work part-time for her husband as an assistant and has been here ever since. Some of her typical responsibilities include ensuring timecards are completed for the shop team, invoices for the shop and trucking department, and entering all repairs and services to be done into our system.
Kathy enjoys office work and has been doing it most of her life. She really enjoys working ever since she got her first job when she was 16. She is not a "job jumper, jumping from job to job." She has not worked at many places as she tends to be a long-term employee. She "settles in and is there for the long haul."
When she is not busy helping the shop, she leads a very active life. She enjoys camping with her husband and pug. She volunteers at a local food pantry every week and she is a volunteer for a Pug Rescue out of KY. In addition, she is on several committees at her church.
Her words of advice to a new associate is to, "Hang in there. Moles are special people who can handle any and all things."
Meet Bill Fuchs, foreman, here at Midwest Mole. Bill joined us back in 1983 which means he has been with us for almost as long as we have been in business.
While his expertise is in running our rock SBU (small boring unit), he is responsible for doing whatever needs to be done on the job site to ensure he and his crew complete the job safely and accurately.
His words of advice for a new hire really hit home and drive our culture of safety first, "Stay alert and always watch your back and fellow workers' backs."
Bill has spent almost 40 years with Midwest Mole. He says what keeps him here is the fact that there is always steady work. He also loves the fact that we are willing to try anything. This couldn't be more true since one of our core values is "There's always a way."
Not only does Bill stay busy on job sites, but when he is off work, he is just as busy. He enjoys spending time camping, farming, and traveling. He also loves the company of his beautiful wife, 5 children, and 9 grandbabies!
Meet Liviu Ciocan, Project Manager at Midwest Mole. Based out of our East Coast office now in Alexandria, VA, some of his daily responsibilities include contract work, cost control, negotiations, and project closure. In addition, he does CAD design and site surveys.
Liviu joined us in 2013, He was completing a Master's program at IUPUI and came to us as an Intern. "Being such a niche field of construction, not a lot of people have the chance to experience the trenchless world. It brings up a specific set of challenges not encountered in other industries." The feeling of camaraderie as well as the way the company treats its employees is why he chose to stay.
His favorite project to date was the Re-habilitation Water Conveyance Systems for Emergency and Potable Water Supply in West Potomac Park, Washington DC. This high-profile project allowed us to work in one of the most renowned and visited areas in the U.S. Capital: The National Mall in Washington, D.C where we installed 17,000' of HDPE, via HDD, between Lincoln monument and 14th St. SW.
How has Liviu been able to be so successful at the Mole? By following the advice he gives to all new associates, "Give your absolute best from day one and remember: communication is the key to a successful project."
When he isn't working on projects, Liviu and his beautiful wife are avid hikers. They also love traveling.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Controller
- Officer
Meet Michelle Hochgesang, Assistant Controller and EEO Officer. She joined us in March of 2019. After working for a public company for 16 years near down-town Indianapolis, she chose to join a smaller company not far home. The small town, family feel was a breath of fresh air for her- somewhere where she could make a difference and feel like part of a tight-knit team again.
Michelle has many different responsibilities, and no day is ever the same for her. Some of her responsibilities include New Hire onboarding, benefit administration, EEO compliance and reporting, state registration and license renewals, DOT prequalifications and assists the Controller with month-end closes.
With a work hard play hard mentality, Michelle never lacks for something to do. When it isn't pedal to the metal in order to meet a deadline, Michelle enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She has 4 children and 8 grandkids. Her and her husband love spending their summers camping, fishing and riding their HD motorcycle. They also love traveling and going on cruises.
Michelle's words of wisdom to a new associate would be to never give up. "It was a very difficult transition leaving a company where I was the go-to-person for so many things and suddenly starting something new that I did not know anything about. There were a lot of things that were way over my head in the beginning and I would get frustrated thinking I was never going to catch on. One day it just all clicked and started making sense. It is also very important to start building relationships with those around you right away. The amount of support and guidance you will receive from others will prove to be invaluable."
Shawn Butler is a foreman here at Midwest Mole. He had a family member that worked here and was looking for something different- a new challenge with better pay- so he decided to give Midwest Mole a try. Needless to say, 21 years later, he still loves his job and is super happy, "lovin life and livin the dream."
On a typical day as a foreman, Shawn says his main goal is to "make sure the job goes good, the customer is happy with the product, and the guys are safe." and this is something he takes great pride in. He truly embodies our motto of "Do Whatever it Takes".
When asked if he had any words of advice for a new employee he said to "Always smile and be happy. Smiling is very healthy."
Besides diggin in the dirt, Shawn loves to participate in demolition derbies and spending time with his family and adorable grandbaby Kova Joy.
Stephen has been married since 1992, and he has two daughters. When he's not working, you can find Stephen skiing - either snow skiing in the winter or water skiing in the summer.
He joined the Midwest Mole team in March 2009, and today he is our executive vice president. Stephen earned his degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. Before he came to Midwest Mole, he was the general manager of an excavation firm from 2005-2008 and the vice president of a construction company from 1995-2005.
Stephen says that what makes Midwest Mole special is how "we know how to rise up to challenges, develop good relationships, and solve problems." He's proud of how he helps Midwest Mole be a profitable contractor and provide a good living for the people who work for us.